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The modern Bulgarian approach to restoration
is to knock down and replace with a concrete replica, wooden planks are then
nailed on to give that special aged effect. Unfortunately the communist
traditions have very nearly killed off any national feeling for heritage
displayed in old buildings. Buildings constructed since 1946 are almost
without exception extremely ugly and very badly built … a bit like old Ladas.
Before communism Bulgaria had a fine tradition of building elegant houses
and public buildings using traditional materials worked by skilled
craftsmen.
The first thing the communist planners did was
to abolish this tradition, labelling it Bourgeoisie, and introduce a style
best described as Stalinist Brutalism. The sad legacy of that unhappy day is
that most Bulgarians now consider this is the only approach to construction
and architecture.
Many fine pre 1946 buildings have been left to
rot and can never be replaced. These could have been saved and the essential
character of the building preserved by carefully restoring and replacing
rotten wood or crumbling stone. It is very simple to incorporate all the
modern essentials such as European standard wiring and plumbing.
Bulgaria has an abundant supply of good
quality pine and hard woods such as oak, beech, cherry and walnut as well as
many indigenous species. Most of this ends up supporting concrete or is
exported as hard wood floors. This wealth of low cost quality timber could
be used for the purpose of restoring many old buildings. It is considered
strange to use these materials in buildings. Floors, ceilings and roofs are
considered “more stable” if made in concrete. It is difficult to find
any natural materials in a modern Bulgarian building.
Another real difficulty is to find skilled
wood workers, although there is an abundant supply of good quality Bulgarian
furniture (presumably made by Bulgarians). Things like wooden staircases are
therefore very difficult to source. It is almost impossible to find a team
of skilled worker who are able to sympathically restore many of the wooden
features in old buildings.
However once in a while the impossible happens
as the pictures testify to. If you persevere, or use Blackseavillas
Restorations, you can obtain remarkable results.
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