Private Residence

Sofia, Bulgaria — Residential Architecture

A Home Shaped by Its Surroundings

Lax Design designed a private residence for Dimiter Voutchev on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The house offers stunning views of Vitosha Mountain from its rooms, terraces and private spa, which features a traditional Finnish wood-heated sauna.

The residence seen from the side, with pine trees and the mountain ridge beyond

Private Residence, Sofia, Bulgaria

Client: Dimiter Voutchev | Location: Sofia, Bulgaria | Design: Lax Design / Asko Lax

Architecture That Lets the Landscape Lead

The existing garden, mature vegetation, curved access road and mountain views defined the starting point for the architecture.

Rather than competing with the site, the residence was positioned and shaped to preserve its character and allow the surrounding landscape to remain the leading element of the project.

The main rooms, terraces and spa are oriented towards the scenery, creating a continuous relationship between architecture, garden and mountain landscape.

“The project was unique because the entire setting had gradually taken shape over the years—only the house itself was missing.

A road curved gracefully around the hilltop, and the site already featured a lush garden with hundreds of established plants and trees. There was even a pool reflecting the snow-capped mountain beside the place where the house was envisioned.”

Asko Lax
Architect

A Finnish Detail in Sofia

The private spa includes a traditional Finnish wood-heated sauna, bringing a distinctly Nordic element into the residence.

Double-height living room with a fireplace and timber wall and ceiling surfaces

The residence at dusk, framed by the surrounding hills

Front elevation of the residence in the evening

Terrace and glazed facade of the residence at dusk

Upper hall with a glazed lift and herringbone timber floor

Timber-lined stair hall with a glazed lift

Kitchen counter with windows framing the winter garden outside

Dining area beneath a timber ceiling, opening towards the snow-covered garden

“We both wanted the exceptional scenery to play the leading role in the project. Asko Lax approached the challenge with vision and skill, while showing great respect for nature.

After an intensive design and construction process, we can now enjoy a home that blends naturally into its surroundings.

A number of people have visited the house – Bulgarian and foreigners: American, Japanese, German, British and Swiss. Everybody was amazed by the architectural design, the functionality of the house and how it fits the natural environment on the site.”

Dimiter Voutchev
Client

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