Steven Holl Architects Create New Residential Typology on Moscow Paratrooper Site

Steven Holl Architects, in collaboration with Art-group Kamen, has been selected as the winners of an international competition to design a new mixed-use residential development in the Tushino district of Moscow, Russia, beating out proposals from Fuksas Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects, Mad Global, and Tsimailo, Lyashenko & Partners.

Comprising housing, social spaces and educational facilities, the design of the complex draws inspiration from its historic site, a former paratrooper airfield. In response, Steven Holl Architects proposed a completely new building typology, “Parachute Hybrids,” which “combines residential bar and slab structures with supplemental programming suspended in sections above, like parachutes frozen in the sky.”

Steven Holl Architects Create New Residential Typology on Moscow Paratrooper Site - More Images+ 3

Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen

The key goals for the project, dictated by developer Vi Holding, were to create a “comfortable living environment” that incorporated housing available to a range of economic brackets, health spas, pools, cafes and lounges, as well as a new kindergarten and elementary school. These educational spaces stand alone within the complex as architecturally distinct buildings that optimize natural light and green space.

The residential towers feature large circular openings in their facades to express the locations of the health and social spaces, and to organize the complex compositionally around a strong geometric character. The buildings encircle a large public garden, maximizing sunlight exposure and creating space for paratrooper-themed playgrounds that reference the site’s past.

Courtesy of Steven Holl
Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen
Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen

Environmentally sustainability was also considered as a core principle of the design, manifest in the form of green roofs, solar pergolas, daylighting, rainwater recycling, and geothermal heating and cooling. Apartments will feature layered operable glass facades that will both help to insulate the buildings in the winter and create open-air balconies in warmer months. Pedestrian eco corridors will also run through the site, connecting the complex to the Moscow River.

Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen
Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen

“Tushino can be an important urban model for 21st century high density living, shaping public open space,” said Steven Holl. “The new building type we have proposed here, inspired by the site’s history, is unique to this place.” 

The first phase of drawings are to be delivered by March 15, 2018, after which a timeline for construction will be determined.

Courtesy of Steven Holl

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Patrick Lynch. "Steven Holl Architects Create New Residential Typology on Moscow Paratrooper Site" 25 Jan 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/887793/steven-holl-architects-create-new-residential-typology-on-moscow-paratrooper-site> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Steven Holl Architects/Art-group Kamen

斯蒂芬·霍尔创造新住宅形式,这将是高密度城市中独一无二的建筑类型

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.