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.
Relevant Experience:
Project Associate CAUKIN
07/2020 - 08/2022
- 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.
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:
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.
Autocad
SketchUp
Rhino
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Enscape
Lumion
Handrawing
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: Software Skills: Languages:
Young Ambassadors Forum Ministry of Foreign Affairs Romania
Academic Peer Mentoring Scheme University of Kent
Certificate for Accademic Excellence Mayor of Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
Outline: Content:
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.
1.
Urata, Fiji
Dartington, England
3.
Oxford, England
4.
Oxford, England
Ashford, Kent
Ashford, Kent
MOO-BOO BUILDING SYSTEM
BIRD NESTING BALLS
NATURE’S RECLAMATION
5. ELWICK PLACE
6. WATERFIELDS
2. SAFE HAVEN RETREAT
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.
The system
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.
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.
The frames are assembled on the ground. Additional storm-proof strapping must be added to the main connective joints. 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.
The frames are assembled on the ground. Additional storm-proof strapping must be added to the main connective joints. The second module is added and tied to the first one, creating a double truss and foundation, which will strenghten the structure even further.
Bamboo panels
Roof bracing is added to secure the modules in place. Storm bolts are to be attached to it when the roofing material is added.
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.
The Fishing Hut
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.
Storm proof shutters are to be bolted on the windows and locked when the building
Shutters used as drying racks during the day.
Shopfront for selling the local catch of the day.
The seperate floor structure allows for easier adaptation to new modules and also makes the structure easy to move.
Fishing nets are dried and cleaned in the porch.
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
and bracing is removed
The
3. The
are loaded and moved to a new location
roofing
2.
bamboo frames are detached from the floor
modules
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.
1. Study Area
2. Sleeping Area
3.Storage
4.Meditation space
5.Pop-out Balcony
6. En-suite
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.
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.
Proposed
Chapel Detail
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.
This space is for practicing bird-watching therapy while spending time indoors.
1. Metal mesh Bolted to existing concrete frame 2. Green Roof Builtup
Birdfeeder attached to metal mesh frame
Planter bolted to window cill
Proposed Student Hub
1. Office reception
2.Main office space
3.Conference room
4. Kitchen
5.Meeting rom
6.Toilets
User: PUBLIC
7.Gift Shop
8.Library Reception
9.Library
10.Reading area
11.Teaching room
User: STUDENTS
12.Computer room
13.Toilets
14.Balcony
15. BOH
User: STUDENTS
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
Proposed Upper Ground Floor
User: DARTINGTON TRUST
The Shrine
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
THE SITE
NESTING MATERIALS
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.
The Covered Market
LISTED BUILDINGS
Population: 0
WOODEN PLANKS FROM THE ROOF ARE TEMPORARILY REMOVED, TO IMITATE DETORIOIRATION
CERTAIN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS ARE RELACED OR TEMPORARILY COVERED TO SHOW WEATHERING OF THE MATERIALS DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE MATERIALS
PARTS OF THE CORNICES ARE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH REPLICAS THAT SHOW CARCKING AND ROTTING OF WOOD
CRAWLING PLANTS ARE POTTED IN POTS PLACED AND SECURED ON THE ROOF EDGE. SOME ARE TWISTED AROUND THE TRUSSESS
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.
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.
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.
PORTRAIT OF A BOY, CHAROCAL , 50X60
STILL LIFE, DIGITAL PAINTING THE OLD COURTYARD, INK, 50X60
LIFE DRAWING, PENCIL, 50X60 AT SUNSET, WATERCOLOUR, 5X10
ACRYLIC LANDSCAPE, 30,40
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.
