A3 — Advanced Architecture Apartments are harmoniously incorporated into the context of their environment. Two starting points — the mountain and the city, set the overall architectural concept. The plot reserved for A3 is in the border area, where the city and the mountain overflow into one. Lines and clear borders are blurred in smooth and soft forms, allowing everyone to determine exactly where and how to perceive shape and space.

Situated in one of the most contemporary areas of Sofia — Bulgaria Blvd, A3 is designed to be relevant, contextual, and avant-garde. Some of the most modern and interesting buildings in Sofia are exactly here. On the other hand, a very dominant element of the environment is the mountain, peeking in the future building. The combination of these two powerful components results in a dynamic and modern shape of the building, without harming the function.

It is divided into five volumes, linked in a common ensemble that defines its final shape. Each of the volumes is outlined with soft and elegant forms that let everyone associate them with their own imagination. It is easy to correlate the elements to five mountain peaks or a silhouette of a family with three children, but the deeper concept is to stimulate you to define yourself as becoming involved with the building. To become the author of a new form, to be inspired.

The creation of A3 flows from the inside to the outside, the design strictly follows the function, which is the approach the studio considers correct for residential building design. The uncompromising function complies fully with the investor program. There are straight orthogonal forms in the layout, which bring comfort and flexibility to the interior space organization. The 100-meter-long building is divided into 5 blocks (entrances) each with its own vertical communication.

The first two sections - A and B — have two apartments on each floor, while V, G, and D entrances - three apartments on each floor. The small number of apartments per floor increases the feeling of luxury living and provide more privacy. There are 158 dwellings in the building, each with excellent function and favorable geographical position. Every living room is situated east-southeast, richly glazed, facing Vitosha Mountain and the cityscape.

The ground floor is designed for commercial use—shops with sizes from 50 to 100 square meters. Car parking is assured by two underground levels and the entire free aboveground area is planned for landscaping and recreation.

The design of A3 contains strict elegance and soft organic forms. The building is perceived equally well in the overall silhouette and from different angles. The feeling of elegance and sophistication is emphasized by the facade materials—glass and fibreC by Rieder. The glass is in two colors —transparent and Graffiti Lacobel.

fibreC is an innovative, high-technology material, made of glass-fiber concrete, which gives unlimited options informing. Besides aesthetics and functionality, the materials provide durability and easy maintenance of the building.

Awards
The 2017 American Architecture Prize—Residential Buildings

Datasheet   
Project name: A3—Advanced Architecture Apartments 

Client: Sofbuild

Architect: STARH
Main Contractor: Argogroup Exact

Program: Residential building 

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Built-up area: 31 218 m²

Completion date: November 2017

Photo Credits: 3 in Spirit

Manufacturers: fibreC by Rieder, Swisspearl, Reynaers Aluminium, Guardian Glass

STARH Stanislavov Architects

Аrchitectural studio STARH Stanislavov Аrchitects has been created with a devotion to a cause, which benefits the society and brings its team inner satisfaction.

The people at STARH embrace the mission to break through stereotypes with a fresh, different, and bold approach, expressed in strong and determined forms. 

There is a belief in the studio that the limits could be overcome with a spirit of creativity, innovation, and a sense of aesthetics. STARH’s works cover the spectrum of most major architectural challenges—from small, fine architectural edifices for private clients to large public projects. 

By welcoming them in new ways, putting passion and enjoying every step of the process, the design team changes and creates new dimensions in the surrounding environment.