Ro is an apartment building (B+G+4F) built on Gliei Lane, in the Northern Area — an established residential area of Bucharest, next to the Pepiniera Nordului. Developed by SC RO SRL, the building inserts itself onto a small corner plot, alongside a construction already existing on the plot. In such a location, the value lies in the way the new building sits naturally into the context — exactly the theme PPAE addressed here. PPAE acted as General Designer.

Challenges

The land: a small and irregular corner plot (approx. 800 sqm), with two street frontages and already hosting an existing building (G+2F, housing and offices) which had to be preserved. The new building had to be slotted into the remaining space, respecting the setbacks and attaching to the party wall of a tall neighbouring office building. The context: heterogeneous surroundings — a kindergarten, a six-level office building — and the urban planning requirement that the new construction respect the general character of the area, without however dictating its form.

Solutions

The new building inserts itself alongside the existing one, at the regulated setbacks, without competing with it. The clearest contextual move concerns the street image: the regulations did not govern balconies, but all the surrounding buildings have balconies on the setback strip towards the street. PPAE read this rhythm and deliberately arranged balconies along one third of the length of each of the two frontages, for the unity of the area’s urban image. On the restricted plot, parking was resolved at basement and ground level, with separate accesses from Nisipari St. The building is designed to nZEB standard.

Result

For SC RO SRL, an apartment building well placed in a sought-after location in the north of the city, capitalised without forcing the land. For PPAE, the confirmation that the difference is made by contextual judgement — the careful insertion onto a difficult lot and the fine accord with the neighbourhood — not by spectacular gestures.

Do you have a small or difficult plot in an established area, where the new building must integrate flawlessly? The PPAE team can support your project from concept to completion. Contact us