Northern European architecture in Novosibirsk

Hugging one of the Ob river banks, the European Riverfront is a large-scale comprehensive area development project in Novosibirsk. It aims to restore the once-lost urban connection with the river and create an attractive cityscape from the river vantage point. The idea saw its realisation in 2016 in the KCAP Architects masterplan, further developed by Brusnika. So far, the housing estate comprises 30 houses. 

The masterplan presents the riverine area of the European Riverfront as several clusters of blocks of flats and towers linked by civic spaces, made up of several squares varying in character, featuring inner streets and a pedestrian promenade along the riverbank. The Dutch-based Mecanoo practice designed a cluster with two blocks and a tower. The complex represents the Northern European approach to architecture with its human-scale buildings, minimalist facades, natural colours, and materials. All the houses overlook the river, offering scenic views.

The 6 to 9-storey blocks are located in front of the tower, closer to the riverbank. Their stucco facades are grey and white, and active massing of upper floors translates into roof terraces and frontage-oriented open and inset balconies. Brown composite panels decorate recesses and cuts in blocks. Accented elements, combined with the alternating numbers of storeys, merge the houses into the landscape and make them more human-sized. Dark grey fibre cement cladding decorates the buildings’ ground floors assigned for business. The colour scheme, recessed details, and panoramic glazing highlight the retail line if looked at from the frontage. The apartment windows vary in size and have a regular pattern.

Located behind the blocks, the 25-story residential tower stands as a new navigational point in the quarter. Its exterior, location, and height complete the housing estate design, making it the final landmark of the dynamic waterfront. The stucco facade, matching the blocks, is complemented by a recessed porch with tall, brown, patterned fibre cement and PHL boards. A neat grid of evenly sized windows accented at the corners with spaced bedrooms and corner windows continues up the sixth floor. The facade narrows up at the two upper floors forming a podium. It features double-height apartments with a mezzanine floor. 

Backing up the architecture concept of the tower and two blocks is the landscaping by the Dutch Felixx practice. The landscape design in this area fits in with the overall strategy of the quarter, revitalising its countryside vibe and merging into the surrounding environment. The topography, endemic plants, and seasonal variation determine the features of the estate's central square, inner yards, and the streets linking the place together. 

A point of attraction district-wise, the central square is the main civic space in the area. Visually linked to the waterfront by water features and landscaping, it comprises sports zones, playgrounds, and quiet recreational spots. The streets inside the quarter, designed as green walkways, have dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes. Concealed by greenery parking spots are complemented by basement floor underground parking to reduce parked car overload. 

Contrasting the busy central square is a cosy private courtyard, a hidden gem inside the blocks, offering its residents peace and quiet. It features small playgrounds for younger children and a variety of recreational options.

Reflecting seasonal changes, the landscape balances the local climate with its hot summers, long stretches of spring and autumn, and cold Siberian winters. The streets accommodate water runoff from roads and pavements into rain gardens, creating infiltration zones that store snow in winter and soak melted snow in spring. Raised flower beds protect plants while snow plowing. All recreational zones face south to provide wind shelters. Deciduous trees planted nearby let in the warm spring sun, and evergreens fend off the wind and bring in colour all year round. Local plants tolerating excessive snow, strong wind, and salt create lush greenery.  

There are several phases to constructing the housing complex:  the tower is due for completion in 2023, one of the blocks in 2024, and the other in a year. The houses will embellish the district’s riverbank and add diversity to the waterfront. 

Project team 

Architecture: Mecanoo

Layouts: Brusnika. Design 

Landscape design: Felixx Landscape Architects 

Interiors: Brusnika. Design

Development: Brusnika

Renders: Mecanoo

Photo: Natalia Bochkova

Volumetric data

Plot area: 2,4 ha

Landscaping area: 0,8 ha

Total floor area: 

Tower — 20 081 m²

Block 1 — 30 936 m²

Block 2 — 39 316 m²

Apartment GFA: 

Tower — 12 816 m²

Block 1 — 16 775 m²

Block 2 — 23 127 m²

Number of apartments: 

Tower — 238

Block 1 — 286

Block 2 — 394

Underground parking GFA:  

Tower — 1 060 m²

Block 1 — 1 895 m²

Block 2 — 1 988 m²

Total number of parking spaces: 

Tower — 80

Block 1 — 143

Block 2 — 150