Moreni Club Residence
Situated where the city meets the mountain, the open spaces of Moreni Club Residence tell the story of the place. They interlace the spirit of Vitosha Mountain into the everyday experience.
Design inspired by nature
The landscape design draws inspiration from organic forms found in nature, recreating natural shapes, patterns, and volumes. The open spaces are designed to feel alive, dynamic, and engaging for residents. Smooth lines and abundant vegetation contrast with the strict geometry of the architecture, emphasizing the dialogue between the natural and the built environment. The terrain is skillfully utilized, and engineering solutions—such as retaining walls—are softened and integrated with planting and vertical greenery. Vehicle movement within the complex is minimized: the internal streets are shared spaces with integrated green islands that naturally slow traffic, prioritizing residents’ safety and comfort while still allowing access to the buildings. The network of pathways ensures smooth, accessible, and convenient circulation throughout the complex. Paving is kept to a minimum, highlighting the richly landscaped character of the spaces. Surfaces are natural and permeable, allowing rainwater to drain quickly and soak into the soil.
Zoning and Program
The functional zones are clearly defined and diverse, supporting daily life, ecological health, and social well-being. Nestled among trees is a sports area with various courts and spaces encouraging active play and exercise. Throughout the complex, playgrounds with natural aesthetics and wooden equipment are placed, enhancing the organic, nature-inspired character of the environment. A dog-walking area is planned, visually and acoustically separated from the residential buildings by trees and shrubs, providing a safe and comfortable space for pet owners and their animals. Due to the proximity of the ring road, some noise and dust are present. To mitigate this, a buffer zone—a “forest habitat” with dense tree planting is located in the northern part of the complex, creating a forest-like atmosphere. This area provides dense shade in the summer months, acts as a barrier against noise and dust, improves air quality, and offers a calming environment ideal for daily retreats and mental relaxation.
The green heart of the complex
The central park zone forms the green heart of the residential complex. A large artificial lake, framed by appropriate vegetation, serves both ecological and recreational functions. It is part of the complex’s sustainable rainwater management system, with the capacity to store water for irrigation. Surrounding the lake are lawns, shaded seating areas, and children’s playgrounds, promoting both active and passive recreation in harmony with nature. The dense tree canopies and vertically layered planting create “outdoor rooms” and provide a rich visual experience.
Green space for everyone
The green areas surrounding the buildings and streets are designed as decorative entrance gardens, where ornamental grasses and shrubs accentuate the architectural appearance. Between the buildings, fully pedestrian spaces with lush planting provide visual and functional privacy for each residential unit, highlighted by tree-lined alleys that define the zones and create a sense of completeness. Each housing unit is complemented by a private garden, offering residents personal outdoor space while maintaining visual and ecological connectivity throughout the complex. These gardens provide quiet spots for dining, relaxation, or sunbathing, and soft planting separates them from shared areas, ensuring privacy without isolating them from the broader ecological context.
Ecological Corridor for Biodiversity
A future lift line will pass through the middle of the property, within an easement where buildings, structures, and tall trees encroaching into the air corridor are not permitted. This easement occupies a significant area of the property and was initially perceived as a “defect” in terms of investment and architectural planning. Through a detailed landscape architectural analysis, the space has been conceptually reimagined and given a new function, transforming it into a highlight with added value – an ecological corridor for biodiversity. Low-growing, native wildflowers and grasses are planned, capable of self-seeding, rapid growth, and minimal maintenance. This creates a dynamically evolving habitat for birds, small mammals, butterflies, and other pollinators. Bee and butterfly hotels placed within the corridor further strengthen the connection to nature, enhance its ecological value, and maintain a balanced ecosystem. The planned network of pathways within the ecological corridor is intended for pedestrian transit and to connect the two phases of the complex, with permeable surfaces designed to support soil cooling and water management.
Plant Diversity of Colors, Forms, and Seasons
The planting design is based on spatial dynamics, incorporating species with varied forms and seasonal qualities to achieve visual richness and biological diversity throughout the year. A diverse and resilient plant environment has been created, with over 1,200 new trees—both deciduous and coniferous—providing seasonal variation, shade, noise mitigation, and habitat diversity. Deciduous trees, selected for their strong aesthetic and seasonal presence, dominate the composition, while conifers provide year-round structure and function as visual and sound buffers. A variety of shrubs and perennial flowers enhance the organic aesthetic and create constantly changing layers of form, texture, and color. The plant palette includes species tolerant to drought and cold, suitable for challenging urban conditions, ensuring long-term sustainability. Over 35 tree species and more than 75 species of shrubs and flowering plants are planned, effectively supporting biodiversity and enhancing the ecological quality of the complex.
By embracing the site's natural topography, the project showcases a model for sustainable urban living - one rooted in place, responsive to the environment and deeply committed to the quality of life.
