RE:LIVE

Project idea

RE:LIVE reimagines obsolete infrastructure as a foundation for contemporary social housing. Instead of demolishing abandoned reinforced concrete sewer collector pipes, the project transforms them into modular residential architecture, extending their life cycle through adaptive reuse.
Located in Sofia's Hristo Botev district, Bulgaria, the proposal responds to an urban environment characterized by deteriorated housing, limited public spaces and social fragmentation. Guided by the principles of Reduce – Reuse – Recycle, RE demonstrates how existing infrastructure can become a valuable architectural resource while creating affordable homes and strengthening community life.
The cylindrical geometry of the collector pipes shapes both the spatial organization and the architectural identity of the project, proving that sustainability can become a driver of design rather than a constraint.

Project description

The residential complex consists of prefabricated housing modules created from refurbished reinforced concrete collector pipes. The modules are renovated, insulated and assembled off-site before being transported and installed on location.
The project is a three-storey residential development with a total building height of 13.25 m, comprising 29 residential units designed for different household sizes. The modular system allows flexibility and future expansion, while the stepped composition creates private terraces, improves natural daylight and provides generous outdoor living spaces.
The site has a building coverage of 1,691.9 m² and is organized as a network of housing, pedestrian routes and shared community spaces. Several independent entrances and vertical circulation cores ensure clear access and safe evacuation. Along the perimeter of the site, 29 parking spaces are provided, matching the number of residential units.
Beyond housing, RE introduces social spaces including an open-air cinema, children's playground, greenhouse, reading areas and social points. These shared facilities encourage communication, everyday encounters and community building.
By integrating infrastructure, housing and public space, the project creates a new identity for the site and transforms obsolete infrastructure into a sustainable environment for social living.

Technical information

The project is based on reinforced concrete collector pipes with an axis diameter of Ø4600 mm, forming the primary structural system. Residential units are organized using 3 × 5 m and 3 × 6 m modular configurations, allowing flexible apartment layouts and efficient spatial organization.
Each module incorporates an independent galvanized steel substructure supporting raised floors and suspended ceilings. Service zones between these layers provide easy access to mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.
Continuous thermal insulation follows the entire circular geometry of the pipe, improving energy efficiency while eliminating thermal bridges. The prefabricated construction process minimizes construction waste, shortens assembly time and significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to conventional housing construction.

Documentation

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