Completed in 2026 by NiMa Design, Oborishte 26 is a contemporary residential building located in the historic Oborishte neighbourhood, in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria. The project replaces a deteriorated Brutalist structure from the Socialist period, using the character of the former building as one of the starting points for the new design. Rather than erasing the site's recent architectural history, the project reinterprets its Brutalist qualities through a contemporary residential language.

The architectural form is defined by an interplay of rounded and angular volumes. The curved forms take inspiration from the rounded corners found throughout the historic buildings of the neighbourhood, while their robust and sculptural expression references the strong massing of the former Brutalist structure. The volumes are split and recessed to create intimate outdoor spaces, moments of privacy and a more varied relationship between the building and the street.

The design brings together two distinct architectural layers of Oborishte: the historic character of the neighbourhood and the Brutalist identity of the building that previously occupied the site. Rather than reproducing either language literally, the project translates their defining qualities into a new architectural expression. Rounded corners and softer geometries respond to the historic context, while the strong massing, deep reveals and sculptural composition reinterpret the solidity and monumentality associated with Brutalist architecture.

Brick forms the primary façade material, providing a tactile connection to the surrounding residential fabric while complementing the building's contemporary geometry. The material gives warmth and texture to the robust architectural form, while the curved surfaces and recessed elements create changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. The resulting façade is deliberately sculptural, balancing solidity with openness.

A central principle of the project is spatial flexibility. The building uses a load-bearing façade structure, allowing for large column-free spans within the apartments. This structural strategy creates open-plan interiors that can be adapted to the individual needs of future residents without being constrained by a rigid internal structural grid.

Generous windows bring natural light deep into the apartments and establish visual connections with the surrounding city. High ceilings and loft-like layouts further enhance the sense of volume, creating airy and adaptable living environments. Recessed terraces and outdoor spaces are integrated directly into the building's massing, providing privacy while maintaining a connection with the urban surroundings.

Two underground levels provide parking for residents, allowing the above-ground architecture to remain focused on the residential programme and its relationship with the street.

Oborishte 26 is conceived as an addition to an urban context shaped by multiple architectural periods. By combining references to the historic character of the neighbourhood with a contemporary reinterpretation of its former Brutalist architecture, the project establishes a dialogue between Sofia's architectural past and its continuing transformation.