61466 | 4 Aug. 2025 | 11:36

We have climbed vertical greenery in dozens of buildings - green facades and roofs, living green walls inside the building, courtyards on the first floors, eco parks

 My ideal home is one that connects people with nature and with others. It should facilitate and strengthen these connections, as they bring the most energy and joy into our lives.

 This is according to architect Vessela Mirkova, co-founder, chairman of the board and majority owner of one of the most thriving construction companies in Bulgaria - ARTEX ENGINEERING AD.

 The client nowadays, not only in our country, is no longer impressed by walk-in closets in the apartment, for example. But do you know what excites them? When they see that they will have a garden on their own terrace, bike lanes leading to the park, a green roof. Or that the window frames are of such quality that the glass reacts to sunlight, regulates its flow, saves resources, protects fabrics and carpets from fading, and what else, says the businesswoman, whose inspiration has led to the creation of tens of thousands of sunny and cozy homes. 

 Arch. Miryanova has a sleek philosophy of continuous development, endless competition with traditions and the best global examples, and the belief in God, who guides our actions. "Historical memory, faith, and culture reach us thanks to their material carriers, which we must preserve. Spirituality needs its visible, tangible, and accessible spaces for everyone."

 And what drives her spirit to only look forward? "My main driving force, the impulse in my work, is the conviction that what we do at ARTEX has meaning and value for our clients, for the company itself, and for society as a whole. My engine is powered on one hand by faith in the team, and on the other by the joy and satisfaction I see in the people living in our buildings. That is why the key word, in my opinion, is development, not necessarily change."

   - What does the concept of "sustainable home" mean to you, arch. Miiryanova, what are the main principles in sustainable housing construction and which construction and design trends do you think will remain permanent? 

 - There are internationally recognized standards for a sustainable building, which are used in the certification process.  However, I would like to address an aspect that is as well known as it is neglected in the realization of a building: its adequacy to the geographical and climatic characteristics of the terrain, to the historical and cultural context even.

 It is easier to transfer the concept of a building "through nine countries in the tenth", but in this way, with solutions found for a completely different terrain, it will put pressure on its surroundings, it will work against nature, instead of working together with it.

 Resources, orientation, forms of building structures, and materials should be optimized according to the local climate, solar exposure, winds, soils, and topography. We cannot solve every problem with air conditioning and we should not overlook common sense - our own and inherited from our colleagues in history, before rushing towards technological solutions.

 Builders in the distant past did not think they were creating a "passive cooling system", but the badgirs in Central Asia were exactly that. These towers captured even the slightest breeze and directed it towards the interior with special devices.

 A Renaissance house in Koprivshtitsa or Tryavna is organically integrated into the slope, with the first floor made of stone and the second, wooden. The bay windows, of course, face south. The balconies, walls - everything is an example of intelligent blending with the environment: sparing, cost-effective, and healthy.

 
 One example from our practice can be the high-rise buildings "Diamond" and "Diamond 2". We searched for a location of the buildings that would simultaneously offer views of the mountains and capture the maximum amount of daily sunlight. The ventilated facades with stone use thermal inertia to provide optimal comfort and resource-saving. With these buildings, we have also introduced a recuperative system in our country, which ensures clean mountain air, adding another advantage to the terrain.

  And in general, in sustainable architecture and responsible construction, looking into, listening to, studying historical experience, and competent implementation of current technologies can lead to the best for the present and the future.

  - You say that sustainable architecture means "listening to the environment", connecting humans with nature. How can this be achieved?

 - As we know, there is no universal recipe, but there are many possibilities, and the best part is that they are increasing every day.

 Since the establishment of ARTEX more than 30 years ago, we have been taking advantage of every opportunity for "green intervention" in the building and its surroundings. From the very beginning, we decided that maintaining every square meter of greenery in a residential building is expensive, but it will always be worth it. Even with the biggest limitations on the terrain, we have always created green areas. We have turned vertical greenery in tens of buildings - green walls and roofs, living green walls inside the building, courtyards on the first floors, eco-parks.

 The client today, and not only with us, is no longer impressed by the furnishings in the apartment, let's say. But do you know what excites them when they see that there will be a garden on their own terrace, bike paths to the park, a green roof? Or that the windows are of such a quality that they react to the sun's rays, regulate their flow, save resources, protect fabrics and carpets from fading, and who knows what else.

