The site of the former Soviet Army Bayan Factory, hidden among the lanes of Plyushchikha, has remarkably remained undeveloped to this day. Located close to Savvinskaya Embankment and the large parkland of Devichye Pole, it is a rare example of Moscow’s “quiet centre”, and one situated in an environmentally favourable area. The building footprint was skilfully carved out between existing structures — hence its unusual shape, which called for an equally unconventional approach to the formation of the architectural volume. The blocks that make up the building vary not only in height but also in configuration, descending towards the embankment in an irregular zigzag, to which the house owes its name. Thanks to this arrangement, every floor enjoys sweeping panoramic views in two directions at once: the western facade looks towards the river, while the eastern facade opens onto the constellation of Moscow City towers, within which the high-rise part of the new building becomes another “star” when seen from the water.

The dynamic rhythm of the zigzag, with its gradually increasing step, continues horizontally along the north and south facades in the alternating pattern of glass and brick. On the principal elevations, brick appears only as an original frame for the giant window portals, but here it is revealed in all its decorative richness. The complex brickwork of the cornices is inspired by examples from Moscow’s industrial heritage. It is a kind of tribute to the factory that once stood here. Even the characteristic outline of the zigzag may be read as a symbolic image of the bellows of a bayan, opened by the hand of an invisible musician. The bayan is a type of accordion — an instrument that creates harmony in sound. In this case, its image helped shape a genuine harmony of volumes: not only in itself, but also within the context of the surrounding mixed urban fabric. Among buildings from different eras, Z-House gives architectural voice to the story of the present.