The Anglo-American School in Sofia is a completed extension project for an existing educational campus, developed by IPA - Architecture and more in 2012. As part of the architectural design, two new buildings with a gross floor area of 8,800 sq m were created, accommodating classrooms, a library, a dining hall, laboratories, an auditorium, a sports hall, and shared social spaces. The building received LEED Gold certification and stands out as the first LEED-certified school in the Balkans.
The two new buildings form a natural continuation of the existing structure. They include classrooms for 10 classes of 20 students each, a library, a dining hall, teaching laboratories, an auditorium for formal events and interactive learning, a sports hall, informal spaces for rest and communication, administrative and service areas, and technical rooms. The overall vision for AAS, originating from the preliminary concept design by the American studio TruexCullins, was to create an educational building with a strong relationship to nature and the future. The project forms part of the IPA - Architecture and more portfolio of educational buildings.
The architectural concept developed by IPA - Architecture and more treats the new elements as a continuation of the original structure. The terraced terrain was transformed into an architectural advantage by providing additional functionality and allowing for an aesthetic and practical treatment of the outdoor areas, including a small amphitheater that follows the line of the facade. Generous glazing gives the building an open and welcoming appearance while creating spacious interiors with abundant natural light. Both the interior and exterior combine soft colors with wooden elements to create a calm and welcoming environment with a clear academic character.
Sustainability is a guiding principle in the architectural and engineering design of the two new buildings. All systems within the school grounds are energy-efficient or based on renewable energy sources, with the aim of reducing environmental impact and meeting the required LEED criteria.
The project incorporates a well-structured water strategy based on the natural water cycle and the reuse of water for the school's domestic needs. This allows AAS to manage rainwater, wastewater treatment, and irrigation costs efficiently. A green roof acts as a biofilter. Collected water is stored in a tank and redirected by dedicated pumps for use in sanitary facilities. An artificial pond in the courtyard collects excess rainwater and supplies the irrigation system for the landscaped areas and green roof.
To optimize energy performance, the building envelope uses high-performance external insulation, eliminating the need for air conditioning. The classrooms rely on natural rather than mechanical ventilation, while large areas of the courtyard and roofs are covered with photovoltaic panels. The walkways use special paving elements designed to reduce heat absorption during the day and heat release at night.
The Anglo-American School in Sofia is an example of contemporary, sustainable, and functional educational architecture in Bulgaria. The project received an award in the Educational Buildings category at the 2012 Building of the Year National Competition and forms part of the IPA - Architecture and more portfolio of public buildings.