 I hear this question more and more often: "How green is this apartment" and mostly from people who have studied and lived in countries with a high social awareness of the issue. I have also noticed that IT specialists are particularly interested in these systems and technologies that not only guarantee excellent microclimate, but also promote responsible eco-behavior. Today, the question of the ecological and environmentally friendly nature of housing is answered with facts about systems, technologies, and certifications.

 I believe that a green building, whose benefits have been experienced by all who have entered it, will inspire even more green buildings. For example, I am pleased to present to our clients the "Zephyr and Emerald" building, which is the first green terraced terrace in our country and has the first rotary photovoltaic system in the Balkans. When the residents step out onto their high floor terrace, they will enter their green home and be able to sit under the shade of trees.

 And of course, ARTEX designs new buildings where nature will be at home with you.

  - In this sense - what would be your ideal home, oriented towards a long and healthy life?

 - Green and inclusive.  An ideal home, according to me, is one that connects a person with nature and with other people. It should facilitate and strengthen these connections because they bring the most energy and joy to our lives.  

  Do you notice how our idea of an ideal home has changed in the last few years? Perhaps the push for this radical rethinking came from the pandemic, as we realized how suffocating it can be to live in isolation and how much we need greenery and space.

   The design, size, location, and type of home can vary greatly depending on personal taste, needs, and budget, but if it meets these two conditions, not only will it last a long time, but it will also ensure longevity and a fulfilling life for its inhabitants.  

  - What do you mean by an "inclusive home"? Hospitable?  

  In recent years, there has been a gradual return to living together with different generations. On one hand, the reasons are economic. Not only in our country, but many young people leave their homes later on or return to them after studying elsewhere. With the increase in life expectancy, many elderly people also need the closeness of younger generations.

 If we get rid of the cliché that there is nothing better than independence, understood almost as isolation, we can see the benefits of this living together. Let's take for example the exceptional stress that young mothers, and young parents in general, are faced with. This could be reduced with the help of the older generation. Functional schemes can be found where different generations live under one roof, but more often in close proximity.

  This will provide autonomy and optimal contact opportunities. On the other hand, especially since the pandemic, working from home and online learning are not exceptions. This means that the home must accommodate more people at the same time and be very flexible in responding to what is required of it: to be a home, an office, a school, a place for play, for parties or even a spa.

  The task for architects and builders today is precisely to offer, guarantee and unquestionably protect personal space, the relationships of people in one home, its functional load, and the feeling of harmony for everyone at home. Because a good home is first and foremost a place where people communicate easily and willingly, where they share their excitement and have a sense of security.

 - What advice would you give to those who want to buy a home with the future in mind?

 - First, they should look for quality. It has no substitute and there are no "extras" that can compensate for shortcomings in it. One way to check the quality is to look at past projects of the respective company, especially those buildings that are more than 10-20 years old.

  Second, they should research the potential of the area. For example, we know that in Sofia, access to the metro is an excellent indicator, but there are also others. I would also keep an eye on where companies with a strong presence in the real estate market are planning to build.

 Third, they can come to ARTEX and dump their basket of all their housing desires. You will be surprised at how many things, which may seem fantastic to them, are completely achievable with their trust and our possibilities.

  - Which project brings you the deepest feeling of satisfaction?

  - "Enlightenment". Today, in response to this question, I would definitely point to this eco-settlement near "Kambanite". It consists of nine single-family houses in rustic and neo-rustic style and implements a holistic and detailed concept of a nature-oriented way of life.

 "Enlightenment" combines so many things that the demanding client desires today: a "village-like" life for children, but with quick access to the city center; a house in a standalone building with a yard, but in a protected environment with excellent noise barrier; lush vegetation and cost-saving technologies; options for enjoyable and useful free time.

 Here, natural, non-toxic materials are everywhere and can first be seen on the facades of wood and stone. Removing car access to the outskirts of the complex, underground parking - all of this removes cars from sight and even from thoughts. Instead, one can enjoy taking care of their body and mind with exercises in the outdoor gym or relaxation in the thermal pool.

