Traeckaja 25 Commercial Building

Press Kit

Unique Properties

TProportionally aligned with the surrounding buildings, the structure maintains a balance between contemporary architectural solutions and the authenticity of the preserved urban fabric, harmoniously blending into the distinctive environment of the historic center. With respect for the existing historical development, the new building is set back from the historic building line, creating additional pedestrian space and enhancing the urban environment. The building’s silhouette was shaped with consideration for preserving the tree within the vacant site boundaries.

Dimensions & Packaging

The new modern building in the historic center is a small two-storey building with an attic floor. The dimensions of the building in axes are 16x9.6 meters. The total area is 361 square meters. The land area is 243 square meters.

Tags

modern building, historical center, brick, tree

Production Technology

The building is two stories with an attic. It is clad in brick—a traditional material for the "old city." The project utilized handcrafted mineral brick made from natural raw materials, an eco-friendly product with high physical performance. The unique character of the facade is emphasized by expressive details and intricate brickwork.

Design Challenge

The main task and difficulty was to design a modern building on a small plot, integrating it into the urban planning structure of the historical center of Grodno, while preserving the existing tree located within the boundaries of the building site.

Research

The modern building on Bolshaya Troitskaya Street is located in the historical center of Grodno, designed taking into account height restrictions, the historical module and the detailed plan of regeneration of this territory. The architectural concept is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional brick building of the city center. Proportionally commensurate with the environment, the building conducts a dialogue with the historical context, avoiding stylization and a pseudo-historical approach.

Inspiration

Designing any architectural object in the city center is a highly responsible and complex task. Residents are accustomed to perceiving architecture through the lens of heritage, where, alongside historical buildings and background historical structures, creating something new is often not accepted. The building's concept draws inspiration from the historic brick architecture of the city's central part but reinterpreted in a modern way. It was designed and built in accordance with the height restrictions of the historic center, following the historical modular grid while avoiding stylistic imitation or a pseudo-historical approach

Project Duration

The project started in May 2023 and finished in september 2024
in Belarus, Hrodna

Operation Flow

The building reacts contextually to the historical past and to neighboring buildings. Showing respect for the preserved historical buildings, the new volume departs from the line of historical buildings into the depths of the site. This solution not only carefully fits into the existing urban fabric, but also allows you to expand the space of the pedestrian sidewalk, creating a comfortable urban environment. The drainage system is hidden behind the facade, and water drainage is organized using hidden drainage trays.

Patents

Copyrights belong to Viktar Varabei

Image Credits

Photographer Viktar Varabei