The company's latest project is a step forward in developing the concept of vertical urban space utilization. The choice of location is not accidental: right in the heart of the Lozenets district, where the traditional apartment blocks of the 1950s and 1960s stand alongside the Japanese Hotel—a hallmark of avant-garde thinking from the 1980s.
ZLATEN VEK will rise in 29 floors, facing Sofia and the Vitosha Mountain. It will be a residential building where architects of ARTEKS ENGINEERING comply with the public expectations and professionally solve the task of the present to create a vision that both fits into the city silhouette and participates in its new modern look.
Each property in the building has a panoramic view in two directions, with spacious rooms and access to a recessed balcony. The 360-degree panoramic view of the last level (reserved for those living in the building only) is a true inspiration that expands the palette of perceptions and holds the breath.
Not only in ZLATEN VEK, but also in other projects implemented by the company, ARTEKS has built a fully integrated recuperation system with openings in every apartment. Recuperation is a process of controlled mechanical ventilation: the exhaust air from the rooms is removed and filtered so as not to pollute the external environment. Its temperature is used to heat or cool the outside air taken in. The two air streams never come into direct contact. This thermal interaction prevents energy losses
For the first time in the design of a residential building in Bulgaria was implemented a seismic analysis of the construction beyond the scope of EUROCODE, which seismic analysis fulfils the requirements of the Los Angeles High Rise Building Codes 2011, US. An analysis of the non-linear building behaviour was performed and the good behaviour of the building in a potentially catastrophic earthquake of 70% greater than the one foreseen by EUROCODE is guaranteed.
The company's green practices are particularly visible in this project. Again, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness are leading in the concept and further in its implementation. An example of that is the built-in rubbish chute on each floor that will make it easier for residents to automate the process of separate waste collection, a practice that every self-respecting modern person deems necessary; a small contribution to the conservation of nature.
Part of the urbanized space is the car overcrowded small land, surviving between blocks, streets, sidewalks and green areas. In the building, this case was solved by arranging parking spaces in three underground levels in the spirit of the state-of-the art building practices, thus providing life-saving care to the owners, their guests and the residents of the surrounding buildings.
An automatic fire alarm system based on an intelligent fire-alarm station is provided for the entire building. A dedicated water storage tank for firefighting is secured, equipped with two independent fire hydrant systems. The emergency announcement program activates during any critical situation, utilizing specially installed loudspeakers on every floor and within each property.
The facade system developed for ZALTEN VEK is specially sized for wind resistance and has undergone real-world load testing in a wind tunnel. This guarantees zero displacement even during extremely strong winds, ensuring that sound and thermal insulation remain flawless.
ZLATEN VEK is not only designed in strict compliance with Eurocodes for seismic resistance but also meets the most stringent Californian standards for this metric. The consultant is René Lagos, Chile, whose company has engineered numerous buildings that have already withstood powerful earthquakes. This means the expert structural conclusions are based on the actual behavior of real buildings under real conditions. ZLATEN VEK will be one of the safest buildings to reside in Bulgaria.
The museum will be featuring a hall displaying architectural models of iconic Bulgarian churches and monasteries from the times of the First Bulgarian Kingdom to the present day, replicas of the oldest church bells in Europe, found in Melnik, authentic ancient crosses and archaeological artifacts, a replica of the seal of St. Tsar Boris, copies of Glagolitic manuscripts, wax figures, an art gallery, a cinema hall, the Chapel of St. Tsar Boris, and a large spacious hall for cultural events.
A part of the aristocratic Lozenets quarter, the building employs all advantages of its communicative location. The transport and other infrastructure elements allow to both residents and visitors to feel the comfort of the quarter, inhabited for decades on end. The proximity of Vitosha Mountain, South Park and Knyaz Boris Garden proves that this location makes the dream of every capital city resident for relax and recreation come true.