KAMBANITE /07
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Investor: Private
Area: 719 m2
Status: Design Phase
Directory: Houses
House /07, The House in the Forest is a refined expression of harmony between architecture and nature within the Kambanite Housing Estate — a residential development of ten unique single-family homes, each defined by its own spatial logic and architectural character.
Located in the picturesque Pancharevo area, the estate offers calm and seclusion while remaining close to the city. The master plan minimizes road infrastructure to preserve the existing vegetation and maintain the natural environment. Shared streets ensure a balanced coexistence between pedestrians and vehicles. Sustainability is at the core of the concept — the houses are built with energy-efficient materials, and the landscape design reinforces the ecological integrity of the site.
The northern section of the plot features a sharp elevation change and dense evergreen vegetation, shaping both the spatial logic and the atmosphere of the house. The program defines two levels — one partially embedded in the terrain — with access provided from the higher part of the plot.
The building mass is divided into smaller, interconnected volumes linked by vertical and horizontal circulation. This approach ensures maximum natural light, preserves existing trees, and integrates the structure seamlessly within the forest. The entrance and living area are designed with increased ceiling height, becoming architectural focal points that define both the interior and exterior character. A veranda extends from the living zone, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and framing the surrounding nature as part of daily life.
Positioned at the forest’s edge, the house opens completely toward the greenery. The lower level contains service and functional areas, while the upper volume floats above the slope, accommodating the private quarters and garage. From here, the residents enjoy panoramic views toward Sofia and the mountain ridges beyond.
As daylight fades, the house transforms into a calm retreat — a quiet dialogue between the treetops and the open sky. The elevated structure creates a sense of levitation, fulfilling a simple but universal idea: to live among the trees and fall asleep beneath the stars.
The House in the Forest embodies the essence of the Kambanite Housing Estate — architecture that listens to its environment, preserves what matters, and redefines comfort through clarity, balance, and belonging.