2. Urban Villas
Buildings with point access, freestanding,
low and medium rise
Main advantages
This residential form fits to human scale and maintains high
dwelling standard in a typical urban environment. It provides
favorable values of the P/F factor (length of facade/ 1 sq. m
built area), favorable conditions to use all geographic exposures
(facades in all directions), helps to preserve open spaces
provides a range of opportunities to create green spaces and to
improve the urban environment.
Urban areas of application
This form is universally applicable – in the central parts of cities
and towns, in the outskirts, in traditional urban blocks, as well as
in the housing estates (stambeni kompleksi). It has no special
requirements for the exposure and the slope of the site.
3. Urban Villas
Buildings with point access, freestanding,
low and medium rise
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan
Floor area – about 200-250 up to 450 m2 (usually 2 to 4 apartments on
a floor)
Compact form (dimensions in the 2 directions do not differ much)
Exposure requirements
This housing form uses all exposures (geographic directions) with the
stair-case arranged to the north, sometimes to the west or in the
core (unutrasna)
Types of dwellings
Mainly apartments with 2 neighboring exposures, sometimes with 3
exposures, rarely with 1 exposure. Often duplexes are arranged on
the last floors.
Typical rise (number of floors) (spratnost)
3 to 4 storeys, rarely 5 storeys
Typical number of dwellings in a building
6 to 16 dwellings (stanovi)
4. Urban Villas
Buildings with point access, freestanding,
low and medium rise
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans Relatively small structural limitations with regard to spatial structure
and functional organization, as well as to dimensions of spaces.
Certain flexibility options and some opportunities to change the floor
plans especially on the last floors.
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.20 – 0.25
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms)
and scale of architectural means Plasticity of architectural
volumes in 2 directions is possible, human scale is a typical feature.
This housing form is well fitting in the environment
Connectivity to open environment
favorably, very well (but indirectly) connected to open environment
Features of residential environment
Abundance of open spaces and greenery options
5. Residential Towers
Buildings with point access, freestanding
high-rise
Main advantages
This residential form maintains good quality, hygienic conditions
and high dwelling standard combined with very high residential
densities. It provides access for large groups of inhabitants to
centrally located urban areas, saving all opportunities for
sunlight, abundance of open and green spaces. One important
specific feature of this housing form is that it is an expressive
architectural sign and serves as a landmark in the urban
landscape.
Urban areas of application
In the central city areas and in the central parts of the housing
estates (stambeni kompleksi). It has no special requirements
neither to the exposure, nor to the slope of the site, but its
requirements for large spaces / area of the site are compulsory.
6. Residential Towers
Buildings with point access, freestanding
high-rise
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan
floor area – usually 350-400 to 800 m2, sometimes over 1000-1500
m2 (from 4 to 6-8 dwellings per floor, sometimes 10-12 or more)
Compact or star-like form of the floor plan – balanced to the
geometric center
Exposure requirements
This housing form uses all exposures (geographic directions). The
stair-case is arranged to the north, sometimes to the west. Тhe liftcore with the installation packs and the landing (on each floor) are
situated in the center of the floor plan (the core)
Types of dwellings
Apartments with 1 exposure or with 2 neighboring. Often duplexes
or penthouses are arrenged on the last floors.
Typical rise (number of floors) (spratnost) – from over 8 floors, very
often up to 20 floors, in some cases 50-60 floors
Typical number of dwellings in a building - from 30 to 100-150 (200)
7. Residential Towers
Buildings with point access, freestanding
high-rise
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
Maximum/ rigid structural limitations, repeatability is compulsory,
Changes in the floor plans are accepted only in the last floors.
Limited flexibility options – only if complying with structural
axes
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.12 – 0.20
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms)
and scale of architectural means
Too large, inhuman scale of the architectural means, however, highly
expressive. Some potentiality for plasticity in 1 or 2 directions. Highly
expressive landmark feature (the 3rd direction)
Connectivity to open environment
Very well (but indirectly) connected to open environment – maximum
contact with the open space.
