As part of the European Embankment project in St. Petersburg, Erick van Egeraat designed one of 12 buildings for an urban ensemble created by Sergei Tchoban. Within a strict classical scheme of plinth, mid and crown, different architects are given the freedom to elaborate on material, texture and mass. The project base is a 7-storey residential building with small retail units at the ground floor level. This block is facing the main square with its building line on a large curve, which chains the volumes in a gentle line in this urban scene. The facade design is inspired by the architectural heritage of St. Petersburg in relation to its solid materials, appearance and sustainable value proven over the past century. The composition is made from two elements: natural stone plates and a cutting edge window system applied on a solid concrete structural base. The stone transforms at the first two floors into a more detailed relief structure, resembling the traditional socle zone. The variation of the closed and open parts on the elevation form a lively tissue while fulfilling all daylight and other various requirements for the housing. The texture also allows great flexibility in the use of rooms and gives every future inhabitant the possibility to form their own unique living environment. Erick van Egeraat’s design for the European Embankment mixed-use development strikes a balance between the rich cultural heritage of St. Petersburg and the contemporary appeal for change and growth.