“Toplica” hospital & Spa

location: Mineralni Bani, Haskovo, Bulgaria
project: “Toplica” Hospital Reconstrucion

Near Haskovo, Minerálni Bani, one of Bulgaria’s oldest spa resorts, boasts 14 healing springs, attracting visitors since Roman times. The ancient city of Toplitsa thrived there 1800 years ago, and Thracian and Roman ruins remain. This project focuses on the “Toplika” Balneological Center, adjacent to the “Sveti Duh” fortress. The goal is to reconstruct and revitalize the 1970s-era building into a modern balneotherapy center, utilizing the 54-59°C hyperthermal mineral water to treat various peripheral artery diseases.

Currently, the underutilized building suffers from inaccessibility, lack of terraces, insufficient balneology facilities, no mineral pools, limited accommodation, and poor energy efficiency. The project will address these shortcomings through functional, structural, installation, and energy-efficient improvements, focusing on accommodation, treatment, and nutrition. The building will be redesigned with extensions and additions, creating functional zones for patients and staff. The basement will house balneology and service facilities, with accommodation and dining above. Patient access will be from a partially excavated southern courtyard, leading to a two-story foyer and elevator access to upper levels. A 50-car parking lot will be added. Administrative offices will be near the foyer, while support staff (security, maintenance, etc.) will primarily use the eastern basement and restaurant levels, with separate access.

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The project includes a new, spacious entrance at level -4.00 meters, providing step-free access from the drop-off zone and connecting to all levels via stairs and elevators. This level also houses new covered balneotherapy pools, with landscaped roofs merging with the ground floor. An outdoor pool area is located to the north, and ramps, stairs, and an elevator provide smooth transitions between the various balneological spaces.

The entrance area flows into an open promenade, leading to the "St. Spirit" fortress via a pedestrian ramp and connecting to outdoor balneological spaces at level -3.00 meters. A restaurant with 241 indoor and 76 outdoor seats, a relaxation area, and a kitchen with a separate service entrance are located near the entrance at level ±0.00.

Existing hospital rooms will be reconstructed, with smaller rooms on the north facade expanded. New rooms will be added in the eastern part of the building, above the restaurant and kitchen. All rooms will have balconies, supported by a steel structure that also supports the new facade and allows for the leveling of existing skewed facades. The total number of rooms will be 94, with 244 beds, including 68 accessible beds.
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Balneology


The balneology center features a dedicated elevator for patient access to all levels. Level ±0.00 houses examination rooms and a treatment room for initial assessments, along with a spacious waiting foyer.

The basement level houses three therapeutic zones:

- Thermotherapy Zone: Offers thermal procedures like fango-paraffin applications and mud baths.
- Physiotherapy Zone: Includes cubicles for electrotherapy, ultrasound, laser therapy, and other physiotherapy treatments. A kinesiotherapy hall with specialized equipment is also planned.
- Balneology Zone: Features two indoor mineral pools (4x6 meters at 45°C and 6x12 meters at 36°C), an outdoor mineral pool (6x1 meters at 30°C), and various baths (tangentor, hydromassage, galvanic, pearl).

Design & Technical Features


- Glass partition walls ensure easy orientation for patients.
- Roof windows provide natural light and ventilation.
- An underground warehouse serves the balneology center.
- Ventilation and air-conditioning systems are located in the northwestern part of the building.
- Ventilation ducts are routed above the roof through external installation shafts.
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Accommodation


The building offers 94 modern rooms with 244 beds, including 68 rooms with special accessibility features. Each room features a private bathroom, toilet, and a terrace. Rooms on the north facade will be expanded to include additional living space and a second toilet.

Common areas include a recreation room with a kitchenette and toilets on the upper levels. Easy-to-clean PVC flooring will be used in corridors and lobbies.

Accessibility is ensured through elevators and stairwells located throughout the building. Soundproofing will be achieved with layered drywalls filled with mineral wool.

The building will be equipped with modern HVAC systems and energy-efficient features to ensure optimal comfort and environmental responsibility.
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Dining


The renovated restaurant will offer 241 indoor seats and 76 outdoor seats on two terraces. A smaller configuration is possible with a two-shift meal schedule. The kitchen will function as a distribution kitchen, receiving prepared food from a central location. It will have ample storage and processing space, with convenient access from the parking lot. A coffee bar in the foyer will offer drinks and snacks, with seating and service to the terraces.
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Structural Interventions


The building will be expanded and modernized with extensions and additions. Steel will be used for terraces and foyers, offering flexibility and sustainability. Existing facade openings will be enlarged to maximize natural light and ventilation, contributing to a healthier environment. Reinforced concrete will be used for the basement pool area, vertical cores, and new third level.

These interventions will expand capacity, improve functionality, create a contemporary design, and foster a healthy environment.
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Energy Efficiency&Installations


The building will feature a ventilated facade with mineral wool insulation for improved energy efficiency and a modern aesthetic. Water-to-water heat pumps will utilize mineral water for heating and cooling, with the cooled water used in balneological procedures. Efficient ventilation and air conditioning will be limited to key areas, with natural ventilation and passive cooling used elsewhere. Energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, a photovoltaic power plant, green roofs, and sun protection elements will further enhance sustainability and reduce operating costs.

These measures will improve patient comfort, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the hospital's image.
Arrogant Architects ltd. / 2025 / all rights reserved