a house of medium storeys

Project idea

The residential complex is located in the center of Smolensk, directly across from Pioneers’ Park and one of the most expressive remaining fragments of the historic Smolensk fortress wall. The design intent is not to blend in passively, but to enter into a dialogue with the heterogeneous urban context — shaped by layers of history, informal development, and varying architectural periods.

To ensure coherence within this fragmented environment, the building incorporates familiar architectural elements — brick facades, rhythmic massing, and arch motifs — but some of these features are deliberately exaggerated. This hypertrophy of specific elements makes the building stand out in a subtle, meaningful way. It remains recognizable, yet feels new — a contemporary reinterpretation rather than a replication of the surrounding cityscape.

Project description

The building is located on a compact but strategically important plot in the historic center of Smolensk. It is surrounded by non-residential structures such as commercial and administrative buildings, which allows for maximum site coverage and tight urban insertion.

The architectural composition consists of alternating low-rise and high-rise volumes, forming a dynamic and irregular silhouette. The layout includes single- and duplex apartments, some with individual entrances and direct access to the landscaped inner courtyard. All volumes are connected by an open arched gallery, which functions as both circulation space and a semi-private transition zone between the public street and residential interior.

The facade is constructed in brick, with a white base referencing the iconic Smolensk fortress wall. Thanks to the variation in scale, rich spatial articulation, and bold proportions, the building does not dissolve into the background — nor does it dominate. Instead, it appears as a well-considered and characterful response to the complex historical and visual context of central Smolensk.

Technical information

• Structure: Reinforced concrete frame with brick infill walls.
• Facade materials: Brick (natural and white-painted), precast concrete arched elements, wooden accents in residential zones.
• Apartment types: Single-story and duplex units, many with private entrances and courtyard access.
• Height: Combination of low and high volumes (ranging from 2 to 7+ floors).
• Site utilization: Full site coverage with dense placement, continuous street frontage, and no residual unused space.
• Sustainability features: Natural cross-ventilation, courtyard greenery, light-colored facade surfaces to reduce heat absorption, rainwater drainage integrated into site design.
• Urban context: The building is surrounded by non-residential uses, allowing greater architectural freedom while still respecting the city’s historic silhouette and scale.

Documentation

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