HO_RA: MANIFESTO FOR RESPONSIBLE ARCHITECTURE

Founded in 2018 in Sofia, Studio HORA is an award winning practice and research tribune that represents the collaborative work of architects Andrey Hodkevich and Vladimir Raynovski. 

We don't believe in the particularity of style or design. Instead we choose to follow principles or rules of our analysis and design that when connected to the demands of the client, the scope of the project and the opportunities of the site can create a unique spatial expression.

Architecture is a mirror. A mirror that reflects the conditions, philosophy and technology behind the society for which it was created. Unfortunately there is a strong imbalance between what our contemporary "spirit of the time" has to offer as technological opportunities and social problematics and what the architectural status quo provides in return. Market demand became a supreme architectural guide in the 21st century. Instead of being led by pioneering ideas, designers are hiding behind cover images, post-modern provocations, trends in design and the built environment.

We forgot that it is our responsibility to expand the horizon of what can be offered to society. This is where we find the starting point of HO_RA. We aim to balance between our desire to create a sustainable and responsible practice and our strive for research and investigation. We choose to tilt our mirror towards the brightest and most advanced technological achievements in order to provide innovative architecture and design that resonates with the opportunities of the ongoing Information Revolution. Our vision of architecture is all about creating designs that correspond not only to the assigned task but also address global issues that concern architecture and its surrounding fields. Living spaces whose dynamic and playful character can interact successfully with their user and the surrounding environment.

Ephemera 

This architectural experiment researches the possible interaction between contemporary philosophical, technological and architectural thoughts to discover new opportunities. Standing at the border between utopia and reality, it aims at a clear and realistic result inspired from conceptual ideas. The process of accelerating efficiency to achieve the same or more while requiring less is a necessary direction in the intention of maintaining a balance between a growing global population and decreasing resources. 

Interior HTPP 

A young Sofia family apartment in a Communist-era multistorey block building. Using functionalist design as a starting point, we created a balanced rhythm between the contrasting presence of natural wood and the openness of white latex paint. Mirrors on key walls and ceilings create the sense that the apartment is bigger while custom designed furniture divides the zones for a bright, open and harmonious environment. 

BS_257 

The project in Banya Village represents the idea of the traditional Bulgarian wooden house with the client's desire for timber-log architecture.

It consists of four small houses and takes advantage of the hot mineral spring on site. The plot is divided in two levels – a ground-floor garden patio with swimming pool and a garden terrace. Each house is heated by the mineral spring and is rotated in different direction to achieve individuality and a unique view. The interior provides direct access of sunlight to the common spaces, while the natural materials and finishes express our desire to achieve a sense of rural simplicity reimagined through the means of urban complexity.

Sofia, 89 Aleksandar Stamboliyski Blvd

phone: +359 887 886 169

www.studio-hora.com

www.ephemera.tech