Характеристики на жилищната среда Abundance of open spaces, sun light and greenery options
8. Urban Block Structures
Buildings with point access, grouped
low, medium and high-rise
Main advantages
The low and medium rise urban block structures provide good dwelling
quality in a traditional urban environment with high density. The highrise urban structure provide access for large groups of people to central
city areas. A very important advantage is the relevance to the
historically formed structure of urban property. Another important
advantage is the potentiality to use efficiently all exposures (unlike the
corridor buildings), however with bigger building depth the P/F factor
significantly deteriorates.
Types of structures
Types of buildings
medium rise
high-rise
row building
corner building
Urban areas of application
Mainly in central city areas and in the traditional parts of towns. It has
no special requirements to the exposure or the slope of the site. The
urban- block structures well fit bith larger and smaller urban plots.
9. Urban Block Structures
Buildings with point access, joined in rows
medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan –
mainly rectangular form (depending on the form of the plot) with
dimensions: 10-12 / 12-18 m if the long axis is E-W (east-west); 12-14 /
12-18 m when the long axis of the building is N-S (north-south).
Exposure requirements
this housing form is efficient with all exposures (geogr, directions),
however, it is more efficient when the long axis is N-S. The stair-case
should be arranged to the north or to the west.
Types of dwellings
mainly apartments with 1 or 2 opposite (suprotni) exposures. Apartments
with 2 neighboring exposures – in the corner buildings. Often duplexes are
arranged on the last floors, 1-exposure duplexes are more efficient and
more typical.
Typical rise (number of floors)
either 4-5- or (rarely) 6 floor buildings – medium rise. The high-rise
buildings are usually 8-10-floor high, but in very large cities 15-18 floor
high buildings might be typical.
Typical number of dwellings in a building – for medium rise- 8-10 to 20
dwellings; for high-rise- 20-30 to 50-70 dwellings in a building
10. Urban Block Structures
Buildings with point access, joined in rows
low, medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
rigid structural limitations, repeatability is compulsory, Changes in the floor
plans are difficult to implement, except for the last floors. Limited flexibility
options, though changes in the structure at different floors are possible.
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.12 – 0.15
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms) and scale
of architectural means
Human scale is typical for low & medium rise, but the scale of the high rise
buildings is often inhuman.
Plasticity is possible in only one direction (except for the corner buildings).
Due to the area of application plasticity is limited by rigid standards.
Connectivity to open environment
For the low-rise buildings connectivity is comparatively good, but for the highrise – rather negative
Features of residential environment
The main problem of the high-rise urban block structures is the loss of open
space. Besides, small-scale common property is a problem for improvement
of back yards, maintenance of green spaces, etc
11. Section (traktovi) Structures
Buildings with point access, grouped in rows
low, medium and high-rise
Main advantages
The section structures provide for good dwelling quality in and hygienic
living conditions combined with medium to higher or in some cases
extremely high residential densities. They provide for efficient use of all
geographic directions and relatively favorable values of the P/F factor,
and good quality of residential environment with a lot of open and green
spaces. Besides, they are applicable to combine the advantages of
traditional urban structures (street + backyard spaces) with the of
favorable features of the housing estates (residential complexes).
Types of structures
Types of buildings
low and medium rise
high-rise
row building
corner building
Urban areas of application
They are most widely spread in the housing estates (residential
complexes), but are well efficient in traditional urban blocks too. They
have no special requirements to exposures, neither to the direction or
the steepness of the slope of the terrain. However they are more typical
for "green field" developments.
12. Section (traktovi) Structures
Buildings with point access, grouped in rows
low, medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan –
compact usually rectangular form with dimensions 10-12 / 18-22 m if the
long axis is East-West, 12-14 / 18-22 m if the long axis is North-South.
Exposure requirements
This residential form uses efficiently all exposures, however it is more
efficient if the long axis is about North-South. The staircase is on the
North or West facade.
