The designed low-rise residential complex includes several 3- and 6-storey buildings. Their height decreases as the ground lowers towards the river bank. Future constructions will border the perimeter of the building plot, underlining existing historical buildings (to be restored) and the greenery.
Buildings facing the road are the highest of the complex; they create a soundproofing barrier and have smaller apartments. Buildings facing the Yaouza embankment have a more complex configuration and larger apartments. Architects propose a possibility of uniting several last (4th) floor apartments to create large 4/5-room penthouses with panoramic views and terraces.
Spatial decision of the complex allows maximum usage of the territory: majority of flats have excellent views on the river Yaouza and the green area along it. The underground one-level car park has been designed to receive 596 cars (1.3 per flat). Two double ramps have been provided for entrance / exit to the car park. It has been thought to minimize the access of cars on the ground level to the territory of the complex thus freeing green areas for residents only and reducing harmful effects of cars. If necessary there is a possibility for taxis, ambulances and other special needs machinery to access the buildings.
The plot has a smooth drop in relief: from 140.7m in the South-West to 132.5m next to the river. The project provides creation of three main terraces for every group of buildings. The landscape solution ensures a smooth descent to the river bank.
Two objects of cultural heritage are situated on the building plot, both are related to the Cloth Factory formerly owned by I.G.Kozhevnikov: the main building of the factory and the administrative building. Architects propose a reconstruction of both buildings as they are a part of the historical memory of the place (a fragment of the historical ensemble) as well as a part of the future complex.
The building of the former Cloth Factory (36/2, Selskokhozyaistvennaya str.) is a 2-storey construction of 2.6 thousand sq.m. (called “Cloth Factory of I.G.Kozhevnikov, constructed in 1819-1822, architect T.G.Prostakov, last quarter of the XIX-beginning of the XX century. Building for the Berta steam machine, 1819-1822, beginning of the XIX century. The building is a perfect example of the industrial architecture of the beginning of the XIX century.
The Cloth Factory building is left in fragments, the design proposes a full reconstruction and a transfer of the building closer to the center of the plot. The second object of the Cultural Heritage – the Administrative building with the director’s office – is also left in fragments. Architects propose to reconstruct the historical building with its high tower in the center of the territory. The tower is thought to become the symbol of the future residential complex and will home sales office, bar or a mini museum on the history of Berta steam machine and the Cloth Factory in general.
The project proposal also includes an individual landscape design solution of the territory emphasizing the historical ensemble of the Cloth Factory. Free arrangement of buildings on the territory allows the creation of comfortable internal green spaces that ‘enter’ inside the buildings and continue down towards the river. Thus they form a ‘green frame’ of the territory and visually connect all parts of the plot, even the most remote, with the river and the green zone along it. The design solution provides the minimum of asphalted driveways, alternating different kinds of road paving.
