Exterior view of a multi-story building with stone and brick walls, large windows, and a small balcony.

A multi-story building with a rustic exterior featuring a mix of stone and brick walls. The facade includes large windows with wooden frames and a small balcony with a metal railing. The building is situated on a sloped cobblestone street.

Story

A reconstructed residence in Tbilisi, blending historical materials with modern functionality. Unfinished House in Tbilisi represents a thoughtful reconstruction of a 1920s residential building, situated in the historic district of the city. The project, led by architects David and Alexander Brodsky, integrates repurposed materials from various periods of the building's history, creating a rich tapestry of aesthetic re-contextualization. The design respects the traditional baniani style while introducing a contemporary domestic context. The building serves primarily as a family residence, with the first floor offering a flexible space for public or cultural events. The reconstruction preserved the original material layers and structure, ensuring a functional renewal that aligns with Tbilisi's architectural identity. The project employed an experimental, self-organized construction methodology, involving architecture students, tradespeople, and collaborators, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Materials such as Georgian brick, handmade cement blocks, and reclaimed timber were reused, while additional materials like Soviet-era glass blocks were sourced locally. This sustainable approach reinforces the connection between the project and its local building culture. The structure retains its original concrete belt, with a wooden addition for the second floor and main entrance, topped by a concrete monolith terrace. The local climate supports the preservation of these exposed materials, though periodic treatment is recommended.

Design Highlights

Integration of historical and modern materials Preservation of original architectural elements Flexible multifunctional space on the first floor Self-organized construction methodology Sustainable use of local and reclaimed materials

Key Facts

Description Details
Architects David Brodsky, Alexander Brodsky
Location Tbilisi, Georgia
Site Area 109 m²
Total Gross Floor Area 171 m²
Year 2026
Status Built

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • fireplace cladding: Reused cement blocks

Materials

  • Georgian brick — Reused in new construction
  • handmade cement blocks — Reused in new construction
  • corrugated metal roofing — Reused in new construction
  • reclaimed timber — Reused in new construction
  • Soviet-era glass blocks — Sourced locally for construction
  • reclaimed bricks — Sourced locally for construction
  • recycled wood — Sourced locally for construction

Construction / Systems

  • structural system: Original blocks and reinforced concrete belt structure retained; wooden structure added for second floor and main entrance.
  • terrace construction: Concrete monolith installed on top of the addition, creating a terrace area.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Not specified
  • Lighting: Not specified

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