LH residential building is situated in the historical center of Varna, Bulgaria. It is located at the corner of Slivnitsa Boulevard, the main pedestrian artery to the Sea Garden, and Stefan Karadja Street. The context of the building is quite vibrant due to many historical buildings which are present, as well as the dynamic city life of the city center. The conviction of STARH in contemporary architecture led the design approach into definitive contemporary expression, while walking the thin line between what’s modern and what’s contextual.
Being aware of its responsibility, the studio took the bold step to introduce a design that strengthens the characteristics of the past and add new qualities for the benefit of the future. The existing 2-storey building dates back to 1923. According to the Cultural Heritage Legislation it does not have “immovable cultural property” status, but does categorize as “ensemble importance”. Although the building is not a protected one, the concept of preserving its appearance and decorations is developed in the project for reconstruction and re-use.
Reorganization of the program and interior spaces is made. The building consists of four residential floors and a ground floor as a public space and café. The new design aims to distinguish itself from the existing one in a respectful manner. In this way the project is fair both to the past and to the present. The area envisions new urban planning regulations, where LH is the first one to be executed. Following the new restrictions of the lot, the architectural volume comes already predefined. A rigid grid is used for the façade in order to achieve harmony with the existing façade and not dominating it.
A suspended system from fiber cement panels is used on the façades and on the roof – that comes as the fifth façade.