Chapter 33

The Bear Stew is Now My Story 33

033 I will pour everything into this / Ruins

The architects were Maxim Bailingkin and Aleksandr Rozenkov, who were famous during the Soviet Union era.

However, even 3,000 households seem insufficient.

"Then, how many households do you think would be appropriate?"

In response to Nikolai's question, Maxim, who had more experience, answered.

"The Chairman said that this would be the face of Unicorn Construction's first apartment complex, and that it should be built properly. I think 5,000 households would be appropriate."

5,000 households?

Even in South Korea, known as the "Republic of Apartments," this number of households is rare.

The largest in South Korea, Helliocity in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, has 9,150 households.

2nd place: Park Rio in Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu (6,864 households).

3rd place: The Residences in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu (5,678 households).

4th place: Residences in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu (5,563 households).

5th place: Olympic Athletes' Village in Oryun-dong, Songpa-gu (5,540 households).

Building such a large apartment complex in a place adjacent to Ussuriysk and Vladivostok?

The population of Ussuriysk is 170,000.

Vladivostok has a population of 930,000.

Combined, it's 1.1 million, which is not a small number.

Considering the population drawn from the two cities, people migrating from other regions, and factory workers, 5,000 households might not be too many.

Nikolai thought for a moment and then made a decision.

"Alright. Let's go with 5,000 households."

With the number of households decided, the next step was to determine the number of floors.

Russian apartments are "standardized apartments" that were mass-produced to solve the housing problem during the Soviet Union era.

These are called "Khrushchyovka" or "Brezhnevka," and most are five-story buildings.

Given the vast territory, this was how they were built, but it didn't make the complexes particularly pleasant.

In fact, they were even more cramped than Korean apartments.

They were far from comfortable.

Moreover, all parking spaces were on the ground, which made the situation worse.

"I would like to build a 35-story building. Is that possible?"

The tallest building built so far was a 22-story building that was briefly supplied from 1981 but then discontinued.

Thus, 35 stories was a height they had never experienced.

"There's a reason why we designed almost exclusively five-story buildings during the Soviet Union era."

"…?"

"At that time, Secretary Gorbachev said, 'Build as quickly as possible with the least amount of money,' so we had no choice but to build that way."

The two architects frowned, seemingly reminiscing about the past.

"Then, is it possible?"

"Raising it to 35 stories is not that difficult. However, it requires sufficient funding."

"That's not a concern. I plan to pour everything into this apartment complex."

With the number of households and floors decided, the next step was to determine the heating system.

"How do you plan to handle the heating?"

"I think central heating, as we've done before, would be best."

"I agree, but there's a part that needs to be done differently."

"What part are you referring to?"

"I won't install radiators in this apartment."

"If not, then…?"

"I plan to use floor heating."

"Ah! By floor heating, do you mean the Korean ondol system?"

Maxim's face showed admiration.

The heating systems in European countries, including Russia, were extremely inefficient.

In Korea, they heat the floor by warming the 'hot water pipes.'

However, in Russia and European countries, they use 'radiators' attached to the walls to warm the indoor air.

Using radiators makes the floor cold, so the solution was to use carpets and slippers.

Radiators also have a significant drawback in that they cannot maintain cleanliness.

In Korea, where carpets are rarely used, a considerable amount of dust is still produced daily. How much more so in countries that use carpets but do not clean them daily?

Moreover, in some countries, people enter their homes with shoes on.

This is a health issue, so Nikolai wanted to introduce floor heating.

Surprisingly, Maxim, a Russian engineer, knew about the ondol system.

"Do you know about the ondol system?"

"I've used it in Sakhalin before, and the floor was really warm."

"It's also very healthy."

"I agree."

"Even with central heating, each household should be able to adjust the temperature individually, including the rooms."

The Russian central heating system is warm when the heat is on but quickly becomes cold when it's off.

For this reason, many Russians catch colds not because of the cold weather but because they catch a chill while sleeping.

"There's a specialized company in Korea called 'Kyungdo Boiler.' Contacting them should solve the problem. I'll contact them in advance."

"Understood. This will be the first time introducing such a heating system in Russia, and I'm already looking forward to how people will react."

They will probably be amazed.

Once Russians experience the ondol system, they won't be able to use radiators again.

"Also, make the ceiling height as high as possible. The walls should be thicker than usual to improve insulation and reduce noise. You know better than anyone how problematic noise was in old apartments, don't you?"

"Ahem… I'm ashamed."

The two had designed a significant portion of the apartments during the Soviet Union era, which is why they were saying this.

However, there was no need to be ashamed.

They were given an insufficient budget, so they had no choice but to build them that way.

Nikolai listed the advantages of the latest apartment complexes he had seen in Korea.

