One of the last remaining pockets of untouched nature in the rapidly growing suburban area of Saint Petersburg. The city of Kudrovo is officially located within Leningrad Oblast, but due to its close proximity to the northern metropolis, it is undergoing rapid urbanization, with population density increasing year by year. 

In such conditions, all natural areas become an especially valuable resource within the urban environment. The Birch Grove—a forested area free from development—is no exception. The residents of the city have come to greatly value and cherish this place. 

When the site was included in the improvement program, local residents became actively involved in discussions about its future. The primary concern was the potential loss of trees. Together with the community, we developed a pedestrian network based on existing desire lines. All pathways are designed as elevated wooden decks on screw piles to ensure minimal impact on the root systems of existing vegetation. For the same reason, utilities are not laid in trenches but are integrated beneath the decking structure.

In addition to creating convenient pedestrian routes, the project also addressed the existing drainage ditches. The introduction of moisture-loving plant species and the placement of large stones transformed these linear elements into scenic viewpoints along the walking routes.

Total Area: 23,050 m²
Stage: Completed
Year: 2020