A house for a Bulgarian student, inspired by research into Bulgaria’s architectural history

In 2022, my second year of Cibap during the study International Creative Business Development. I was connected to an international student from Windesheim.

This project centers on designing a small yet spacious house located on the urban fringe of Zwolle. Inspired by 18th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture, the home was created for a Bulgarian client named Stefana and her friend, blending traditional cultural elements with modern comforts.

The house features three storeys within a 15x15m footprint. It includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, two toilets, and a rooftop living room that opens onto a terrace overlooking Zwolle’s busiest street. The design emphasizes natural light, open space, and cozy living—perfect for two to three occupants.

Despite its compact size, the house feels open and airy, with large windows, warm lighting, and an open-plan kitchen with a bar counter. The use of stone, wood, and concrete pillars reflects Bulgarian heritage, while the layout supports modern urban life. The house also includes a backyard, bike access, and two private parking spots.

This project includes cultural and architectural research on Bulgarian design, interviews with the client, and the step-by-step development of the house design, from sketches to final feedback.