There’s always been fans of the architecture in Bucharest; the belle-epoque buildings surrounding Calea Victoriei, the Saxon homes scattered throughout the suburbs and seemingly random streets within the city centre, the Austro-Hungarian, French Neoclassical, and Gothic designs found throughout Old Town Lipscani, and even the sterile communist bloc buildings one simply can’t miss. Every so often a new “home” would sprout up that’s eerily reminiscent of a mid-1990’s Miami Vice-ish, nouveau riche, pleather and glass “palace” that would make us all think to ourselves “Oh gawd, I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come”.

Interestingly and excitingly enough, trends seem to be changing…

Architecture and Design firm DOOI Studio has now been responsible for what we would call “masterpieces” in architecture. While not for every taste, one can’t deny that these homes are indeed of high quality and exceptional taste. They are – in fact – works of art.

The two houses we show here, were just recently featured on Contemporist – Villa Snagov, a stunning modern home on the shores of Lake Snagov just outside of Bucharest, and Villa Kiseleff, another modern gem situated in a premier community minutes away from Bucharest’s Centre.

Villa Snagov – an impressive and imposing structure, is still able to blend harmoniously with its’ surroundings. The free-flowing and voluminous interior spaces are a reflection of the exterior’s expansive stone and glass facade. Situated on a strip of land between the woods and the lake, great care was taken to ensure that unparalleled views were available wherever possible. As if taking advantage of the views isn’t enough, the wall leading from the great room to the terrace that overlooks the lake features an amazing 11 meter spanse of frameless glass wall that can be slid open for uninterrupted indoor/outdoor enjoyment.

Architect: Daniel Ciocazanu / DOOI Studio
Architect in charge: Adrian Timaru

Photography by Cosmin Dragomir

Villa Kiseleff is a near renewal of an older structure found upon the lots’ park-like setting. This low-lying structure seemingly becomes one with nature – mixing wood, stone, and metal carefully to create the perfect blend of warmth and coolness typically not found within such a contemporary design. Inside, the Asian influence becomes much more apparent – with zen-like rooms playing upon light and shadow this masterpiece becomes a home.

** UPDATE – This villa – Villa Kiseleff was recently sold (2014) for approximately 3,500,000 Euros to the Chilean Embassy.

Architect: DOOI Studio – Daniel Ciocazanu (architect), Costin Beekman (architect in charge)
Structural Design ing Rares Bentu / SC Rantech Proiect SRL
Installations: PIC install / Alyates SRL
Facade Design: REYNERS / ROMCO SYS

Photography by Cosmin Dragomir

All in all, these homes represent a great leap forward for Bucharest, and Romania as a whole. The fact that people are making this type of investment – laying foundations such as this – speaks volumes for the future potential laying inside this relatively unknown Eastern European city. Hopefully – word will get out…