Winner of the first prize at the 2014 Moscow Green Building Festival as well as the 2016 Green Awards.
When penguins inspire the sustainable architecture of the future
A revolutionary urban vision
Biomimicry and parametric design
Community and quality of life

We have created an urban ecosystem where technological innovation and respect for nature coexist in perfect harmony. Drawing inspiration from emperor penguins, we have designed a habitat that not only protects its residents from the harsh climate, but also fosters a living and sustainable community.
How does the District 11 project in Skolkovo differ from the agency's other urban planning projects?
The District 11 project distinguishes itself from the agency's other urban planning projects through several innovative aspects. Our approach sought to adopt an innovative and integrated approach, reflected in several key aspects of the project's design and realization. The dwellings in the District 11 project are designed in an individualized way, creating a unique identity for each home, thus fostering a sense of belonging and comfort. Although initially planned in wood to maximize energy efficiency and be energy self-sufficient, these houses were ultimately built in concrete, while retaining their green roofs for perfect integration into the surrounding landscape. This decision did not compromise the ecological integrity of the project, as the modular design allowed for rapid, economical construction and diversification of dwellings. Thus, each residence embodies both a harmonious aesthetic and a practical approach to urban sustainability. These same houses are organized according to 3 different modules, with a maximum design of 6 rooms per house. Through various assembly combinations, nine distinct architectural configurations were created, forming nine unique mini-neighborhoods each composed of 9 houses. Each of these neighborhoods is oriented differently in relation to the sun, ensuring optimal exposure and maximum natural light. Each dwelling benefits from a private entrance, a terrace and an oriented garden, offering its inhabitants privacy and exclusive outdoor space within this harmonious urban environment.
The District 11 project places sustainability at the heart of its urban design by prioritizing environmentally friendly solutions focused on the well-being of inhabitants. By promoting soft mobility, such as walking and cycling, and favoring the use of renewable energies, the project commits to reducing its ecological footprint while preserving the natural balance of the surrounding biotope. To reduce dependence on motorized vehicles, a centralized parking lot is arranged at the entrances of the clusters, while car access is restricted to inner courtyards, thus offering a more friendly and secure environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The dwellings are also designed according to demanding standards, guaranteeing optimal energy performance. The Blue & Green Weft approach adopted during the project integrates landscape, infrastructure, urban fabric and architecture in an interdependent manner to create an attractive and functional neighborhood, offering notably protection against wind, shade, and habitat for local species and ecosystems.
What is the sustainable biomimetic approach adopted by the agency to integrate ecological urban planning principles into the design of the District 11 project?

The sustainable approach adopted by the Bechu and Associates agency to integrate ecological urban planning principles into the District 11 project in Skolkovo, Russia, is characterized by a series of holistic innovations and measures. This architectural project adopts a comprehensive and sustainable approach, integrating ecological urban planning principles into every aspect of its design. Using passive and innovative methods, the project aims to create an urban environment that promotes the well-being of inhabitants while preserving the local ecosystem.
The biomimetic approach is inspired by the behavior of penguins that gather to protect themselves from the cold. The turtle-like arrangement of the villas (up to 10 penguins per m2) reduces energy consumption by saving up to 5°C in temperature. This approach also promotes social interactions by creating micro-communities. Each house, while part of a whole, retains its own identity, offering its occupants a unique living environment within this urban complex. The modular design allowed for architectural diversity while reducing construction costs. Environmental concerns are integrated at every stage of the process, from intelligent water management to the use of renewable energies and the promotion of soft transport modes. The project's master plan is designed to optimize the use of passive solar energy, ensuring optimal thermal comfort throughout the year.
Efficient water management is an essential element of the project, with the use of permeable coatings, green roofs and rainwater harvesting to reduce impermeable surfaces and manage runoff. In addition, a sustainable drainage system is put in place to limit the impact on the water cycle and promote harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. To ensure maximum energy efficiency, the houses are built to Passivhaus standards, thus reducing heating needs to a minimum. The integration of renewable energy sources such as local district heating or geothermal exchangers demonstrates the project's commitment to energy sustainability. The District 11 project today embodies a commitment to sustainability and urban innovation, rewarded by several international awards, including the Global Smart City Best Practice Award and the Green Awards. This project represents an inspiring model for sustainable urban development, offering residents a modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly living environment.

How does the District 11 project promote biodiversity and integrate natural spaces into its design?
The project innovatively integrates principles of biodiversity and natural spaces into its design.

Thus offering a harmonious and sustainable environment for its residents. By adopting a bioclimatic design and passive construction approach, the project ensures a respectful interaction with its natural environment. The agency chose to orient the buildings according to the sun in order to maximize solar heat absorption. This initiative promotes natural ventilation, guarantees thermal comfort while reducing energy dependence. The choice of materials for sustainable construction such as glued laminated timber not only reduces the project's carbon footprint, but also creates a healthy and comfortable habitat for its inhabitants. Green roofs also help reduce the urban heat island effect, promote local biodiversity while providing habitat for plant and animal species, and participate in stormwater management by retaining water and limiting runoff.
More articlesMore articlesFurthermore, District 11 incorporates innovative stormwater management elements, such as a sustainable drainage system (SuDS), promoting on-site rainwater infiltration, thus reducing the need for an underground network and minimizing pollution risks. This same rainwater is harvested and reused for toilet flushing, thus contributing to water resource conservation. This urban architectural project also promotes ecological connectivity by integrating green corridors, hedges and wooded areas that serve as transition zones between natural habitats. These landscaping features not only provide habitat for local wildlife, but also corridors for species migration, thus contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the region. The project demonstrates a strong commitment to biodiversity by seeking to integrate innovative and sustainable solutions into its design, thus ensuring a healthy and balanced environment for its residents while preserving the surrounding natural ecosystems.

How does the efficient use of different energy sources promote the development of the project?
The efficient use of different energy sources promotes the development of the District 11 project on several levels, particularly in terms of climate adaptation, resource conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of this project, the integration of bioclimatic design principles and passive construction allows for optimization of solar energy use for heating homes and common spaces. By maximizing solar heat absorption and promoting natural ventilation, the project ensures thermal comfort throughout the year, thus reducing dependence on traditional heating and cooling systems. Energy efficiency is enhanced by the use of sustainable construction materials and high-performance insulation, as well as the installation of triple-glazed windows and double-flow ventilation systems with heat recovery. These measures significantly reduce the heating and cooling needs of buildings, thus contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions.
The project also integrates rainwater and snow management solutions, such as a sustainable drainage system and snow storage in a retention basin. These measures help limit flood risks and reduce the environmental impact of human activities on the water cycle. The choice to use renewable energy sources, such as biomass and geothermal energy, helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy model. The efficient use of different energy sources promotes the development of the District 11 project by reducing GHG emissions, preserving natural resources and strengthening resilience to climate change. The project in Skolkovo stands out for its integrated and innovative approach to architectural design, sustainable mobility, environmental management and sustainability, thus offering an exemplary model for future urban development initiatives.