Part II Portfolio - Gabriela Tancheva

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA A COLLECTION OF MY WORKS FROM 2021 TO 2024

Relevant Experience:

Software Skills:

Project Associate CAUKIN 07/2020 - 08/2022

Autocad SketchUp Rhino Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Enscape Lumion Handrawing

- Participated in building a café to provide a sustainable income source for the local village.

- Gained hands-on practical building experience in a real-world project.

- Acquired deeper knowledge of climate change and its impacts on the Pacific region.

GABRIELA TANCHEVA MArchD Graduate +44 7511 423 403 gabytancheva21@gmail.com 11 The Mews, Oxford, England

Part 1 Architectural Assistant, Hollaway Studio 09/2020 - 06/2022 - Created planning drawings and documents to support projects of various scales from stage 0-4.

- Ensured accuracy and compliance with project requirements and regulations.

- Developed 3D models and visualizations to illustrate and enhance project presentations.

- Utilized advanced software to create detailed and realistic project representations.

Education: My name is Gabriela Tancheva, an accomplished MarchD graduate based in Oxford. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kent (2020) and a Master’s degree from the Oxford School of Architecture (2024), where my Master’s Thesis was nominated for the Fielding Dodd Prize for overall excellence.

With nearly two years of industry experience, I have developed a strong passion for art and design, focusing on creating spaces that enhance people’s lives.

I excel in working with mixed media and digital software, consistently bringing innovative ideas to fruition. My dedication to sustainable design reflects my belief that architecture should improve lives rather than just contain them.

I am particularly passionate about integrating wildlife into urban environments and aim to influence and support new sustainable practices in this area.

I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to a forward-thinking team, driving projects that prioritize both human enjoyment and environmental sustainability.

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

MarchD Applied Design in Architecture Oxford Brookes University 09/2022- 06/2024 - Specialized in development and emergency practice, focusing on designing for developmental areas.

- Acquired extensive knowledge of international law relevant to development and emergencies.

- Developed skills in creating practical solutions for emergency situations.

Creative Reuse of Buildings (Second Year) -Focused on the adaptive reuse of buildings, emphasizing sustainability.

BA (Hons ) Architecture, University of Kent 09/2017- 06/2020 - Developed a strong foundation in the built environment and sustainability principles.

- Gained proficiency in critical thinking and building analysis.

- Acquired skills in time management and teamwork.

- Achieved advanced proficiency in drafting and 3D modeling.

Languages: Bulgarian

English

French

Other Interests: I am passionate about art and paint watercolour and oil almost every day.

Dance has been a big part of my life as I was competing for over 12 years.

I am a huge animal lover and love spending time in nature or with my pets at home.

Certificates: Young Ambassadors Forum Ministry of Foreign Affairs Romania Academic Peer Mentoring Scheme University of Kent Certificate for Accademic Excellence Mayor of Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

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Outline:

Content: MARCHD YEAR 1

1. MOO-BOO BUILDING SYSTEM Urata, Fiji

This portfolio represents a compilation of my work over the past three years, showcasing projects that highlight my growth and specialization in architecture.

During the first year of my Master’s degree, I focused on development and emergency practice, culminating in a project in Fiji aimed at addressing village relocation due to climate change. This experience deepened my understanding of the intersection between architecture and global challenges.

In my second year, my studio explored the creative reuse of existing materials and sites. Inspired by a Bulgarian artist known for his ascetic principles and reverence for nature, I undertook two projects that reflect a commitment to sustainable design practices and cultural sensitivity.

Throughout my Part One experience, I participated in numerous projects, selecting two that are featured here for their significant impact and personal involvement. My approach to each project is rooted in rigorous research and analysis, ensuring that my designs are not only innovative but also leave a lasting legacy.

