PRP wins £100M project in Russia

 

14.09.2006

 

PRP has won its first closed international competition to design a new and exclusive residential development in the prestigious western district of Moscow.

“Rublevo Residence”, owned and managed by Russian developer ST Groupp, will comprise approximately 134 large townhouses and a separate spa/fitness centre, located on a unique and ecologically sensitive woodland site. The main aim of the project is to provide luxurious residential living in harmony with the natural forestation, which dominates almost 70% of the site. PRP’s design also includes a self-contained spa/fitness centre, with bar/restaurant; providing a focal point for social interaction within the gated community.

PRP’s architects and interior design team will lead the project’s masterplan and detailed design. It has brought Lovejoy London, who has gained particular experience working in Russia over recent years, on board to help inform the landscape strategy - an important component as the site has a unique forest environment with a variable topography and dense woodland which requires a flexible but sensitive solution that will preserve and incorporate most of the area’s deciduous and evergreen qualities. Cost consultants for the scheme are Thomas and Adamson.

Unique to PRP’s townhouse is the design of a tall stone wall which serves to divide the properties and provide privacy for each by extending beyond the building line and into the forest. The stone wall also creates a ‘shift plane’ that allows each townhouse to move along a vertical and horizontal axis, adapting to the contours of the land and organic tree pattern.

The rear aspect of the townhouse design is dominated by a full height atrium providing uninterrupted views of the forest and providing a focal living area on both floors. It was a deliberate design decision not to provide enclosed gardens but to let all homes spill out into the natural landscape. The front entrances, including a garage, have a north facing orientation, whilst most of the rear aspect living spaces have a southerly orientation, taking advantage of solar gain for both space heating and natural daylighting.

The townhouse heights have been limited to two storeys and the individual houses are arranged in groups of 2, 3 and 4, with larger units in prime end positions. The initial proposal provides 134 large dwellings – 52 standard house types (300 m2 per dwelling) and 82 end house types (328 m2 per dwelling).

The project manager for ST Groupp, said: “PRP’s professionalism and their creative approach to work singled them out as the winner of this international competition.”

Barry Munday, chairman, PRP, stated, “We have been interested in the Russian market for some time now and we’re delighted to have won this competition. There is a rapidly growing private residential sector there and we believe we can demonstrate our housing design skills at the luxury end of the market. The Russian property market has been a catalyst in the country’s growing economy, attracting attention from wealthy Russians and Western investors; Russian developers have responded well to our experience.”

The 20-hectare site is bordered by a water protection area to the west and ‘Givopisnaya Bay’, providing breath-taking views to the south. Its secluded location provides a welcome respite from the city whilst access to Moscow’s city centre is only 11km away. Both international airports are within easy reach via the Moscow Ring Road.

The 72 week programme will be completed over four phases, with construction due to begin in January 2008.