I/O architects surrounds observation house in bulgaria with gabion wall

I/O architects surrounds observation house in bulgaria with gabion wall
image © assen emilov
all images courtesy of I/O architects

in an agricultural town in northeast bulgaria, local practice I/O architects has recently completed a private residence of considerable program that utilizes a creative concept and a juxtaposition of materials to provide full privacy and 360-degree views of the landscape. from the street, the majority of the house is understood as a massive rock cube comprised of large gabion walls. 

view from the neighboring prairie
image © assen emilov

only one small opening leads to the cave-like garage and entrance hall built of exposed concrete and glass. the ground level contains guest accommodations situated along the private southern façade where a larger linear opening in the stone wall exposes a long exterior deck for light and access to the expansive yard. above the gabion perimeter is an elevated patch of private green space that seems to end into the horizons.

image © assen emilov

at the center, a glass form is covered by a prairie-style metal roof with deep cantilevers. this area contains the social programs of the house where the owners would spend most of their time. elevated above the ground and located in the center of the building’s footprint means that from the street level this elevated yard becomes private, allowing the glass volume to enjoy panoramic views without being seen by the neighbors.  the interior is marked by wood siding from local timber to balance out the concrete interior of the ground floor, complemented by the natural light that comes in from the green rooftop.

a tall gabion wall forms a fortress around the home blocking views from the ground level
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

ground floor guest bedrooms enjoy a southern-oriented deck
image © assen emilov

central concrete garage illuminated by a large skylight
image © assen emilov

local wood clads interior surfaces
image © assen emilov

living area above gabion wall enjoys 360 degree views
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

kitchen
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

elevated yard creates a perimeter of privacy for the glass-clad living spaces
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

glass floor serves as skylight into the garage area
image © assen emilov

guest bedroom
image © assen emilov

bathroom
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

private pool
image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

image © assen emilov

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project info:

architecture: i/o architects, sofia, bulgaria
design team: viara jeliazkova, georgi katov, stefan apostolov
photographs: assen emilov
structural engineer: boris parvanov (strukto ltd)
location: northeast bulgaria
project: 2012-2013
construction: 2013-2015
gross floor area: 980 sq. m.
site area: 4640 sq. m.