2. SAFE HAVEN RETREAT Dartington, England

SMALL PROJECTS YEAR 2

3. BIRD NESTING BALLS Oxford, England

4. NATURE’S RECLAMATION Oxford, England

PART 1 WORK EXPERIENCE @ HOLLAWAY STUDIOS

5. ELWICK PLACE Ashford, Kent

6. WATERFIELDS Ashford, Kent

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MOO-BOO BUILDING SYSTEM

Urata, Fiji

Located on Vanua Levu island in Fiji, Urata is a small village that hosts 3 clans. Research shows that half of the village would be under water in the next 20 years and a plan for relocation would be necessary.

Mo-Boo Building system aims to create a soultion- a building kit of a movable structure that could be re-located when needed.

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4-6 women from the community involved

The system

IV

I

The frames are assembled on the ground. Additional storm-proof strapping must be added to the main connective joints.

Bamboo panels crown

fodder

top

poles

incorrect

correct

PREPARATION AND blinds, SELECRION middle upper mats fodder

top

poles

middle lower middle upper

blinds, mats

basecrown rhizome top middle upper

middle lower

Introducing a cost-effective housing solution for the South Pacific, which emphasizes adaptability to ensure affordability. Our modular housing kit is designed to be cyclone-resistant and can be easily assembled and modified to suit individual needs.

base rhizome

The frames are assembled on the ground. Additional storm-proof strapping must be added to the main connective joints.

II

DIMENSIONS: 2,5M X 5,20M COST: 1000 DOLLARS PER MODULE, 700 DOLLARS FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL MODULE. HOUSE COST APPROXIMATELY 3100-3800 DOLLARS (4-5MODULES) COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET 30% DISCOUNT ON KITS.

Frames are individauly lifted and held in place. Temporary bracing is to be used to retain them in place while the bamboo is secured to the foundations.

V

crown

fodder

top

poles

middle upper

blinds, mats

middle lower

beams, columns

base rhizome

columns handicrafts

incorrect

incorrect

crown

correct

beams, columns

fodder crown

poles

top

blinds, mats

incorrect columns handicrafts fodder

middle upper beams, columns

correct incorrect

mix 50% borax, 5

correct

poles blinds, mats

columns handicrafts

middle lower base rhizome

correct

beams, columns

middle lowercolumns beams, columns handicrafts base mix 50%columns borax, 50% boric acid rhizome handicrafts

DRYING

4,5M 1,2M

The second module is added and tied to the first one, creating a double truss and foundation, which will strenghten the structure even further.

5,2M

x6 men from the community involved

2,5M

III

Roof bracing is added to secure the modules in place.

Storm bolts are to be attached to it when the roofing material is added.

ASSEMBLY

VI The roofing and flooring are added when all modules are connected and secured in place.

Those can be a variety of materials, based on the local area.

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The Fishing Hut

Large doors are to be used at the back side to allow for views to the sea and to adapt the building into an open space.

Shopfront for selling the local catch of the day.

Storm proof shutters are to be bolted on the windows and locked when the building is not in use.

Fishing nets are dried and cleaned in the porch.

Shutters used as drying racks during the day.

The hut will face the main road that connects Labasa with Savusavu. It is an important place, as it can attarct people to use the fish store which will be placed in the hut.

The seperate floor structure allows for easier adaptation to new modules and also makes the structure easy to move.

Timber staircases are to be added and adapted to fit the height of the buildings.

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Stage 1 - Build

Stage 2 - Use

Stage 3 - Move In case of a flooding or other need for relocation the modules can be easilty dissasembled and moved. The qucikest option for it will be via a truck, which will allow for the sructure to be taken down with the framees in tact. All panelling will be untied and stacked while the roofing is being removed. The foundations are to be left in the ground and re-built on the new site.

1. All roofing and bracing is removed

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

2. The bamboo frames are detached from the floor

3. The modules are loaded and moved to a new location

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SAFE HAVEN

Dartington, England

Safe Haven is a transformative sanctuary dedicated to spiritual growth and communion with nature, inspired by the timeless elegance of monastic architecture. Nestled in a tranquil natural setting, the retreat features thoughtfully designed facilities to create a holistic and immersive experience for all visitors. The retreat is divided into three distinct quadrants: the Student Centre, the Pilgrimage, and the Temple.

