The Chekhov apartment block is located in the dense environment of Moscow's Malaya Dmitrovka street, bordering the Hermitage Garden park. The existing conditions evoked associations with the principles of Japanese architecture—in which it is necessary to use limited space as efficiently as possible and connect it with the surrounding landscape—the park, in this case. The goal was to fit the necessary volume into a tight site and ensure views of the park for all the apartments.
The building does not have its own courtyard, rather it is raised one floor up to realise a spacious entrance that is connected to the Hermitage—a dedicated exit to the park was a pleasant perk for the residents.
The Hermitage-fronting façade is a glass curtain wall. This makes it possible to create a variety of great views and emphasise visual connections: through glares and reflections on the glass, the building blends in with the surroundings. Vertical brises soleil trimmed in architectural bronze protect residents from onlookers and at the same time set the rhythm of the façade by alluding to tree trunks. The Malaya Dmitrovka façade is a more traditional style and is decorated with shutters, also made of bronze.
The nature-forward concept is upheld in the lobby and its choice of materials. The inspiration for its interior is the idea of a tree as a symbol of life, with a reception desk and an artistic installation both of solid wood.