Skyline Serenity

Rising above Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Esentai Apartments are an architectural landmark, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Defined by sleek glass façades and structural precision, the towers embody the High-Tech style – characterised by its extensive use of glass and steel, creating a visually striking façade that emphasises transparency and structural elements.

Inside one of the high-floor residences, AKKA Interiors has transformed a 300-square metre apartment into a sanctuary for a family of four. What began as a modest request to update air-cooling and refresh finishes quickly evolved into a complete reinvention. The result is a home that harmonises functional family living with sophisticated design, while embracing panoramic views of the mountains on one side and the city skyline on the other. 

AKKA Interiors restructured the apartment’s layout, adding purposeful zones for reading, entertaining and family life. The open-plan living area flows seamlessly into a modern Aster Cucine kitchen with Küppersbusch appliances and a Gessi Venti20 tap, while a dedicated reading nook frames the city view. A spacious laundry room adds practicality without compromising aesthetics.

The expansive living room is the heart of the home. Anchored by the Molteni&C Octave sofa and ClassiCon Bell coffee tables, it seamlessly transitions from family gatherings to larger social occasions. A Cattelan Italia dining table accommodates Kazakhstan’s culture of hospitality, while the Lasvit Herbarium light installation creates a dazzling focal point – carefully planned with laser precision to achieve its breath-taking effect.

The apartment’s glass walls inspired a palette that responds to natural light throughout the day. Floors in Titanium Bluff wood were custom-manufactured to eliminate red or green undertones. Walls were tested in over 15 samples before the perfect white with warmth and depth was found. To balance the coolness of glass, AKKA Interiors infused warmth through wood, stone and a signature yellow accent – serendipitously the client’s favourite colour. The yellow details, such as Aray Glass panels in the master bedroom, bring a joyful radiance that enlivens the neutral foundation.

Natural stone plays a starring role. After a four-month search across Europe and overcoming geopolitical supply chain challenges, AKKA Interiors sourced rare Italian stone for the master bathroom, which was installed with meticulous care. Eight different types of stone are integrated throughout, alongside bespoke carpentry by Valesco and Arnau Group, adding texture and authenticity.

Luxury fixtures by Gessi, a PAA bathtub and vintage Murano wall lamps elevate the bathrooms into serene retreats. In the powder room, Arte wallpaper, onyx stone and a Heathfield & Co Koa pendant create an intimate jewel-box effect.

The family’s love of art is reflected in bold works by celebrated Kazakh painter Marat Bekeyev, whose vibrant abstract canvases animate both the living room and master suite. His paintings, deeply rooted in Kazakh culture and nature, complement the home’s clean lines and natural materials with colour and dynamism.

Lighting was treated as sculpture throughout: &Tradition Flowerpot pendants in the girls’ room, Italamp table lamps in the master bedroom and a Cattelani & Smith pendant all contribute to the apartment’s luminous atmosphere.

The project involved working with 28 different contractors, each responsible for specific parts of the job, which meant over 130 people were directly or indirectly involved. By integrating unique design elements, AKKA Interiors have been able to create a home that balances both functionality and aesthetic beauty, where local artistry, natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning come together seamlessly.

Photography: Mart Goossens