HOTEL IN THE FORSCH HOUSE

Authors of the project:

Architects: N. I. Yawein, P. S. Sokolov, E. D. Elovkov, O. A. Kuzevanov, V. I. Parfenov, O. G. Rogacheva, E. G. Sorokina
with K. P. Sokolova, S. A. Sologub, G. F. Tsygankova, O. O. Shkinch

Structural Engineers: D. P. Kresov, S. A. Shvedov, E. V. Silantyeva (Studio 44 Architects), I. S. Bogdanov (OOO Geoizol)

Principal Engineer: K. G. Balkanova

House of I. Forsch (late 1780s–early 1790s) is a listed regional cultural heritage monument and an example of Mature Classicism. The building also has a historical value: in 1879, Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin was first performed in a home theater here. The architectural monument survived to the present day with a well-preserved original layout; however, it has been badly worn.

Adapting the building to create a hotel of 100 rooms gives it a second life. The project implies the preservation of the historic household structure with two courtyards. The courtyards are covered with glass domes above the cornices: the front courtyard roof is placed at third floor level, and the back courtyard is roofed at second floor level. The front courtyard contains a lobby, a reception desk, and a bar, while the second courtyard houses a conference hall. Covering the courtyards with a roof makes it possible to include the restored 1790s courtyard facades into the heating contour. The Fontanka River facade is preserved, and the three-storied 1780s–1790s part of the building is restored. The cornice and the central gable are reconstructed. The music room that witnessed the first performance of Eugene Onegin becomes a multifunctional ballroom.

Gross floor area: 8 420 sq.m