A development in the centre of Moscow of high end apartments designed to redefine the idea of luxury and elegance within a demanding international elite market. A striking classically modern development for the most discerning of end user. A striking icon to graceful living. The project has been arranged around the principles of 'more for less' with its economy of structure, integration of services , rational layout and simple elegance of form and function. A major influence in the layout has been the inclusion of an automated parking facility for 32 cars and general site access. The resultant position and functionality of the parking garage acts as a back bone for the development to be organized around.

Site vehicular entrance has been chosen to be on the side access, Pozharsky Lane, leaving the front elevation and main address on Kursovoy clear and uninhibited. This dictated the point of the revolving platform and associated car lift. The lift aligns with the automated access corridor in the parking space and is laid out in the most efficient linear manner possible. In turn this has dictated the position of the structural columns throughout the building and the location of the service access, vertical circulation core with lifts and fire escape to be located at the back of the site.

The public face of the ground floor has been primarily dedicated to the entrance sequence of the building. A grand centrally located double height entrance foyer has inviting splayed walls that address the full front length of the site and open up to address the context beyond; yet focuses on the security and reception desk. A structural system of coffered ceiling facilitates a grand column free entrance space.

A central piece to the entrance sequence, lobby and buildings character to the Kursovoy elevation, is the introduction of a large visual screen. A functional contemporary interpretation reminiscent of architectural friezes of the classical order. A commissioned work of contemporary sculptural art that in its conceptual DNA references the mineral malachite with its seductive swirls. A modern interpretation of a close conscious alignment and historical link to the world famous 'Malachite Room' in the Hermitage. An internationally recognized association that brings with it luxury, quality, exclusivity and lifestyle. The screen is a filter between the private grand entrance space and the public outside world. Designed to allow a 50% transparently coefficient between solid and void, it allows for natural daylight to percolate through creating a dappled effect akin to sun light through trees. Viewed from the outside, with the light falling on it, the complex mathematical geometry allows for only constricted fragmented periodic visual connectivity to the darker interior; maintaining a high level of privacy yet achieving visual clarity from the inside out. At night to maintain this effect the screen is seductively illuminated by discreet flood lighting.

Behind the reception desk there is another frieze, a sibling or relative similar in language to the front screen but without the transparency. It stops short of the coffered ceiling which visually sails beyond the screen to the lift core, offering the opportunity for dramatic concealed up lighting. This screen protects from view the private lift entrance, function rooms and connecting hall to the 2nd floor apartment's.

The diagonal splayed walls of the entrance lobby continue the full height of the building and are designed not only to open up the ground floor lobby but to allow every apartment to have front corner views. A 'wet zone' of bathrooms and kitchens forms an open 'C' shape encircling round the core and allows for drop ceilings and concealed air conditioning to each room within the apartment's and proximity to core service risers. Each apartment has the potential for open fireplaces if market forces require with the vent stacks concealed within the splayed walls.

Large habitable balconies occupy the front corners affording the best expansive views along Kursovoy, while 'French Balcony's' span a structural bay on the North and south elevations.  In addition  to  this there  are a number of operable sliding door units within the full height glazing system with an internal glass balustrade. Additional privacy and thermal control is achieved through  a system full height  movable  and  operable timber slat panels, aligned internally to the glazing system.

All the apartments are designed to denote clear separation between private and shared living spaces. An open plan typology is made where possible to reduce corridor circulation to a minimum.

The Top floor is occupied by a penthouse setback from the front building line for privacy and remains discreet and unseen from street level. The expansive open living area gives on to a large terrace the full width of the site and has a centrally located zone generously planted.

Travertine, bronze, fair faced concrete form the basis of the finishes. An elegant concise palate of noble materials that reinforce the formal elegant expression of this elegant, iconic building.