Types of dwellings
Apartments with 1 exposure or 2 opposite. Apartments with 2
neighboring exposure in the corner section. Duplexes are often
situated on the last 2 floors.
Typical rise (number of floors)
The medium rise buildings are 4-5 - 8-floors. High-rise buildings are 1215 to 20 floors in some cases up to 25 floors
Typical number of dwellings in a building – for medium rise
buildings: from 15-16 to 25-30 dwellings in a section; for high rise
buildings : from 30-40 up to 70-80 dwellings in a section
13. Section (traktovi) Structures
Buildings with point access, grouped in rows
low, medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
Relatively rigid structures, particularly the high-rise buildings.
Repeatability is compulsory. Some flexibility can be achieved on
the last couple of floors
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.15 – 0.18
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms)
and scale of architectural means
The scale of architectural means is human for the low-rise
buildings. Plasticity is possible in only one direction (except for the
corner buildings), yet plasticity potentiality is better than that of the
urban block structures.
Connectivity to open environment very good, favorable indirect
Features of residential environment plenty of open spaces and good potentiality for greenery.
Favorable residential environment
14. Corridor Buildings
Buildings with linear access at each floor,
low, medium and high-rise
Main advantages
The main advantage of this residential form is that by the means
of standardized dwelling options it maintains good dwelling
conditions and good dwelling standard. It provides access for
relatively large groups of people to the advantag4s of a specific
urban situation (central location or favorable exposure, etc). the
quality of the environment is better than that of the urban block.
Last but not least, it is suitable for industrialized methods of
construction.
Types of buildings
1-sided corridor (vanjska galeria)
2-sided corridor (double-sided, double-loaded) (unutrasna
gal.)
corridor not on every floor
Urban areas of application
This housing form is applicable in any urban zone and in any
urban conditions, but the requirements to the geographic
direction and the exposure of the slope are very strict,
especially, for 1-sided corridor buildings.
15. Corridor Buildings
Buildings with linear access at each floor,
low, medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan –
Building depth: for 1-sided –10-11 m; for 2-sided – 12-16 m; for highrise 2-sided – 14-18 m
Building length – for low-rise - up to 35-40 m for the building and up to
150 – 200 m for the structure (row); for high-rise up to 35-40 m
Exposure requirements
For 1-sided the long axis of the building can be in all directions from NE
through South to NW. For 2-sided buildings the positions of the long
axis from SE to SW are excluded.
Types of dwellings
Apartments with 1 exposure, and only for the corner dwellings - 2
neighboring exposures. Duplexes are applicable on the last couple of
floors .
Typical rise (number of floors)
low and medium rise. – 3-5 (up to 8) floors; high-rise – 10 to 15 (up to
20-25)
Typical number of dwellings in a building – for 1-sided - from 25
to 60; for 2-sided - from 30 to 80 (up to 100), високо-етажни – up to 200
dwellings (in some cases – up to 250)
16. Corridor Buildings
Buildings with linear access at each floor,
low, medium and high-rise
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
Very rigid structures – more rigid than the section
structures. Repeatability is compulsory. Some flexibility can be
achieved on the last couple of floors
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.13 – 0.15
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural
forms) and scale of architectural means
Plasticity is possible in only one direction (except for the corner
parts of the building.
The scale of the architectural means depends on the rise – for
low rise buildings human scale is typical, while for high-rise the
scale is often inhuman
Connectivity to open environment good indirect connection
Features of residential environment Relatively good potentiality for open spaces and greenery
17. Terraced Buildings
and Hill Structures
Main advantages
These housing forms are meant to combine the comfort of the close
contact with nature and the advantages of single-family housing, on one
hand, with, on the other, the advantages of multi-family housing and
relatively high residential densities. This is achieved by the help of
modern technologies based on a rather complicated terraced building
structure. This housing form provides very favorable values of the P/F
factor and for abundance of open spaces and greenery options.
