NV Tower’s Crystal Gardens
The Crystal Gardens of NV Tower represent contemporary biophilic design – an architectural approach that fosters a connection between people and nature, bringing a sense of harmony and balance to the urban environment.
Where Work, Life and Nature Meet
Rising from the urban core of Sofia, NV Tower reintroduces nature into the heart of the city through a bold vision of vertical ecological living. With over 200 trees and thousands of plants embedded across its facades, terraces, and public grounds, the Crystal Gardens of NV Tower redefine the relationship between daily urban life and the built environment. For those who work in the building, the greenery at every level offers a refreshing counterpoint to the typical indoor workspace. Access to natural light, fresh air, and lush surroundings transforms the work environment into a more inspiring and health-supportive setting. At ground level, publicly accessible gardens, a plaza, and seating areas provide moments of pause and connection for residents, employees, and visitors - blurring the boundaries between work, leisure, and nature.
Nature-Inspired Design
The design evokes a deep connection with nature, especially with the nearby Vitosha Mountain, while reflecting a wider vision to wave natural landscapes back into urban life. Inspiration and symbolism were drawn from nature—specifically from the complex geometric forms of natural crystals and the bold silhouettes of mountain peaks. Natural crystals captivate with their sharp geometry, compositional integrity, and intricate internal patterns, while alpine summits impress with their dynamic upward thrust, steep ridges, and sculptural profiles. Vegetative volumes are integrated into the building’s appearance in the form of intensive green roofs located on every floor, creating the sensation of “green lava” gently cascading from the top of the tower down to the landscaped ground plane. The building transforms into a kind of vertical park.
A Thoughtful Approach to Urban Greenery
Plant species and their vertical placement were carefully selected, considering terrace orientation, height, and wind tunnel testing. Evergreen trees form the structural backbone of the vegetation, providing year-round visual continuity and effective wind buffering. Deciduous species add seasonal dynamics with changing foliage, texture, and form. Shrubs, grasses, and perennials reflect the crystal-inspired aesthetic through curated color palettes and structural variety, creating unique “crystal gardens” on each level. To sustain this vibrant vertical landscape, specially engineered planters were designed to be deep and spacious enough for trees and large shrubs. Their irregular, crystal-like shapes enhance both aesthetics and structural integration. Lightweight metal substructures and cladding reduce load while ensuring a refined appearance. Each planter includes root-resistant waterproofing, thermal insulation, and a fully automated irrigation system embedded in the terrace floors - ensuring resilience and long-term plant health.
Green Spaces Beyond the Building
The landscape unfolds from the building into the public realm. Recognizing that green roofs alone cannot replace the social and climatic benefits of public green spaces, the project includes a richly planted garden surrounding the tower. Designed as an outdoor exhibition of rocks and minerals—reflecting the project’s identity - this garden is publicly accessible. The composition of the exterior spaces carefully balances form and function, creating a seamless transition between the architecture and its environment. Cascading greenery flows across vertical and horizontal surfaces, softening the building’s form and blending it naturally into the surrounding landscape contours. The walkway layout in the garden is intuitive and straightforward, designed to connect adjacent urban elements while supporting key pedestrian flows. At the main plaza, a dry fountain adds a playful and refreshing touch.
This project represents a forward-thinking response to urban density—preserving and enhancing the ecological value of city landscapes through intensive planting, biophilic design, and accessible green space.
