1 Zhukov

Our 1 Zhukov project in Moscow represents an alternative approach to the creation of a new kind of office space in the region. The 22,000 sqm former factory is situated on the edge of the middle ring road (there are three in the city) in what could be loosely termed an industrial business quarter on the border of Khoroshyovo-Mnevniky and Khoroshevskiy. There is a cement works opposite and a State Tax Office next door. However with the opening of a new Khoroshevskaya metro station 500m away in 2016 it was clear that the area was about to change. As it stood the existing three story building, completed in the so called ‘Soviet Style’ during the early 1970’s, was constructed of a reinforced concrete frame and single glazed with additional metal cladding. Within there were a number of double height spaces for tall machinery as well as a city owned nuclear bunker in the basement (accessed from the car park oustide). Our challenge was to find a cost effective way of converting the building while pushing as much as possible a sustainable agenda. The solution was to use the existing structure by stripping off the facade completely and hollowing out two large atria creating communal spaces at the ground floor. These are top lit by specially designed industrial glazed roofs, designed to take a heavy snow load, which can also open creating a stack effect for summer cooling. The building expresses its industrial heritage, bringing together the past and present and a previously harsh environment becomes an incubator for small to medium sized businesses. The exterior of the building was then re-faced with an insulated cladding system complete with triple glazed windows, using a black brick Klinker tile as the finished surface. This simple idea is made dynamic by the sliding rhythm of the windows across the façade and the fact that the ground floor is fully glazed cleverly sitting in front of the existing steel structure which is painted bright red. The device of exposing the original steel frame exposes a number of quirky anomalies, relating to its historic use, raising a sense of curiosity when viewed from the public realm. At night the building appears to hover and an eerie green light filters through the coloured glass denoting escape stairs. While the building is surrounded by car parking softened around the edges by areas of formal seating next to the café area juxtaposed with wild-flower natural planting interspersed with Siberian Larch trees. Approaching the front door there is a clear reference to the Russian Constructivist Movement in the oversized ‘number one’ sign and projecting steel canopy. Moving inside the scale of the atrium becomes clear having walked beneath a bridge connection seeing the concrete frame – rough at times and smooth at others where there have been repairs or new fabric. Flashes of yellow appear at the base of the columns that lead the eye toward the reception sitting in front of another red steel structure, which is the internal stair case connecting the floors. Adding to the sense of drama the polished black granite floor creates a reflection of the structure and the roof which is particularly apparent at night. The glass security barriers are discreetly situated in front of the lift lobby, clad in the external black brick, and lit using reconditioned pendant lights from the former factory. The second atrium to the rear of the lift core is designed to be a break out space for co-working or informal meetings. Moving though the building the corridors are characterised by their graphic use of colour with green walls, yellow doors and red steel work, tempered by the poured grey resin floor. Curiously there is no tradition in the city of fitting out offices for tenants so once through the door there is an empty space. Those early adopter tenants, such as the Russian Junior Chess League, have taken a simple and cost effective approach with is in harmony with the building, despite being basic. While not necessarily a ground breaking project in terms of its massing and form, this thoughtful approach goes a long way in redefining how old, but not special, buildings in peri-urban locations can be repurposed. Project Orange have brought their technical expertise as well as their confidence designing interiors to create a refined yet characterful statement. The client is to be commended for their vision in wishing to create an alternative working environment, which is in contrast to the rash of second rate glazed high rise buildings populating the Central Business District. Although many have only just been completed, this theme-park approach to creating an architectural zoo feels dated, yet will dominate the skyline of the city for decades to come. Time will tell whether this building fills up with a mix of tenants who thrive in this unique context, though the signs are looking promising. In many ways this feels like the future – changing incrementally the urban fabric and the quality of people’s lives for the better. Overall the project has resulted in a sustainable building which uses the old structure, it is a new business model that helps local SME’s and it bucks the trend for slick new office, embracing the robust legacy of the original factory. The client’s final comment was that it looks so good it could easily sit next to the Kremlin. We are not sure we agree with the second half of that statement!