Apart-hotel "Europe" is being built near Lake Chemburkskoe on the Simferopol highway. It stands on the second line, at some distance from the sea. A quiet pedestrian lane with cobblestones leads to the beach from the complex. The site of the regular quadrangular shape is the territory of the former pioneer camp "Timurovets". Everyone, of course, remembers the story of Arkady Gaidar "Timur and his team" about a teenager who secretly helps those in need with friends, fights the anti-hero Kvakin and saves the girl Zhenya. In honor of him, more than one pioneer detachment was named.
“The context in Anapa is colorful: resort architecture, Soviet buildings, chaotic 1990s. Therefore, our hotel stands out for its strict European look. - Says the co-founder of the workshop "Mezonproekt" Ilya Mashkov. “At the same time, we tried to treat the memory of the place with care, to include signs from the past in the overall design, which ultimately works to create the ensemble's identity.” Indeed, it would be a shame not to use such an identity, and looking ahead, let's say that it was reflected in the art design.
On the territory of the former "Timurovets" there are many valuable trees, which are at least fifty years old. The main challenge for the architects was to preserve the maximum number of trees, because they create a favorable atmosphere, absorb noise and dust, serve as a barrier to the wind, and provide shade and coolness in hot climates. The complex is designed as a mini-quarter with a closed central part. In this way, architects reduce the noise exposure from the highway. Yard driveways are located so as not to touch the trees. Some mature pines had to be replanted. “I must say that the customer was understanding about our desire to preserve the trees. It's nice when the customer trusts the architect. The architect sees the future, the customer's trust increases the chances of the project's success,”Ilya Mashkov believes.
The building turned out to be quite dense, in three lines with two courtyards, although this is not felt due to the low number of storeys. Between the first and second residential lines, there is a small green courtyard with a sculpture based on the Rape of Europa. A recreational courtyard with a swimming pool and beautiful landscaping is located in the depths of the complex, it becomes a space for relaxation on the way to the sea.
The frontal composition of the "Europe" apart-hotel is oriented towards the Simferopol highway and is designed for perception from the car window. The severity and integrity is created by the line of strongly extended cornices, emphasized by color. “I would say that this is a visual demonstration of the harmony achieved within the complex,” says Ilya Mashkov.
In general, architecture, both in color and in strict plasticity, is close to Scandinavian modernist housing with terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass fences (northern Europeans love to meditate on terraces and never litter them, but on the contrary use them as a means of self-presentation with the help of designer furniture and plants). At the same time, the composition of the main facade has features of a classic symmetrical tripartite structure: the main building with two projections plus two “wings” on the sides. With a cursory perception, you might think that these three buildings facing the red line are parts of the same building with a complex system of courtyards. Moreover, the building is solemn and representative. In fact, the composition is more complex and, as said, is dictated by the salvation of trees, and, moreover, by insolation.
An evacuation open staircase made of corten makes the complex unique. It is an active element of the main façade: the staircase is eye-catching thanks to its pattern and noble texture.“You have to understand that the cost of construction in Anapa is low, on the verge of austerity,” notes Ilya Mashkov. - The ladder is supposed to be made of cut-through oxidized steel. Such a noble material requires high quality next to it, it must coexist with an ideal surface. If it is porcelain stoneware tiles with standard construction joints, then it is better to replace the brutal corten with ceramics. While the process of selection and approval of materials is underway. We will try to ensure that the tiles have a relief and a non-standard size."
Another important topic is Soviet identity. The most touching and romantic has been selected from it. A blank wall of the ground parking is facing the courtyard of the complex. This is done to protect it from exhaust emissions. The wall is decorated with panels with sailors, ships and boats - it becomes one of the main accents and is associated with Soviet monumental art. It even seems like a vintage artifact from the past, a reminder of the pioneer camp.
Despite the Scandinavian appearance, the residential complex has many attributes of southern architecture. Deep loggias and open terraces, strongly extended balconies and French windows, with glass and metal railings - all this creates conditions for an Italian dinner in the open air and diversifies the plastic of the facades. And if we talk about southern Russian cities, in which today, instead of vernacular, there is compote from different eras, the architecture of the Europe Apart-hotel - a seven-story block building with green courtyards, roof gardens and other southern pleasures - could become an example for distribution.
