The “Blizkoye” comfort-class residential complex is located 20 kilometers from the center of Saint Petersburg. While remaining within the boundaries of the metropolis, its residents are simultaneously surrounded by nature and tranquility. The development consists of human-scale three-story apartment buildings and townhouses, set within an existing forest landscape.

Recognizing the value of this context, the design enhances it with urban public spaces, combining the strengths of both city and natural living environments. A true pedestrian street and a small central square are introduced within the development. These spaces support different modes of interaction with the environment — from private, solitary time to social engagement with neighbors.

Located in the northern part of Saint Petersburg, the site features a pronounced topography that is not typical for the city, and this characteristic was deliberately embraced in the design approach. The project proposes a terraced children’s playground organized into different age zones. The lower terrace is designed for children aged 4–7, featuring a softer, more muted paving palette and ending with a large bench for parents. The upper terrace includes a long slide integrated with a climbing wall and is intended for older children. Children under three years old are provided with a separate play area located within a birch grove, designed to accommodate early childhood needs in a calmer natural setting.

The low development density does not require large-scale public spaces. Therefore, the central square is modest in size, yet functionally divided into a quieter zone beneath preserved trees and an open area intended for local events. An art object is placed within the square, serving as a landmark that greets both returning residents and visitors as they arrive home.

The art object extends the residential complex’s visual identity. The new mascot—a reinterpreted woodpecker derived from the logo—takes the form of a lightweight steel structure with a dynamic, forward-moving silhouette. It reflects the core idea of “Blizkoye”: a synthesis of the comfort of suburban living with the rhythm of the contemporary metropolis. 

Temple of Good Neighbourliness 

The pavilion building is located at the interface between multi-apartment and townhouse development zones. Its architecture is visually designed to create a gradual transition from the rectilinear forms of apartment buildings to the more traditional pitched-roof houses, thereby forming a seamless urban environment. 

As part of the landscaping strategy, a pavilion with additional functions for residents of “Blizkoye” is planned. It will accommodate a public transport stop, administrative services, and parcel pickup points (PVZ). We proposed that the developer expand the pavilion into a community center for hosting local events, workshops, and residents’ meetings, thereby fostering stronger neighbourly relations within the residential environment.

The pavilion’s architectural image combines features of both surrounding development zones, merging them into a compact geometric volume. Within this non-capital structure, alongside its primary administrative functions, it is proposed to include a parcel pickup point for a major online marketplace and a separate space for a Neighbourhood Centre. This multifunctional area can host residents’ meetings, presentations, workshops, and local events. At other times, the hall will serve as an extension of the administrative space.

The community centre space is designed as the dominant volume, featuring high ceilings and panoramic glazing oriented toward the forest. It represents a contemporary interpretation of a church drum — a “Temple of Good Neighbourliness.” On all four sides of the protruding volume, windows create a sense of additional depth and openness within the interior. On the main façade, a circular window is proposed to house a clock. This detail introduces a second reading of the volume — the image of a railway station building located near the main square, from which residents depart into the city.

Birch Grove 

Among the townhouse development, we carefully preserved the birch grove, introducing more natural materials and lightweight interventions within it. A raised wooden deck on piles provides comfortable pedestrian circulation, connecting a series of small functional zones along its path. Within the grove, one can find play elements, quiet resting areas, and a primary playground for children aged 0–3, featuring small slopes, a climbing wall, and a sandbox.

Within the grove, there is a naturally formed clearing offering a beautiful view of the forest adjacent to the residential complex. Here, a viewing terrace with a light canopy is introduced for yoga practice and quiet contemplation. Slightly higher up the slope, a pergola with park swings is placed, allowing residents to further enjoy and observe the rich northern nature of Saint Petersburg.

Total Area: 19,365 m²
Stage: Design
Year: 2024