from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world

The Ducha Culture through Fyodor Savintsev’s Colorful Lens

 

The Dacha book unfurls a photographic exploration of dachas, a tradition deeply rooted in the Soviet Union dating back to the 17th century. Emerging as seasonal or vacation houses typically found in Russia and other Slavic countries, dachas were often used by urban residents as an escape from city life, especially during the summer.

 

Fyodor Savintsev illustrates the book with colorful photographs, which record these rapidly disappearing wooden retreats. Nestled amidst countryside landscapes or suburban enclaves, dachas vary in size and design, ranging from retro cottages to more spacious and comfortable homes. Published by FUEL, the book also delves into the broader cultural and historical significance of dachas, which have evolved over the years.

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
all images by FUEL

 

 

the book captures The Diverse World of Dachas

 

The term dacha encompasses a wide range of structures, from grand villas to humble sheds. Originally, they were given as rewards by the Tsar to loyal courtiers, a practice that continued into the Soviet era when cooperatives constructed dachas for their members. These structures were often allocated to those favored by the State, including famous writers, architects, and artists.

 

The book also touches on how the dacha tradition persisted through the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as economic uncertainties encouraged urban residents to use them for self-sufficiency. The dacha has become an integral part of Russian life, reflecting not just architectural diversity but also the country’s changing sociopolitical landscape.

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
Dachas have a long history in Russia, dating back to the 17th century

 

 

The Dacha book includes an introductory essay and archive images by Anna Benn, providing a well-rounded look at the dacha phenomenon, emphasizing that it’s not just a style of architecture but a way of life deeply ingrained in Russian culture and history.

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
Dachas vary in size and design, ranging from small cottages to larger, more comfortable homes

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
commonly constructed as basic wooden buildings, they served both agricultural and leisure purposes

dacha-book-fyodor-savintsev-the-soviet-country-cottage-designboom-18000

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
Dachas often include well-tended gardens where residents grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs

dacha-book-fyodor-savintsev-the-soviet-country-cottage-designboom-1800

featuring decorative elements such as intricate wood carvings, lace-like wooden trims, and colorful paintwork

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world
the Dacha tradition endured through upheavals, becoming integral to life

from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world 

 

1/12
a dacha isn’t a particular style of architecture but is more a way of living
a dacha isn’t a particular style of architecture but is more a way of living
1
 
wooden furniture is common in dacha interiors, providing a rustic and inviting ambiance
wooden furniture is common in dacha interiors, providing a rustic and inviting ambiance
the color palette tends to be warm and earthy
the color palette tends to be warm and earthy
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 

project info

 

name of the book: Dacha: The Soviet Country Cottage

author/editor of the book: Fyodor Savintsev, Anna Benn, Damon Murray, Stephen Sorrell

publisher: FUEL Publishing | @fuelpublishing

size: 160×200 mm hardback
pages: 240

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom

architectural photography (335)

designboom book reports (203)

residential architecture and interiors (4124)

wood and timber architecture and design (1064)

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

X
5