The Student Centre offers comfortable and serene accommodations, fostering a sense of community and reflection, while serving as a vibrant gathering space for learning, meditation, and connection.

The Pilgrimage consists of meandering public pathways that weave through the lush landscape, inviting peaceful walks and contemplation. At the heart of the retreat stands the Temple of the Robin, the spiritual centerpiece of the sanctuary, symbolizing renewal and mindfulness.

Safe Haven promises a harmonious blend of spiritual teachings and nature, providing an ideal environment for personal transformation and enlightenment.

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The Cells

Proposed Site Section A A LOW SHRUBS TO ATTACT ROBIN BIRDS

TREES AS EXISTING

PROPOSED NATURAL SWIMMING POND

0

5

10

1. Study Area 2. Sleeping Area 3.Storage 4.Meditation space 5.Pop-out Balcony 6. En-suite

A

2.

These cells serve as sanctuaries for reflection and preparation, where one begins and concludes their daily journey and finds solace in solitude. Reflecting this ethos, the design incorporates natural, timeless materials like wood and concrete, emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of asceticism.

1.

1 3.

The room layout draws inspiration from the cells found in Cartusian monasteries, comprising six distinct areas, each tailored to a specific user function. Modernizing the concept of a “monastic cell,” these spaces feature fully equipped en-suites and private pop-out balconies that seamlessly integrate into floor-to-ceiling windows when not in use.

4.

6.

5.

Typical Cell Plan

View 1

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PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA 0

100

500

1000mm

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Chapel Detail

1

2

Key Plan

0

100

500

1000mm

The private chapels will act as meditaton chambers in each block. The Concrete frame is to be retained with partition walls being demolished. The existing windows are to be made bigger to allow for better views out.

New planters are to be installed at the window cills and a mesh is to be placed for them to grow up on.

This simple green wall aims to create privacy and shade while creating a safe space for birds by installing bird feeders between the layers. The birds will enter from small opening in the mesh.

3

This space is for practicing bird-watching therapy while spending time indoors.

4

1. Metal mesh Bolted to existing concrete frame 5

2. Green Roof Builtup 3. Birdfeeder attached to metal mesh frame 4. Planter bolted to window cill 5. Floor as existing Elevation View PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

Proposed 1:10 Detail

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Proposed Student Hub User: DARTINGTON TRUST

5.

13.

6.

4.

7.

User: PUBLIC 12.

7.Gift Shop 8.Library Reception 9.Library 10.Reading area 11.Teaching room

9.

11.

1.

3.

2.

1. Office reception 2.Main office space 3.Conference room 4. Kitchen 5.Meeting rom 6.Toilets

15.

8.

10.

User: STUDENTS

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12.Computer room 13.Toilets 14.Balcony 15. BOH Proposed Upper Ground Floor

User: STUDENTS

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4.

11.

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17.

9.

8.

2.

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1.

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12.

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1. Hub reception 2.Cafeteria/study 3.Play room 4. Computer room 5.Cinema room 6.Electrical cupboard 7.Storage 8.Dining Hall Reception 9.Dining area 10.Food collection area 11.Open Kitchen 12.BOH Kitchen/Fridge 13.Toilets 14. Teaching room 15.Balcony 16. BOH 17.Bike Storage

Proposed Lower Ground Floor

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The Shrine

2

Key Plan

The structure and shape of the shrine, aim to emphasise the deer drinking pond and use it as a focal point of a small open courtyard.

3

Thin floorplate supported by the metal strcuture, reminiscent a tree house.

The curved roof however, is inspired by traditional chinese buddhist architecture and aims to collect rainwater in the pond which in time is to become bigger and attract more and more wildlife.

4

6

The screw pile foundations are the best option for this site, as they would not be damaging for the existing tree roots and would minimise the use of concrete.

