The Tin Woodman project is an attempt to breathe new life into the architectural image of Yaroslavl — a city where modern residential buildings often fade against the backdrop of historical heritage, offering neither expressiveness nor meaning. Inspired by the character of the Tin Woodman from The Wizard of Oz, this building becomes an architectural persona. On the outside, it appears raw and industrial, clad in corten and untreated steel — like the Woodman’s body before meeting the wizard. Yet behind this shell lies a story of transformation: bold, sculptural projections on the façade animate its plasticity, engage with the surrounding context, and mark key points of perception — especially the intersection addressed by the building’s most prominent cantilevered volume. These protrusions, almost figurative, narrate the process of gaining identity, presence, and soul.

The courtyard completes the story: a path made of yellow brick runs through it, leading to a quiet green zone — a metaphorical Emerald City. Architecture here becomes more than a backdrop; it turns into a fairy tale, where every element carries symbolic meaning. The ground floor is dedicated to commercial functions — perimeter glazing is concealed behind a corten-clad colonnade, creating a street-level gallery and emphasizing horizontal rhythm. Above, the residential floors offer various apartment types, from one-bedroom to three-bedroom units, thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort, sunlight, diversity, and visual connection to either the city or the courtyard.

Structurally, the building is based on a monolithic reinforced concrete frame with non-load-bearing outer walls. A warm underground parking level lies beneath the structure, accommodating not only cars but also a security post, heat distribution unit (ITP), water metering unit, and electrical room. All construction joints, materials, and technical solutions were selected with regard to the cold climate of Yaroslavl and the expected intensity of use. The façades combine durable and expressive materials: corten steel, which gains noble patina over time, and untreated steel, creating a contrast that reinforces the metaphor of inner transformation. This project demonstrates that even in a provincial city, architecture can speak, imagine, and shape a new identity for its environment. Tin Woodman is not just a residential building — it is a character, a narrative, and a potential catalyst for urban renewal.