Restoration and adaptation of the architectural monument “Chambers of the 17th century in Kadashi” for office use

In this case the Rozhdestvenka architectural bureau acted in an uncommon three-fold role: as a customer, investor and designer. In part as the construction contractor too. There were two goals: Carefully renovate the historical and cultural monument and accommodate it to the needs of the bureau. To begin, curtain wall and boarded ceiling were removed. Thus it was possible to reveal the beautiful archy chambers built in several steps during the 18th and the 19th centuries. Then the original entrance to the first floor was found. The renovated porch became a structural node for of the whole building. As for the interiors, it was important to keep them as close as possible to what was revealed after the curtain walls were removed. This is why glass screens were used that could be removed if necessary without any damage to the building. The new doors that reflected the brutality of the building became the most visible addition into the interior. Heavy wooden doors with metal cages were designed without any stylistic resemblance to the ancient times, rather as a modern version of them.