Типове
Terraced structures on steep slopes
Hill-type (hill-like) structures and high-rise terraced buildings
Urban areas of application
These structures are not easily applicable in central / traditional urban
areas, however, they are suitable for any parts of the housing estates
(residential complexes). They have strict requirements to the exposure
and the direction of the slope of the territory and to the size of the plot
(the development site).
18. Terraced Buildings
and Hill Structures
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan –
For terraced structures on steep slopes – building depth – 8-15 m. Length of
the building row – 40 to 100-150 m
For hill-like and high-rise terraced – building depth of the lower floors – 1218m for 1-sided and 24-30 (35+) for 2-sided, building depth of the upper
floors – 7-10m.
Length of the building row – 40 to 100-150 m
Exposure requirements
Except for E, S, W exposure the structures on steep slopes have no other
specific requirements.
The terraced and especially the high-rise buildings are applicable exclusively
with E&W exposure – the long axis of the building – in N-S direction.
Types of dwellings
Mainly apartments and maisonettes (duplexes) with 1 exposure.
Typical rise (number of floors)
For terraced structures on steep slopes – usually 5-8 rows,
For hill-like structures – 4-7 floors.
For high-rise terraced 10 to 15 (18) floors
Typical number of dwellings in a building - from 10-15 to 40-60 dwellings
19. Terraced Buildings
and Hill Structures
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
Different plans at different floors are widely applicable. The
complicated building structure is a typical feature of this housing
form.
Typical values of the P/F factor values of 0.20 – 0.25 are typical, however for the lower floors of the
high-rise buildings the values are – 0.12-0.15
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms)
and scale of architectural means
These structures are exceptionally plastic in all directions. All types
of terraced housing are characterized by favorable human scale.
Connectivity to open environment very strong direct
connection
Features of residential environment These structures are exceptionally suitable to provide plenty open
spaces and greenery options.
20. Duplex and Combined
Structures
Main advantages
These housing forms are meant (like the terraced forms) to combine the
comfort of the close contact with nature and the advantages of singlefamily housing, on one hand, with, on the other, the advantages of
multi-family housing and relatively high residential densities. However
the duplex and combined structures aim to achieve the above goals
without unreasonably complicated building structures.
They provide for favorable values of the P/F factor and for best
opportunities for open spaces and a lot of greenery.
Типове
Duplex (naisonette) structures
Combined structures (combinations of duplex and terraced str.)
Urban areas of application
Applicable mainly in the housing estates (residential complexes), in all
their parts, but they can also be build in traditional blocks and in central
areas, if sufficient plots are provided. Applicable on flat terrains mainly
and usually the long axis of the structure (the housing row) is in N-S
direction.
21. Дуплексни и комбинирани
структури
Spatial and architectural features
Typical form and dimensions of the floor plan –
For duplex structures – building depth – 8-15m; for the lower floors of
combined structures – 15-24m, and for the upper floors – 7-12m.
Building length (length of the housing row) – 40 to 100-150 m
Exposure requirements
The duplex structures are relatively universal for most directions.
1-sided combined structures are universal, while 2-sided structures
require long axis in North-South direction.
Types of dwellings
Exclusively duplexes with 1 or with 2 opposite directions.
Typical rise (number of floors)
For duplex structures– 3-5 floors,
For combined structures – 4-6 (up to 8) floors
Typical number of dwellings in a building For duplex structures– по 2 мезонета в ос (стъпка), по 10-30 оси
в ред/ низ
For combined structures – from 30-50 to 150-200 duplexes
22. Дуплексни и комбинирани
структури
Spatial and architectural features (continued)
Structural limitations, Repeatability of floor plans
Variety of floor plans, very flexible, however reasonable repeatability is
typical, in order not to make the structure too complicated.
Typical values of the P/F factor 0.18 – 0.25 depending on the building depth
Plasticity options (potentiality for plastic architectural forms) and
scale of architectural means
Excellent potentiality for plasticity in all directions.
Both the duplex and the combined structures are characterized by
favorable human scale
Connectivity to open environment strong direct connection, though depending on the design-plan
Features of residential environment
Extremely favorable features providing for abundance of green and open
spaces