1. Build several large daycare centers within the complex.

2. Construct an elementary school nearby.

3. Build a welfare center for the elderly.

4. Gym facilities.

5. Outdoor swimming pool (used as a skating rink in winter).

6. Security booths in each building (most do not exist in Russia).

7. Apartment management office (non-existent in Russia).

8. All ground space as parks.

9. Maximum use of insulation materials on the exterior walls.

10. Soundproofing on the floors.

11. Maximum distance between buildings: 80-120 meters.

12. Balcony width: 2 meters.

13. Underground parking.

14. Triple-pane PVC window system.

15. Built-in appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, electric range (induction).

16. Korean-style interior layout.

Nikolai drew a rough sketch of the latest apartment layouts he remembered from the future.

They decided to use German windows and bring in foreign experts for technologies not available in Russia.

"Make two types of floor plans: 115 square meters (35 pyeong) and 148 square meters (45 pyeong)."

Old Russian apartments were around 15-20 pyeong, so they decided to maximize the size.

At that time, the average Russian family had about five members.

35 pyeong: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

45 pyeong: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

The bathrooms were designed in the dry style to prevent moisture and mold problems.

"All interior decoration will be done by us."

"Do you mean we will do everything, not just the framework?"

"Yes."

In Russia, the framework is built, and the interior decoration is done individually.

There were many interior design stores in Russia, reflecting the Russians' preference for decorating their homes themselves.

However, this couldn't be accepted as is.

"If left to individuals, construction noise will continue for years."

"You're right."

"Create 30 different interior design options for each floor plan to give residents a wide range of choices. This should minimize complaints."

"That's a good idea."

When Nikolai thought about building the apartment complex, the biggest concern was how to handle the snow that would accumulate within the complex.

"I've thought about this deeply, and the only solution I could come up with was to use snowplows."

"No, when we use central heating, heat will enter the apartment complex through the ground. Why don't we use this heat to melt the snow within the complex?"

"Ah, that's a great idea…!"

"Is it technically feasible?"

"We need to consult with experts, but I think it's possible. What do you think, Alex?"

Alexander, who had been listening, also nodded in agreement.

"That's a brilliant idea. But how do you know so much about apartments? The things you've mentioned are things we, who have worked in this industry for decades, have never heard before."

"I have a great interest in living spaces and have studied apartments in various countries in depth. That's why I have many ideas."

"Even so, this level of knowledge…"

As Alexander tried to say more, Maxim waved his hand.

"Why are you questioning him so much? If the boss builds such a good apartment complex, it will benefit everyone."

"…"

Ashamed by Maxim's reprimand, Alexander closed his mouth.

"We also need to build 'dachas' near the apartment complex."

"Oh, that's why the land around the apartment complex is so large?"

"Yes. Without dachas, the apartment complex might feel cramped. People need to be able to grow vegetables and relax there when they have free time."

Nikolai discussed these ideas with the architects, maximizing the advantages and eliminating the disadvantages.

* * *

As the Ussuriysk industrial zone began to operate, the area became bustling with people.

There were 55 Korean meat processing companies, and the number of employees exceeded 10,000.

The biggest inconvenience was housing.

Most employees lived in Ussuriysk and Vladivostok, so it wasn't a major issue yet.

However, as more Korean companies entered and the number of employees increased, the problem would grow.

Therefore, the apartment complex had to be built.

Meanwhile, Nikolai was visiting the new U-Mart construction site in Moscow with his father, Ivan.

"Building two more will bring the total in Moscow to five, which should be perfect for now."

"For now?"

"When people's income levels rise, we'll need to build more."

"I see."

"How is the St. Petersburg site?"

"Are you asking me to report now?"

Ivan laughed and asked, and Nikolai smiled.

"You're in charge, so who else would I ask?"

"It's going well. The mayor is helping a lot, so there are no major issues. How about the Ussuriysk industrial zone and the apartment complex?"

"Korean companies are contacting us after hearing the news."

"It's probably because of the tax benefits. President Yeltsin designated it as a special economic zone, so the tax breaks are significant. Once an FTA is signed, even more companies will come."

"That's true, but they also considered that the products made here can be sold to China via land routes."

"That's a good point. Even though China's economy isn't as strong as Russia's, with a population of over 1 billion, it's a market that can't be ignored."

Nikolai, who hadn't seen Ivan in a while, asked about everything he was curious about.

"How is the internet network project progressing?"

"We started in Moscow as you suggested, but it's costing a lot of money."

"This is an investment for the future, so it can't be helped. A little more investment will yield results."

Installing an internet network is essential for the black hole to function.

That's why Nikolai paid close attention to this aspect.

"Since it's a long-term project… but why did you send Denis to the UK?"

"To set up an investment company."

"An investment company?"

"Yes, I need someone to take responsibility for my business abroad."

Ivan stared at Nikolai.

"Your achievements at your age are already impressive, and you're thinking about something else. I don't know what's in your head."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"By the way, I met your uncle Sergei a few days ago."

Sergei, who was one of President Yeltsin's closest aides, had considerable influence.

With the financial support of Yuri Yuspakov, his influence grew even more, making him one of the core figures among Yeltsin's closest aides.

"Sergei said that he didn't understand why you and I were close to Yeltsin at first, but now he understands. When you have time, meet him separately. He has a lot to say to you."

"I will