KPLN Restores a 19th Century Gem in the Heart of Moscow

In the quiet streets of Moscow’s Alekseevsky district stands a building that bridges time with elegance. Once the administrative home of the Alekseevskaya pumping station, this 1892 structure has been revived by KPLN architectural bureau into a refined and modern workspace. The transformation celebrates the beauty of its past while shaping it for a new century of creative life.

The brick mansion, spread across two floors and a basement, carries the grace of the late nineteenth century. Its ornate frieze, geometric brickwork and symmetrical lines have been carefully preserved, reflecting the discipline and artistry of its original creators. Within these walls once worked Vladimir Oldenborger, chief engineer of the Moscow water supply, whose vision and attention to detail still echo through the corridors.

When KPLN acquired the building in 2020, they approached it with respect and patience. Archival records were studied, historical details traced and original plans revisited. Only after understanding the essence of the design did the architects begin their restoration. Every discovery revealed a layer of the building’s life, from hidden parquet flooring crafted from four types of wood to fragments of stucco ceilings that once adorned the rooms with quiet grandeur.

Andrey Mikhailov, co-founder and chief engineer of KPLN, recalls the process with pride. “We became explorers in our own workplace, uncovering the true character of the house piece by piece.”

Inside, the space feels both historic and fresh. The once divided rooms of the Soviet era have been opened into a flowing workspace that encourages collaboration and light. The meeting rooms carry the names of those who shaped its story. The large Geppener room leads to a graceful balcony terrace, while the smaller Oldenborger room offers an intimate setting that still feels connected to the legacy of its former resident.

Everywhere, the eye is drawn to craftsmanship. Cast iron railings with ornate motifs guide visitors up the restored staircases. The directors’ office, once the quarters of the chief engineer, features a Dutch tiled stove with brass detailing that glows at the centre of the room. The ventilation system from the nineteenth century has been revived and now functions with modern precision.

In places where the ceilings had been destroyed, new sections were created with care, blending restored stucco with contemporary finishes. The result is a dialogue between eras that feels effortless.

Sergey Nikeshkin, co-founder and chief architect of KPLN, reflects on the deeper meaning of the project. “Restoration is more than returning beauty to a building. It is about bringing memory to life. This house carries the voice of its time and our task was to let it speak again.”

That philosophy runs through every corner of the office. Nikeshkin crafted the ceramic KPLN logo himself from clay, firing it in a handmade kiln. Around the space, models made of wood, metal and wax stand like sculptures, each one telling its own story of design and imagination.

The restoration continues as work begins in the attic where the preserved rafter structure will remain visible, adding character to the new workspace. Plans are also underway to rebuild the wooden terrace that disappeared more than a century ago.

Visitors can experience this remarkable space through the project “Moscow through the Eyes of Engineers” or by private appointment with KPLN.

In a city constantly negotiating between past and present, the KPLN headquarters stands as proof that heritage and innovation can thrive together. It is not simply an office but a living story of craftsmanship, patience and the timeless dialogue between history and modern design.

www.kpln.ru | @kpln_architecture