 "Enlightenment" not only uses the resources of its environment, but cultivates it carefully and enriches it with selected types of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The designers prioritize the task of ensuring maximum percentage of greenery in the eco-settlement. And for energy conservation, of course, we rely not only on optimal placement of buildings and other proven practices, but also on current technologies like Smart Power.

 - Is this how you envision the homes of the future in 20-30 years - with increasingly invisible technologies?

  - Yes, it seems to me that the vision of the home of the future, inspired by the aesthetics of a spaceship, already looks almost comical. There will be advanced technologies, of course, but their presence will be discreet and, indeed, invisible.

  Our homes will increasingly take care of our senses, offering us natural materials, colors, forms, sounds and even scents.

 In the spirit of biophilic design, the transition from indoors to outdoors will be seamless, as the home will be viewed more as an extension of the natural environment rather than isolated from it. The facade will naturally "breathe", and the windows will be able to darken or illuminate, responding to the sunlight. Fresh vegetation will take over buildings with green facades and roofs, gardens on terraces, and living walls of vegetation in the interior.
 

This apartment will be part of an ethical building that will collect and treat rainwater, produce energy with solar panels to be shared with public spaces and will ensure the recycling of waste.  

 However, I feel that twenty to thirty years is too much time, considering the rapid pace of architecture and construction today. They fly by. So we will have such homes much sooner.  

 - In such conditions, one would live healthier and longer, but how do we prolong the life of the buildings themselves today? And how to consume fewer resources? What innovations in construction technology could achieve this?

   - There are so many, but I can give two or three examples. Let's take the type of concrete we are currently working with, Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM). He guarantees the most efficient and sustainable waterproofing of this material in the world. In fact, this eliminates the need for additional waterproofing care. KIM is a hydrophilic, crystalline mixture that stops water from passing through concrete, adds durability and longevity, and protects it from chemical attack and corrosion of the structural reinforcement.

 Since I mentioned Smart Power, let me clarify that this is a compact system resembling a flower, which, like a sunflower, follows the sun with its "leaves" (solar panels) and can generate up to 40% more energy than fixed roofing panels with the same power. It also has a long life, as it self-cleans and cools. In addition, it is easy to install, directly on the ground, and with its attractive appearance, it fits perfectly in any environment.

  The window frames have jumped light years in just a decade. With their triple sun protection packages, they are a factor in regulating temperature and light, significantly reducing energy costs. They are also durable against hail and strong ball impact; they react like a skier's visor to changes in lighting. They have a low solar factor, but high light transmission and improved sound insulation parameters. The new generation of window systems invisibly incorporates amazing technologies into a crystal clear view.

  - If one of the main criteria for investing in a luxury apartment is a beautiful view, how does your company address this issue in Sofia?

  - With a wide range of apartments with stunning views available. Buildings of ARTEX ENGINEERING AD face towards Vitosha, Borisova Garden, and the Hunting Park, towards green forests and gardens. We carefully select plots in Sofia and capture the beautiful view with the well-thought-out placement of the building, sometimes with a tiered construction, with its high floors that reveal a panoramic view of Sofia.

 I would like to remind you that the view includes not only the horizon. The enhanced environment of our buildings, special eco-parks, or maintained green areas around the building, as well as vertically, are also part of this view.

 In a big city, the beautiful view does not only include greenery, of course. The urban landscape relies on inspired architecture. The most attractive cities in the world are easily recognized by their skyline, by their silhouette outlined in the sky. In this sense, ARTEX ENGINEERING JSC strives to participate in the creation of the unique panorama of Sofia in the 21st century.

 - What are the fundamental principles that ARTEX ENGINEERING JSC invests in its projects and long-term strategies?

 - Companies and individuals are faced with the question: "Do I choose to grow?" Both in the business world and in our personal development, we can choose the comfort of staying the same, living well, and not annoying others.

 At ARTEX ENGINEERING JSC, we have chosen to grow with all the risks and responsibilities that come with it and always based on continuous and comprehensive quality. We are expanding our portfolio with increasingly larger and more challenging projects, which allows us to grow as a presence and impact in urban environments. In fact, we do not miss the chance to grow with each project, as we strive to invest something different in each one: technologies, facade solutions, parking optimization, energy-saving systems or breakthroughs in unexpected windows and skylights. "The client always has the right to... happiness"

  - this is how we at ARTEX ENGINEERING LTD. add to the well-known phrase. As professionals, we often know before the client what will bring them positive emotions and comfort: for example, improved microclimate parameters, impeccable sunlight or a green roof. So the question is not only to meet the requirements, but to offer the optimal solution. "When negotiating a deal, I want to make sure that the client's satisfaction is no less than mine as a representative of ARTEX ENGINEERING AD. I also expect this from our team. I view the deal as building a bridge, not as an opportunity for a flashy, one-time strike. Nothing can be built with strikes.

