Riqualificazione della Volkhonka Mansion Concorso

The Volkhonka Mansion is a historic building of great architectural quality, located in the proximity of the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. The project by the CIRCLE is intended to give new prominence to the building and to organise the functions of the spaces, which are destined to become an Art Hotel.
A meticulous rearrangement of the façade restores the classical proportions of the architectural details: mouldings and windows are restored and repositioned to return order and harmony to the elevation. The constructed additions made in a disorderly manner over time have been removed to make way for a new wing completing the perimeter of the central courtyard, now transformed into an Italian-style garden delimited by a transparent loggia. A winter garden hosts the lounge area and the spaces used for reception purposes: the glazed elements give the whole area a certain lightness, creating a strong contrast with the solidity of the historical walls.
A large open foyer has been created in the new lateral wing, which is suitable for the organisation of events and exhibitions; the roof, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding urban landscape, is equipped with a hydraulic mechanism that raises its central part to create a semi-open terrace for festivities and important events. A new volume connects this lateral wing to a further space for events designed inside the historic building. The numerous spaces for events offer a variety reflecting the demands of a contemporary hotel.
Unique atmospheres have been imagined for each of the 50 rooms of the hotel, defined in detail in terms of space, materials and furnishings, but also lighting, fragrances and acoustics.
The entire space, both the public and the private space of the rooms, is dotted with works of art, evidence of ancient and modern civilisations to excite and stimulate the mind.