About the construction on Oktyabrsky Island – live on the "Baltic Plus" radio

What instructions did the President of the Russian Federation give during his visit to Kaliningrad, who will live in the "elite" houses on Oktyabrsky Island, and when will the city residents see the finished facade of the Tretyakov Gallery – these and other questions were discussed during the interview on "Baltic Plus" radio.

Dmitry Rzhannikov, CEO of STG-Zapad, was a guest at the Morning Coffee program. With journalist Vladimir Kairis, they discussed the large-scale construction of the Tretyakov Gallery branch, the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Baltic Higher School of Arts.

Vladimir Kairis, Journalist of “Baltic Plus" radio, and CEO of STG-Zapad LLC in the studio

Many residents of the region watch the construction process, not knowing what exactly is being built. The conversation turned into an enlightening talk – Dmitry Rzhannikov told how the project was started, what unique architectural solutions were used in the design of buildings, spoke about the construction progress, technical solutions for laying foundations on the swampy island, about solving the problem of uninterrupted supply of concrete associated with difficulties in the cement transit.

The journalist was excited by Dmitry Rzhannikov's story about Vladimir Putin's visit to the facilities in September of 2022. The progress and pace of construction is reported to the president on a weekly basis, so there are no disruptions in the production process.

“President Vladimir Vladimirovich checked the construction progress and wished us success in the speedy project implementation. He promised that all the problems and difficulties arising in the course of construction will be promptly resolved,”, Dmitry Rzhannikov, CEO of STG-Zapad LLC, said.

One of the interesting topics of the interview was dedicated the five houses built at the end of the island. Local residents believe that apartments with a beautiful view of the Pregolya River are elite housing for sale. Dmitry Sergeevich dissuaded the population and said that only performing artists and teachers of the cultural and educational cluster will live there:

“These houses are designed for the staff of the Tretyakov Gallery branch, teachers of the Higher School of Arts, artists of the Bolshoi Theatre branch, as well as teachers and students of the educational cluster – the Central School of Music and the Academy of Choreography. No other people will live in these houses”.

Another issue of concern to Kaliningrad citizens is the possibility of erection of large-scale buildings on the island in the light of its swampy terrain and unstable soils. In the past, the construction of the stadium for the 2018 FIFA World Cup give rise to concerns, however these turned out to be unfounded. This topic has been raised again today. Dmitry Rzhannikov spoke about the solutions that will ensure durability of structures:

“At the stage of design and further implementation, we had to deal with architectural features of the Bolshoi Theatre branch building, which represents a hinged cantilever with a 80 m span. To maintain its carrying capacity and to build a high quality foundation, we employed a unique technology for the Baltic region. We used bored piles, 1 meter in diameter and 45 meters deep. This design allowed us to ensure adequate stability of the cantilever appropriate for the climatic conditions of our region. Due to the fact that the construction is carried out in a flooded area, by architects’ decision we raised the level of stalls and stage level to an elevation of plus 12 meters. A feature of our theatre is that it does not have a hold to locate the stage. All this is raised to an elevation above zero.”

Project of the Bolshoi Theatre Branch 

The conversation also addressed the topic of acoustic characteristics of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Vladimir Kairis cited the example of the Bolshoi Theatre reconstruction in Moscow, after which there were many disputes about the acoustics quality. Dmitry Sergeevich assured that the lessons learned would be taken into account to prevent any mistakes:

“We have very high requirements for acoustic design both at the development stage and during construction. We cooperate with a building supervision organization. As the installation progresses, acoustic measurements will be taken and, if necessary, location of structures, absorbers and other equipment would be adjusted.”

At the end of the conversation the main question was asked: “When? When will Oktyabrsky island start to look as in this picture, and it will be possible to walk along it?

Dmitry Rzhannikov answered that the construction is performed in line with the schedule. Buildings will be commissioned upon their readiness. By the new year, the building of the Tretyakov Gallery branch will acquire its designed form.

Currently, facade cladding and stained-glass windows installation are in progress.

Project of the Tretyakov Gallery Branch