GRS Space: Eco-friendly design for sustainable spaces

Contents:

• Dynamic existence as part of a life concept
• Sustainable approaches to environmental protection
• Research into interaction with the environment
• Sustainability in design details
• Sources of inspiration: how to find and use them

Eco-friendly design solutions and an emphasis on naturalness in the interior are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the West. Nevertheless, Russia is also seeing a rise in the number of companies producing furniture and decor with a focus on recycling and reuse. We spoke with architect Masha Kataryan to find out her inspiration and the sustainable approaches she applied to the interior of the GRS Space beauty bar. For approximately seven years, Masha worked at the Dutch firm Svesmi, focusing on public spaces and library reorganizations in Moscow, particularly the Dostoevsky Library. She subsequently worked on major projects within the same organization, including work for the Polytechnic Museum and the LSR residential complex. However, over time, Masha realized that architectural projects require significant time investment, and she wanted to see results much more quickly. In this regard, she decided to start her own practice and founded a bureau, focusing on the interior.

Architect. In 2012, she completed her studies at the Moscow Architectural Institute, after which she managed projects for residential buildings, museums and libraries at the Svesmi architectural bureau. Masha continues to develop the material service and designs both private and public interiors at her studio, Ruka. She also runs a Telegram channel called "Material, Find Yourself!" and has created a database of local producers in Notion.

Dynamic Existence as Part of a Life Concept

Blogger Valeria Simakova decided to create a beauty bar called GRS Space. I saw an opportunity to contribute, drawing on the experience I've gained in public space design. Valeria immediately made it clear that she wanted to create a gender-neutral atmosphere so that both men and women could come there without any embarrassment, even if a guy wants to get a manicure.

Valeria Simakova maintains a blog where she shares makeup secrets, healthy eating principles, and an active lifestyle. She prefers matcha to coffee, ordering it from Japan, and is environmentally responsible by sorting trash. She strives to integrate these everyday aspects into her public space. I felt it was important to reflect her lifestyle and adapt her blog to the studio's interior to create a harmonious beauty space that will become an integral part of her daily life.

"I immediately decided to reject gender stereotypes: girls wear soft things, boys wear tough things."

Our goal was to find solutions that would fit harmoniously into a modern lifestyle, recognizing that it's impossible to create everything from scratch while harming the environment. Sustainable design implies functionality, where every detail has its rightful place. With its help, we sought to convey to people the importance of an ecological approach to life and the reasonable consumption of resources.

Sustainable approaches to environmental protection

“It was thanks to the owner of the studio that I met the team at Eburet, which makes chairs from recycled plastic. I immediately wrote to them and asked: “What else do you have?” They replied that they had panels in stock. As a result, we collaborated on the design of the reception desk."

We chose vintage furniture for our interior. We purchased barber chairs and sink-equipped models from a closed beauty salon. All items have been carefully restored and upholstered in eco-leather.

In practice, recycled materials are expensive, but in our project their quantity was quite limited. However, this is also a sustainable approach - striving to use the minimum possible resources. We installed only a few partitions, creating a zoning area for the toilet and sink, and provided hidden storage spaces above them.

Exploring Interaction with the Environment

I aimed to create the most open space possible by minimizing the number of partitions and panels, while paying attention to the quality of all elements. Inside, there was an impressively high ceiling, and it would seem that it could be sewn up to hide all the utilities and achieve a perfect look. However, we chose a different approach: we decided to leave all the utilities on display and not hide this beauty. Now the ceiling with a textured, mottled concrete surface contrasts beautifully with the smooth light floor.

All our work is reflected in the salon owner's approach to makeup. She believes that makeup should remain as natural as possible and highlight each person's unique features. We aimed to convey this idea in the interior design: while maintaining a natural feel, we minimized the use of finishing materials and filled the space with unique objects that possess their own character. For example, this could be a wave-shaped mirror or a cafe area with panels made of recycled plastic in an attractive turquoise color.

Sustainability in design details

“I am passionate about solving current and natural problems with the help of design. For example, when you wash your hands in a public place and then, with clean hands, open the same door handle—it always irritates me in any interior."

For the GRS Space bathrooms, we discovered elbow handles designed for people with disabilities. These products are made in Italy, and I'm surprised they haven't become more widespread. Their appearance is truly unique, reminiscent of something surreal, as if they came straight out of a Dali painting—made of plastic, their shape seems fluid, and the handles themselves look like true art objects. We decided to choose white handles so they would contrast with the bright background and be noticeable. When using such a handle, there is no need to touch it with your hands.

For example, it can be extremely unpleasant when someone persistently knocks on the toilet door. We decided to install a green light next to the stall to indicate when it's occupied. This makes finding the restroom much easier, and it's easier for administrators: now, when someone asks about the restroom's location, they can simply point to the green light.

We also decided to go towel-free. I understand it's nice to have your towels washed regularly or large, convenient paper towel dispensers installed, but we opted for hand dryers. This solution allows us to reduce the amount of waste we produce. After all, what's so difficult about simply drying your hands?

Sources of Inspiration: How to Find and Use Them

Currently, activity in Russia is primarily in the field of plastic recycling. While in other countries, for example, products are created from parachutes and old refrigerators. As far as I know, in the West, this process is actively promoted by government support, including grants for innovative developments, which allows for the development of a variety of technologies.

To get a full understanding of current trends in the field of materials recycling, it is worth paying attention to exhibitions taking place in the West. In addition, I recommend subscribing to Architectural Digest (AD) magazine in those regions where it is available. This publication regularly features the most captivating and original interiors, selected by experienced editors.

To stay up-to-date on modern technologies and materials in furniture design, you can use the Dutch Design Week channel, as well as explore the designer portfolios presented on the Design Miami platform.

I strongly recommend studying the practices of other designers and sharing your own experiences. In Notion, I have compiled a collection of local manufacturers, which includes 280 different authors and brands. This database also has a separate section dedicated to recycling.

There are many wonderful brands in Russia that I only learned about after working on the beauty bar project. For example, 99recycle recycles plastic, and there is also a company called Zero-waste. I am pleased to see how this field is gradually developing in our country. I'd like to see even more interesting experiments.

Read also:

• From plastic lids to bar counters: how eco-design functions in Russia.
• "Are these jeans made of gold?" How Sustainable Fashion Brands Function in Russia
• Hella Jongerius: Amazing Experiments with Color and Shape.
• What is Japandi?
• Current trends in packaging design are increasingly focused on sustainability, the use of augmented reality, and many other relevant trends.
• “I Think Objects Have Feelings for Me”: A Conversation with Natasha Obukhova, Interior Design Specialist.