The MD Penthouse forms the uppermost layer of MD House, a residential project by NiMa Design in Sofia, Bulgaria. Set directly beneath a sharply pitched roof, the space demonstrates how complex geometries can be transformed into functional, serene living environments through careful planning and material discipline. Angled ceiling surfaces finished in smooth white plaster create sculptural lines that define the interior. To counterbalance this geometric intensity, walnut flooring, wall cladding, and integrated furniture establish visual rhythm and maintain continuity with the material palette of the wider home.
Integrated architecture for reduced waste and increased longevity
Sustainability in the penthouse is approached through design integration rather than add-on technology. Built-in cabinetry, desks, shelving, and the custom TV surround are fabricated from FSC-certified walnut veneer panels, reducing the need for separate furniture and limiting material redundancy. By merging furniture with architecture, the interior avoids disposable elements and instead establishes long-life, repairable components.
The bathroom, partially enclosed with glass, continues this strategy by eliminating unnecessary partitions and extending shared daylight. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting while keeping the plan compact and materially efficient.
Thoughtful lighting and low-energy systems
Custom black geometric lighting fixtures fabricated by a local Bulgarian manufacturer are positioned to highlight structural transitions while minimising glare. Each fixture uses long-life LED modules to reduce operational energy use. The attic envelope is upgraded with continuous mineral wool insulation beneath the roof structure and high-performance triple-glazed skylights to stabilise temperatures year-round. Together with the project’s whole-home heat pump system, the penthouse maintains comfortable living conditions with comparatively low operational demand.
Material efficiency and reduced embodied impact
Material selection throughout the penthouse prioritises durability, locality, and reduced embodied carbon. The exposed brick accent wall uses salvaged Bulgarian clay brick from the original house renovation, avoiding new manufacturing emissions and reinforcing a tactile connection to the building’s past. Natural walnut, lime-based plaster, and ceramic finishes provide breathable surfaces that age well and require minimal maintenance.
Relying on fewer synthetic materials—particularly by avoiding vinyls, laminates, and solvent-heavy coatings—supports a healthier indoor environment and reduces off-gassing. Nearly all finishes use water-based sealants and low-VOC adhesives.
Light, warmth, and environmental responsiveness
Daylight plays a fundamental role in the spatial composition. Soft curtains modulate brightness while maintaining thermal stability and sloped skylights introduce indirect illumination that reduces reliance on electric lighting during the day. Warm wood surfaces absorb and reflect light gently, creating a balanced interior microclimate that supports comfort with minimal mechanical intervention.