5

1. 4 METER DEEP SCREW PILE FOUNDATIONS 2.TIMBER SHELL ROOF 3.TILE CLADDED ROOF 4.METAL FRAME TO FLOOR 5.I BEAM ENCASTED IN CONCRETE 6.TENSION CABLES

1

View of Roof PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

Detailed Section

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Tweak and Tweet Oxford, England

This small intervention is based on a two-week long brief for a temporary design around the site of the Oxford canals. I focused on the wildlife around, mostly the bird inhabitants and created nesting material balls which would help the urban birds create their homes.

The balls would also light up to attract bugs which would act as food for the birds.

The intervention is to be torn apart in time disappearing into nothing.

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OXFORD CANAL

EW VI

THE SITE

BLACKBIRD

CANAL WALK

The nest of a blackbird consists of a cup of dried grass, moss and feathers lined with mud, often in bushes or hedges up to 3metres high. The nest is bulky and conspicuous in appearance, with a nest cup size of 9cm.

Blackbirds typically begin nesting in April and continue through June.

MAGPIE

TYPES OF NESTS

SWAN Swans create a huge nest with a diameter measured in feet rather than centimetres or inches, as is the case for most birds in the world. Mute Swan nests of two to three metres are not unusual. Mute swans start nesting from March to April, and their nesting season can extend into late spring and early summer.

A magpie’s nest is a superficially like squirrel drey but no leaves attached to twigs, it look like a mess of twigs with tell-tale ‘basket handle’ over the main structure. The bottom half lined with mud, whilst the upper half is open criss-cross ‘canopy’, using thorny twigs, so the two halves appear different.

HERON

DUCK Ducks often build nests near water sources, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

They create nests lined with down feathers and lay their eggs. After incubating their eggs for several weeks, ducklings hatch and are raised by their parents near the water.

They typically nest during the spring and early summer.

Existing Site Plan

Herons nest in colonies called ‘Heronries’, often in the top of trees. Here, they make their large, ungainly nests out of twigs and lay 3-4 eggs. Herons typically nest from late winter to early spring. The exact timing can vary depending on the specific location and local climate conditions, but in general, herons start their nesting season in late Febru-

ROBIN

A robin’s nest is made of moss on a foundation of dead leaves, and lined with hair or rootlets, with a nest cup size of 7cm. The nests are typically well hidden under ivy, among tree roots, under thick herbage or ledges of buildings, or in outhouses. Robins are known to start nesting from March onwards, continuing into the summer months.

Existing Site Section

PRIVATE BACKYARD

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

PATH

CANAL

PRIVATE BACKYARD

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NESTING MATERIALS

BUILDING THE BALL

MOSS The hanging balls are tied up to the branches of the tree and a solar lamp is secured inside of the ball.

Lights will attract insects at night, making the nesting balls more attractive for birds and bats.

BRANCHES

ANIMAL HAIR AND FEATHERS

Larger nesting balls are placed on a floating rack and tied up to the shore, to allow swans and herons to use it.

GRASS LEAVES

Proposed Section Detail

Proposed Site Section

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Nature’s Reclamation Oxford, England

Inspired by the Bulgarian Artist- Vladimir Dimitrov and his relationship with natre, I was set to create a brief about a 3 week long pop-up exhibition based in the Covered Market in Oxford. I took a go at it by imagining a world where humans dissapeared and it is time for nature to reclaim the building. I focused on using the Victorian postbox on one of the squares of the market as a guide point of creating a sense of reality in the unreal setting.

