The skating rink by the sea in the Sevkabel space PORT is a small temporary seasonal project within the large-scale transformation of the territory of the historic Sevkabel manufactory (Siemens & Halske), located on Vasilyevsky Island.
© Grigoriy Sokolinsky
The structure of the rink derives from seaside location as well as from the industrial context. Almost rectangular ice field is tightly fit between the fence and the existing industrial building.
© Grigoriy Sokolinsky
In the center of the rink, preserved trees form a small round island, that naturally divides ice into several zones. At ground level, the ice field is connected with the existing building, where rental and locker rooms are located.
© Grigoriy Sokolinsky
In order to preserve the access to the embankment from the inside of the complex, a bridge was mounted over the ice exit, which not only connects different areas of Sevkabel PORT, but also serves as a viewing platform for observing skating rink and a picturesque sea panorama.
© Grigoriy Sokolinsky
Materials and constructions are simple yet effective – wooden pine planks are used for cladding the external structures, while the interior of the rental pavilion (a part of the former factory hall) is mostly arranged by corrugated galvanised iron and preserved original texture of the workshop. Bright neon infographics contrast the restrained nature of the rink’s architecture.
Project Info
Architects: AB CHVOYA
Area: 2000 m²
Year: 2020
Country: Sankt-Peterburg, Russia
Photographs: Grigoriy Sokolinsky
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Adobe, Trimble
Design Team: AB CHVOYA
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.