Tatlin Apartments

Constructed in 1927 by the civil engineer V. Patek, the original “Telephone Exchange'' building at Number 5 Bakuniskaya Street is a classic example of Russian industrial constructivism. It is one of three identical buildings in Moscow. The four-story, T-shaped structure has not been used since digital telecommunications were introduced in the city and has been falling into decay for two decades. During the complete restoration of the site, the main historic façade, facing Bakuninskaya street, has been restored to its original aesthetic. This was done with the use of a light grey and bright red stucco against the contrasting dark grey of the aluminium windows, doors and metal fixtures. The historic front section of the building now includes a retail center, gym, cafes and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. The rear part of the building has been redesigned to host two large lobbies at the ground floor level, serviced by separate lift cores. These lobbies enable access to the apartments above and are accessed via a double-height drop-off area in the centre. A new independent volume, with a striking, triangular cantilevered façade, now hovers above the existing historic building. The contrast between old and new is emphasized through the employment of materials: the new facade is a dramatic contemporary form, a grid of large scale modular, metallic components and stained glass, which contrasts the original grey stucco. The two volumes are separated by a public sky-garden and every room in the upper volume has a balcony or a terrace. The new structure is cantilevered from the south and north by 13 and 7.5 meters, respectively, and is supported by two V-columns. The transferred slab underneath is a waffle superstructure, providing structural stability. Although the original building did not have a formal protective status, we did not consider any other option but to save as much of the original fabric as we could. The new volume on the top is designed to contrast, and at the same time, complement, the original structure Project Information: Address: 5 Bakuninskaya Street, Moscow Floors: 12 Structure: Steel / Concrete Total area: 18,600 square meters Number of apartments: 127 Underground parking: 66 cars Completion: April 2021 Budget: circa £30 million Developer: Vesta Development Programme: apartments, retail, car park, public spaces.