Ricardo Bofill performs design supervision over the construction of “Smolny Prospect” estate

Ricardo Bofill, famous Spanish architect, head of architectural office Taller de Arquitectura, reviewed the progress of construction of elite residential estate “Smolny Prospect” by YIT Saint Petersburg company. While performing design supervision over the project of estate “Smolny Prospect” which will be put into service in the fourth quarter of 2017 Ricardo Bofill highly praised the quality of construction works and finishing. Maestro especially complimented the exact compliance of residential estate by YIT with the architectural concept and project developed by his office Taller de Arquitectura.

Residential estate “Smolny Prospect” is being under construction in the historical center of St. Petersburg, near the architectural ensemble of Smolny. Project concept presents a well-balanced combination of construction of three modern buildings designed by Ricardo Bofill’s office in neoclassic style and very challenging major repairs, with full preservation and restoration of bearing structures, authenticity and exterior, of three historical houses of the last third of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, which are situated on the Smolny prospect. Site development is formed by monumental and solemn building and bounded by Smolny prospect, Smolnaya embankment, Tulskaya street and Bonch-Bruevicha street. Two buildings are situated in the yard, on the inner territory of the estate. There are 395 apartments provided for in three buildings being constructed under Ricardo Bolfill’s project, including those with spacious terraces. Many apartments have unique view on the Smolny Cathedral, the Neva, Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge and other historical sights of Saint Petersburg.

Ricardo Bofill thoroughly examined all venues of “Smolny Prospect” estate, the construction of which has entered its closing stage. The author of the project highly praised the quality of construction works and materials applied. The head of architectural office has visited, in particular, a series of apartments in different buildings and sections of the estate. He was greatly impressed by panoramic views on the Smolny Cathedral and historical center from the terraces of apartments on the last floor of the first building. Ricardo Bofill examined spacious underground two-level parking for 754 vehicles (so, in fact, each apartment is given two parking places) and positively assessed the construction quality of this extremely challenging engineering and technical facility. He also noted the facade glazing works with the use of the latest European techniques. Besides, benchmark facade painting schemes were presented in two colors out of six color layouts used in the project.

YIT specialists, together with Ricardo Bofill, currently pay special attention to the quality of commenced finishing works. In particular, especially high praise was awarded to a benchmark sample of Venetian plaster (in terms of texture, color, quality of workmanship) which will be used for all entrances. Venetian plaster is characterized by glazed surface of adjusted to the architectural concept color.

As is known, overall yard area landscaping is performed according to original project developed by the same Taller de Arquitectura office. Ricardo Bofill appreciated color scheme and quality of the materials which are to be used for paving of yards and street sidewalks – block-stones with granite inserts. Lamps installed on the inner territory of the estate are designed in modern European style and provide mild and warm light for cozy finish. Harmonic and comfortable atmosphere for the residents is created, inter alia, with the help of qualitative greening of the site. Currently, with Ricardo Bofill actively participating in the process, the approval of green planting content and its color palette enters the final stage. The ultimate goal is to create yard space in compliance with general style of the estate and make it rich, bright and delightful to the eye. The project includes, among other things, split-level plant compositions adapted for Petersburg climate conditions (including ephedra, juniper and other plants). These composition will surround the grounds for kids and adults. It is noteworthy, that, under YIT decision, already existing trees near the building, along Smolnaya embankment, will be not only preserved but also given more attractive and well-groomed look. Ultimate preservation of mature trees will provide additional comfort for residents of the apartments overlooking the embankment.

Let us recall that there are two playgrounds on the territory of the estate (meant for kids of different age, they will vary in terms of equipment used), as well as a sports-ground with different training simulators and sports equipment. Besides, there will be one sports-ground and three playgrounds on the territory of a kindergarten (designed for 66 kids) situated inside the inner building. All grounds can boast modern and reliable equipment of Lappset company, Finland.

The project of “Smolny Prospect” estate also includes such common for European approach element for creating comfortable living environment, as vertical leveling of yard territory. For the sake of convenience of residents, including parents with prams and disabled people, the estate is designed with the minimum of ascends on its territory, with broad door frames, etc.

Ricardo Bofill plans to continue with his thorough monitoring over the implementation of this project and active cooperation with YIT specialists, as well as design supervision and regular visits to the construction site of “Smolny Prospect” estate.