Ecolant Vyksa

Vyksa is a historic industrial town, where the metallurgical plant is the city’s main employer. Wowhaus was tasked with designing the façades of the new Ecolant plant and developing a landscaping concept that would unite the buildings with a network of public spaces and pedestrian routes.

The Ecolant plant site is currently under construction and covers 114 hectares. The project has no analogues in Russia as it incorporates DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) technology. Our task was to develop a design code for the site to emphasize the plant’s identity, create a consistent approach to the design of public areas, and form a cohesive visual image of the production facility. Since the plant is a high-risk industrial zone, the landscaping design code pays particular attention to the site’s specific safety requirements.

The architects were tasked with creating façades for buildings of various functions, including production and administrative blocks as well as engineering facilities. The concept was based on the use of the corporate color palette, with light green as the key accent. Entrance areas are emphasized with portals and contrasting colors to highlight access points. Engineering elements, such as fences, supports, staircases, and utilities, are also designed in the corporate palette.

Sandwich panels and corrugated “wave” sheets are used for the facade ends, while architectural lighting and signature graphics enhance the visual unity. Building proportions are refined through the use of vertical cassettes and color coding, and the gates are tied together with horizontal accents to create a harmonious composition.

The entrance areas of the administrative and amenity buildings (AAB) and engineering and management services are designed as public spaces, incorporating squares, entrance plazas, green courtyards, and pedestrian transit routes. The AAB façade is equipped with a pergola featuring a perforated panel, while a sheltered seating area is arranged near the building entrance. A “green façade” of climbing plants will provide additional wind protection.

As part of the landscaping concept, solutions have been developed for entrance areas, sports grounds, tourist routes, smoking zones, bus stops, parking areas and driveways, as well as for small architectural forms. Transit routes between buildings are equipped with pergolas to ensure comfort in all seasons.

Key aspects:

Sustainability: use of solar panels as an alternative energy source.

Interactive elements: honor boards and LED screens to engage employees and visitors.

Targeted interventions: emphasis on unique features through art objects and landscaping elements that highlight the character of the site and enhance its recognisable identity.

The identity of the plant’s grounds is shaped through the use of elements referencing its products such as art objects, kinetic metal sculptures, and the corporate color palette in ends and small architectural forms. Entrance areas and pedestrian walkways are distinguished by a unique paving pattern, while landscaping is organized through color coding. Steles and art objects serve as symbols and visual landmarks in line with the design code principles. The use of alternative energy sources and kinetic sculptures underscores the plant’s innovative character and its commitment to sustainable development.

The connection between the plant and the city is expressed through the creation of a unified spatial concept, both within the enterprise and on the adjacent urban plots. The area interfacing with the city includes the checkpoint, perimeter fencing, a square with recreational zones, and a parking lot.

The landscaping concept for the plant’s territory envisions a variety of solutions using fast-growing, undemanding plants and a wide assortment of species. Entrance areas are designed with flower beds and grouped shrub plantings, while alleys are created along pedestrian routes. Shrubs and perennials are planted between pedestrian routes and the fence, and parking areas are landscaped with tree-like shrubs. To create a comfortable environment, two approaches are combined: a formal garden symbolizing order and a landscape park with natural forms.