KArin Dom (Competition)

 TYPE \ Centre for children with disabilities (Karin Dom) STATUS \ International Architecture Competition COMPLETED \ 2020 LOCATION \ Varna, Bulgaria

On approaching the design for the new Karin Dom Centre, it was apparent that the project needed to be a celebration of spaces for children and families.  Combining the comfort and intimacy of a domestic scale ‘home’ for the Karin Dom community and a beacon of power and creativity for the Foundation and its users.  

The building form is a response to keeping the existing trees on the site, organising the complex functions of Karin Dom, and promoting playfulness and movement. This, combined with an ephemeral architecture gives a sense of calm and embraces nature in the way it is given rather than trying to change it. 

At every opportunity nature has been brought into the project through internal and external courtyards, roof terraces and views of the extortive retained trees from all rooms.  This connection with nature promotes a healthier balance in the space and a sense of holistic privacy for families using Karin Dom, from the outside world - allowing them to spend quality time in a nurturing and professional environment without the gaze of the City outside. 

The organisation of the building proposal responds to these themes. A series of pavilion like CLT and curtain wall structures, have been proposed, which allow function to be separated into three main departments, which are connected by a secure reception space. At all times, retaining interconnectivity through fully covered glazed circulation area and walkways which take advantage of the nature and courtyards to provide restful and calm communication points between different areas.