Within the urban fabric of Burgas, Bulgaria, the Marina Burgas Residence Apartment unfolds as a singular residential floor, which has been re-imagined as a multi-layered dwelling. Occupying a single floor, this 750 sqm project redefines the traditional apartment block, crafting three distinct living spaces that cater to the nuanced needs of a multi-generational family. It navigates the complexities of multi-generational living, articulating three distinct apartments that prioritise both individual autonomy and familial connection.

The design probes the potential of spatial organisation and material expression to create a nuanced and comfortable domestic environment, while also challenging the conventional notion of a single apartment, instead layering individual homes within a unified architectural language.

The project’s core concept revolves around the creation of three distinct living units. The principal residence, designed for the parents, acts as the central node. This unit embodies a generous open-plan layout, emphasizing shared spaces and communal living. It consists of a flowing layout that seamlessly integrates living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Complementing this are two secondary units: a 2+1 apartment for the daughter and a 1+1 for the son, each offering more compact, independent living spaces. Each apartment, while adhering to the project’s overarching material and spatial language, is tailored to the specific requirements of its residents, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of individual lifestyles and domestic needs.

The spatial journey through the main residence is a carefully choreographed sequence of experiences. Entry into the central living zone, flooded with natural light, marks the beginning of a tactile exploration. From this core, private spaces, including ensuite bedrooms and a study, radiate outwards, offering moments of retreat.

The use of materials plays a pivotal role in delineating these spaces and enhancing their tactile qualities. Serpegiante marble flooring provides a cool, smooth base, while dark warm grey marble accents define focal points. Generous use of natural walnut timber, finished with a dark brown varnish, is evident in wall claddings, doors, and flooring. This timber application creates visual warmth and tactile richness, contrasting with the smooth surfaces of the marble and the subtle textures of light beige wallpapers. Feature walls, adorned with artwork and patterned finishes, add layers of visual depth, while velvet-textured taupe fabrics introduce a soft, tactile element to the furnishings. This deliberate interplay of textures and materials creates a rich, sensory experience, enhancing the spatial perception and comfort of the inhabitants.

Each space within the main apartment is designed to engage the senses through a carefully curated selection of textures. The living area, with its expansive windows and open layout, is defined by the warmth of timber flooring and the visual interest of feature walls. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, maintains this tactile richness, with timber elements and patterned wall finishes creating a cohesive aesthetic. The bedrooms offer private sanctuaries, incorporating soft velvet upholstery and textured wallpapers to create a sense of comfort and intimacy. The study, a dedicated workspace, balances functionality with visual appeal, incorporating timber elements and subtle textures to foster a productive environment. This consistent application of visual and tactile textures ensures that each space contributes to a holistic and engaging living experience.

The Marina Burgas Residence Apartment demonstrates a considered approach to residential design, navigating the complexities of multi-generational living with sensitivity. The design aims to orchestrate a domestic experience, resulting in a calibrated ecosystem of dwellings that caters to the diverse lifestyles of its inhabitants.

This project serves as a compelling exploration of residential architecture, where individual autonomy and familial connection coexist in harmonious tension. In its entirety, the Marina Burgas Residence Apartment represents more than a mere division of space; it is the considered spatial articulation and material sensitivity in shaping the lived experience that provides a blueprint for contemporary multi-generational living.