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The Covered Market

ROAD TYPES

LISTED BUILDINGS

SITE BOUNDARY AND ENTRY

SITE LOCATION 1881 LATE 1880S 1834-40 1842-49 MAIN NODES

SUN PATH

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EXISTING SITE PLAN 1.200 @ A1

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Population: 0

WOODEN PLANKS FROM THE ROOF ARE TEMPORARILY REMOVED, TO IMITATE DETORIOIRATION

CRAWLING PLANTS ARE POTTED IN POTS PLACED AND SECURED ON THE ROOF EDGE. SOME ARE TWISTED AROUND THE TRUSSESS

A

CERTAIN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS ARE RELACED OR TEMPORARILY COVERED TO SHOW WEATHERING OF THE MATERIALS DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE MATERIALS

A

PROPOSED FLOORPLAN

PARTS OF THE CORNICES ARE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH REPLICAS THAT SHOW CARCKING AND ROTTING OF WOOD

PROPOSED SECTION AA

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Elwick Place

Residential Development Hollaway Studio Work Experience Project

Located in the heart of Ashford, near Ashford International Station, Elwick Place is a residential project that offers a mixture of dwellings, parking and leisure facilities.

During my time at Hollaway Studio I got to work on the project from concept development stages to planning stage. I was responsibe for creating the a sufficient planning application and drawing pack, as well as creating the final models and visual graphics of the project.

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Waterfields

House Extension

Hollaway Studio Work Experience Project

The brief for this private residential house was to create an extention to the ground floor allowing for a small internal coutryard. The client being a landscape architect she was interested in having internal glass boxes for her plants to live in. An extention to the first floor was seemlessly integrated creating interesting roof shapes to the existing house.

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Drawing Set 0

1

3

2

4

5M

Site Boundary

Site Boundary

Site Boundary G.00 Plant Room

G.00 Plant Room

G.00 Office

G.00 Office

G.00 Laundry & Storage

G.00 Laundry & Storage

G.00 Kitchen

G.00 Kitchen

G.00 Larder

G.00 Larder

G.00 Reception Room

G.00 Reception Room

G.00 Dining

G.00 Dining

G.00 Courtyard

G.00 Courtyard

G.00 Living Room

Extent of extension

Neighbouring Property

Section A

G.00 Living Room

Extent of extension

Extent of extension

PROPOSED SECTION

Site Boundary

Site Boundary

Section B

PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Proposed Ground Floor

N

Proposed First Floor

N

PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Proposed Ground Floor

+ROODZD\

A

B

N

+

London | 10a Acton Street | London | WC1X 9NG T +44 (0) 20 7096 5425 | E london@hollawaystudio.co.uk | W www.hollawaystudio.co.uk Kent | The Tramway T +44 (0)1303 260 515

Stables | Rampart Road | | E kent@hollawaystudio.co.uk

Hythe | Kent | CT21 5BG | W www.hollawaystudio.co.uk

Project | WATERFIELDS WICKHAMBREAUX, CANTERBURY, CT3 1RW

New Walls A

Neighbouring Property

Extent of extension

Proposed East Elevation

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

New Plant Room

Demolition Site Boundary

B

Client | MR & MRS PERKINS Title | PROPOSED GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR PLAN Status |

Scale@A1 | 1.100

Project Number

Extent of extension

Proposed North Elevation

20.145 Bim Number

London T +44 (0

PLANNING Date | 09.08.2021

Drawing Number

200

N

Kent | T +44 (0

Drawn | GT

Chk'd | HF

Pro Revision

P3 New Plant Room

Cl

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T

St

Scal

Personal Art

The following artworks were created in the last 3 years and explore various techniques. I love to paint as a hobby and understand shapes and light in objects.

2020-2024

PORTRAIT OF A BOY, CHAROCAL , 50X60

PORTFOLIO GABRIELA TANCHEVA

STILL LIFE, DIGITAL PAINTING

THE OLD COURTYARD, INK, 50X60

ACRYLIC LANDSCAPE, 30,40

LIFE DRAWING, PENCIL, 50X60 AT SUNSET, WATERCOLOUR, 5X10

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The watercolours below and the linocuts above are all part of a short story that describes the experience of a man exploring the proposal of my final Master’s thesis project. It is a story of a man living a busy life meeting a robin that lives on the Dartington estate, after their meeting both of their lives change for the better.

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