 - What is your main motive when constructing temples and reconstructing cultural monuments?

  - We are able to do this and we feel obligated to do it. This is our way of expressing gratitude for all the good we receive and doing something good for everyone. Historical memory, faith, and culture reach us thanks to their material carriers, which we must preserve. Spirituality needs its visible, tangible, and accessible spaces for everyone." For example, the foundation "Our home is Bulgaria" of architect Plamen Pl. Miryanov, together with architect Fargov, is dedicated to restoring part of the architectural heritage of Melnik, known as "Little Jerusalem" because of its many churches and monasteries. No one wants it to fall into ruins and oblivion when it can be given new life.

 - Which of your beliefs do you not give up?

  - My main driving force, the impulse in my work, is my conviction that what we do at ARTEX has meaning and value for our clients, for the company itself, and for society. My engine is fueled, on one hand, by faith in the team, and on the other hand, by the joy and satisfaction I see in the people living in our buildings. Therefore, the key word for me is development, not necessarily change. I do not seek it for its own sake. As early as 1993, The principle of planned and sustainable development was established in ARTEX, and although our current buildings do not replicate the first ones at all, it can be seen that careful steps have been taken instead of hasty jumps in search of direction. I believe that we work more easily and effectively when our own criteria are higher than external ones.

 Therefore, our principle is to exceed expectations and surprise with our proposals. For example, no one expected us to have green roofs decades ago, nor does anyone now say: "If the apartment doesn't have an air purification recuperator system, I'm not interested."

 At the moment, we are patiently promoting natural materials such as wood, clay, and sheep wool for construction, insulation, and finishing activities, although we know that for many, the answer to everything is concrete. We realize that we can achieve, for example, the homes of "Zafir § Emerald", without making the first green terraced building in the Balkans with unique landscape projects around it, but we ourselves need this achievement.

 
 - Let's imagine that we can peek into the future and walk around Bulgaria in 2035. What kind of buildings will we see then, how will the sector have developed?

| - Architecture has always expressed the values of society. Today, the harmony between humans and the environment is not just significant, it is essential. Caring for the planet is the highest expression of humanity. Restoring the broken connections with nature, taking care of its resources and renewing them - this cannot be done without the contribution of architecture and construction. I believe that if a building does not preserve its environmental resources, if it does not find a way to make the lives of the people inside it greener and healthier, it will not be perceived as an achievement.

 I am convinced that after a decade, buildings will be green and autonomous, certified for reduced carbon footprint and increasingly energy independent from the city's infrastructure systems. They will generate energy to meet their needs, and the excess will be given back to the environment according to its needs, i.e. self-sufficient but caring. They will be immersed in greenery, even when they are in the heart of the big city. With mountain-fresh air inside the homes, provided by systems like the recuperator which we are already implementing. They will be inspiring teachers of ecology.

 "The famous saying by Churchill that we shape our buildings and afterwards they shape us also applies in this aspect. Architects and builders have the honor and responsibility of incorporating principles of living in the home that subtly encourage the green conscience of the people inside it. The buildings will be even more diverse and daring. Contrary to many futuristic visions with their grand yet somewhat uniform aesthetics, I believe that the future lies in the exceptional variety of forms, volumes, proportions, colors, textures... This will be a result of listening to the individual preferences of clients, competent combination of all possible materials with a preference for natural ones, and breaking away from many of today's stereotypes about housing.  

   ARTEX ENGINEERING AD Founded in 1993."

 In Sofia, a fully Bulgarian construction and investment company in the highest segment of the real estate market. It designs and implements residential and administrative buildings, private homes, and hotels. It also builds temples and reconstructs cultural monuments. With inspired architecture and responsible, energy-efficient construction, the company makes Sofia more beautiful and welcoming, affirms creative trends in our society, and serves the happiness of people.