TP-RP 2820 is the former building of the river port's transformer substation on Nizhny Novgorod Strelka (Spit) that is a unique geographical and historical territory at the confluence of the rivers Oka and Volga.

This building was built around 1930, when the Gorky river port was being formed — warehouses, cranes and other technical facilities were built. The port was demolished in 2010-s, only a few buildings were left on the territory: metal pavilions called «pakgauzy» — now they have an exhibition and a concert hall; filtration station (an object of cultural heritage) and several other structures including this transformer substation.

In 2021, «Institut Razvitiya Gorodskoy Sredy Nizhegorodskoy Oblasty» (IRGSNO) — Institute for Urban Environment Development of the Nizhny Novgorod Region — created the concept of Strelka activation to open the territory for all citizens and tourists. The former harbour area has become a real urban discovery. Now the Spit is a spacious public space, accessible to all.

The concept of transformer substation revitalization is created as part of this great work. The concept is implemented together with Nizhny Novgorod eparchy and supported by the government of Nizhny Novgorod region.

The concept of transformer substation preservation and adaptation is based on a combination of  industrial history and spiritual aesthetic as a reminder of lost port's industrial heritage and as a dedication to the iconographic and restoration culture of Nizhny Novgorod region.

This is reflected in the different types of spaces, decoration and design of the parts.

For example — single «cells» in the former technical alcoves, benches for collaborative meals and a big dining table inlaid with Strelka's history.

When updating the transformer substation, the shape of the building was carefully preserved and the elements found on the building's interior (posters, tablets) were used.

All the furniture — wooden, metal — and metal lamps are made by the individual author's design of IRGSNO Architects. Wooden furniture is made of natural wood by the workshop of Nizhny Novgorod eparchy. And most of the surface of the walls and the ceiling is covered in textured white stucco.  

One of the main interior elements — polyptych with the stages of writing icons from preparing the board to the final stages, that is created together with the icon painting workshop of Nizhny Novgorod eparchy.

The ascetic aesthetics is supported by minimalism in detail and laconicism in colour. The industriality of the interior is emphasized by the chosen materials: drab concrete floor, bar counter, some lamps and toilet wall decoration are made of scrap steel.

The two aesthetics are united under the theme of Light: internal and external, energy and natural, industrial and spiritual.

The sun moves during the day getting at first into the space of single niches, where the engineering equipment and flush doors used to stand. Now, instead of doors there are openings and instead of walls — windows inviting the light indoors and offering views of the Spit. The warm, natural light passes through both rooms in the afternoon hitting into the stained glass of the main entrance and through the central arch.

When it's dark the cafe's team turns on the artificial light. The brightness of all the lights can be adjusted and customized for different events and occasions. Any zone can be dimmed or turned off or, on the contrary, highlighted.

The area around the building is also landscaped on the concept of IRGSNO. 

The total land area is 447,4 meters squared, the total building area is 99,93 meters squared.