Kliment Ivanov Architects

Location:

Ovcha kupel II Residential Estate,

Sofia, Bulgaria

Date:

2025

Gross Floor Area:

2 742 m2

Phase:

Feasibility Study

Design

The shape of the building is an antithesis of the prevailing architecture in the area, characterized by random cube-like structures. It consists of a single curved volume, with the curve emphasized by the horizontal white stripes on the floor slabs.

The idea was born in response to a current trend in residential buildings – to borrow the large glazing from office buildings, while at the same time solving the problems arising from this, namely – how to wash the large windows, how to provide protection from the sun, and how to ensure privacy. For example, in office buildings, cleaning is done at the same time for the entire building using special equipment or external companies; sun protection is not mandatory; and privacy is not required.

The building has fully glazed floor-to-ceiling exterior walls. To solve the problem of window cleaning, narrow balconies along the entire perimeter have been designed. This makes it possible to have large fixed sections that can be cleaned without endangering the lives of the owners. To solve the problem of protection from glare and overheating, as well as for privacy, there are external sliding movable sunscreen with horizontal shades. They allow the entire facade to be completely closed and isolated from the outside environment.

Thanks to the adopted solution, we created a dynamic facade which changes constantly in accordance with the weather or the moods of the inhabitants. We guarantee that you cannot take two photos of the building that are identical!  : )

Link to the interior project page: Ovcha kupel Apartment House Interior