Monochromatic interior

The project involves a complete interior and exterior transformation of an existing hotel in Plovdiv, formerly known as Hotel Nord.

 

Design Approach

The building is located in a key area near the International Fair. The neighbourhood is characterized by solid facades and inner courtyards at the back of the properties. Previously, the hotel’s inner courtyard was enclosed by a solid roof, creating a low-ceiling dining area that lacked natural light. The goal of the project is to modernize the look and branding of the hotel so that it reflects the new values it stands for.

 

Context Integration

The building aims to establish a conceptual connection with its urban context and become an elegant and contemporary place for relaxation. The façade is radically redesigned, while preserving its original geometry. More specifically, the white colour lightens the building’s heavy appearance, which is dominated by solid walls. Vertical aluminium profiles add depth and dynamism to the facade, breaking its monotony. Additionally, hinged panels in front of the windows will be placed in order to filter light into the interior and enhance the facade’s dynamic composition.

 

Material Palette

The sense of spaciousness in the courtyard is improved by replacing the bulky roof with glazing. Within the interior, the design draws inspiration from the timeless architecture of ancient Plovdiv. Light shades and a dominant white colour help visually expand the spaces, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere throughout the hotel. The interior is designed as a bright, monochromatic space, with dynamic contrasts achieved through a variety of textures that provide a rich tactile experience. The surfaces range from smooth to highly textured, referencing the local syenite stone found at the hills of Plovdiv. Traditional lime mortar, a material dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras, is used for the flooring and some of the furniture pieces, adding an homage to the architectural heritage of the city.

The house is located near the Black Sea town of Sozopol and is situated on a plot with a panoramic sea view.

The project involves the partial reconstruction and complete visual transformation of an existing house. The old house was built around 15 years ago in a style imitating the Sozopol vernacular, in its architectural features and materials: A multitude of inclined roofs with tiles, facade planking and tile cladding, bay-windows and arches.

The wish of the client wsa to achieve the exact opposite effect: A contrasting, memorable, minimalistic, and contemporary architecture. The biggest challenge of the project has been to reduce as much as possible the cluster of geometries and to emphasize the constructive principle of the building by making some spatial and organizational improvements of the interior.

The guiding idea of this project has been to create a light, elegant and ethereal atmosphere, dominated by the sea view and the constantly changing colors of the surrounding nature. Both the interior and the exterior have been designed in nuances of white, with the only colorful touch being the works of art present in the house.

The three-story house has one big common area, which includes a living room, a kitchen, and a dining room. There are also four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two wc as well as storage and service rooms. The furniture, with plastic, abstract, and non-standard forms has been carefully selected to create the overall feeling of being inside an art gallery. The courtyard has various relaxation areas, each with its unique qualities, facilitating diverse experiences of the outdoor space.