Outdoor Living Spaces Bulgaria 2026 | Design & Building Guide
Bulgarian climate invites outdoor living for much of the year. Well-designed outdoor spaces extend your home’s usable area, add lifestyle value, and create the perfect setting for relaxation and entertaining.
This guide covers how to design and build outdoor living spaces that complement your Bulgarian home.
Browse House Plans with Outdoor Spaces →
Why Outdoor Spaces Matter in Bulgaria
Climate Advantage
Bulgaria offers excellent outdoor living conditions:
- 6-7 months of comfortable outdoor weather
- Warm summers ideal for outdoor dining
- Mild springs and autumns extend the season
- Even winter has sunny, mild days
Lifestyle Value
Outdoor spaces transform how you live:
- Morning coffee in fresh air
- Al fresco dining and entertaining
- Reading and relaxation areas
- Children’s play space
- Connection with nature
Property Value
Well-designed outdoor areas increase value:
- Expands perceived living space
- Attractive to future buyers
- Low cost per usable square meter
- Photographs well for rentals
The 100m² Rule Advantage
Bulgarian building regulations favor outdoor spaces:
- Covered terraces don’t count toward 100m² limit
- Self-build benefits apply to main structure
- More usable space within regulations
- Design flexibility enhanced
Our plans maximize this advantage with substantial covered terraces.
Types of Outdoor Spaces
Covered Terraces
Protected outdoor rooms.
Characteristics:
- Roof provides weather protection
- Open sides (or partial enclosure)
- Direct house connection
- Year-round usability extended
Best for: Dining, lounging, weather protection
Cost: €150-400/m² (varies by finish level)
Open Patios/Decks
Flexible sunny spaces.
Characteristics:
- No overhead coverage
- Maximum sun access
- Lower construction cost
- Flexible furniture placement
Best for: Sunbathing, seasonal use, gardens
Cost: €50-200/m² (depends on material)
Pergolas
Partial shade structures.
Characteristics:
- Open framework overhead
- Vines or fabric for shade
- Defines outdoor room
- Gradual shade development (vines)
Best for: Gardens, grape vines, filtered light
Cost: €100-300/m² (structure only)
Verandas
Traditional enclosed-feeling outdoor rooms.
Characteristics:
- Often wraps around house
- Deeper coverage
- Traditional Bulgarian style
- Excellent weather protection
Best for: Traditional architecture, rural settings
Cost: €200-500/m² (full construction)
Balconies
Upper-level outdoor access.
Characteristics:
- Extends from upper floors
- Limited size typically
- Good for views
- Private outdoor space
Best for: Two-story homes, bedrooms
Cost: €300-600/m² (includes structure)
Design Principles
Orientation
Position outdoor spaces strategically:
South-facing:
- Maximum sun exposure
- Winter warmth benefit
- Need shade for summer
- Best for primary living areas
East-facing:
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Good for breakfast areas
- Cooler in afternoon
- Comfortable in summer
West-facing:
- Afternoon and evening sun
- Hot in summer
- Good for sunset views
- Need substantial shade
North-facing:
- Consistent shade
- Cooler in summer
- Less desirable in winter
- Good for secondary spaces
Size Guidelines
How much space to plan:
| Use | Minimum Size | Comfortable Size |
|---|---|---|
| Dining (4 people) | 10m² | 15-20m² |
| Lounge area | 12m² | 20-25m² |
| BBQ cooking | 6m² | 10-15m² |
| Combined space | 20m² | 35-50m² |
Connection to Interior
Seamless indoor-outdoor flow:
- Wide doors (French, sliding, folding)
- Matching floor levels
- Similar materials inside/out
- Visual sight lines maintained
- Easy kitchen access for dining areas
Privacy Considerations
Balance openness with comfort:
- Screening from neighbors
- Views to retain
- Layered privacy (plants, screens, walls)
- Sound considerations
Shading Solutions
Fixed Shade Structures
Permanent protection:
- Extended roof overhangs
- Covered terrace roofs
- Pergola with fixed covering
- Stone or concrete construction
Adjustable Shading
Flexible options:
- Retractable awnings (manual or motorized)
- Pergola with adjustable louvers
- Fabric sail shades
- Roller blinds
Natural Shading
Living solutions:
- Deciduous trees (shade summer, sun winter)
- Grape vines on pergola
- Climbing plants on structures
- Tall hedges for side shade
Materials and Surfaces
Floor Surfaces
Options for outdoor areas:
Concrete/pavers:
- Durable and affordable
- Many styles available
- Low maintenance
- Can be hot in sun
- €30-80/m²
Natural stone:
- Beautiful, natural look
- Very durable
- Cooler than concrete
- Higher cost
- €60-150/m²
Wood decking:
- Warm, natural feel
- Comfortable underfoot
- Requires maintenance
- Can be slippery when wet
- €80-150/m² (hardwood)
Composite decking:
- Low maintenance
- Wood appearance
- No rotting or splintering
- Higher initial cost
- €100-180/m²
Structure Materials
For shade structures:
Wood:
- Traditional appearance
- Easy to work with
- Requires treatment
- Natural beauty
- €100-200/m² (structure)
Metal (steel/aluminum):
- Modern appearance
- Durable
- Slim profiles possible
- May need coating
- €150-300/m² (structure)
Stone/masonry:
- Permanent, traditional
- Thermal mass
- Highest durability
- Higher cost
- €200-400/m² (structure)
Furnishing Outdoor Spaces
Essential Elements
Dining area:
- Weather-resistant table
- Comfortable chairs (6-8 for guests)
- Adequate lighting
- Easy cleaning surfaces
Lounge area:
- Comfortable seating (sofas, chairs)
- Side tables
- Shade for comfort
- Outdoor cushions/textiles
Cooking area:
- BBQ or outdoor grill
- Prep surface
- Nearby water access
- Storage for tools
Climate-Appropriate Choices
Select for Bulgarian conditions:
- UV-resistant fabrics
- Rust-resistant frames
- Quick-dry cushion foam
- Storage or covers for winter
- Quality hardware
Regional Considerations
Mountain Areas
For properties near Troyan or Bansko:
- Covered spaces essential (rain, snow)
- South orientation priority
- Wind protection needed
- Snow load on structures
- Durable, weather-resistant materials
Coastal Areas
- Shade critical in summer
- Salt-resistant materials
- Wind from sea considered
- Indoor-outdoor flow emphasis
- Light colors reflect heat
Central Regions
For Plovdiv or Stara Zagora:
- Balance sun and shade
- Adjustable shading valuable
- All orientations workable
- Longer outdoor season
- Variety of material options
Our Plans and Outdoor Living
How our designs incorporate outdoor spaces:
C-101 (80m²):
- Substantial covered terrace included
- Not counted in 80m² floor area
- Direct living room connection
- Protected from weather
- View C-101 →
C-102 (97m²):
- Generous veranda design
- Multiple access points
- Outdoor dining space
- Extended living area feel
- View C-102 →
Larger plans:
- Multiple outdoor zones
- Wrap-around options
- Upper-level terraces
- Complex outdoor programs
Budget Planning
Cost Examples
Basic covered terrace (20m²):
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Concrete slab | €600-1,200 |
| Roof structure | €1,500-3,000 |
| Roofing material | €600-1,200 |
| Finishing | €500-1,000 |
| Total | €3,200-6,400 |
Enhanced outdoor living (40m² mixed):
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Paving/decking (40m²) | €2,000-6,000 |
| Covered structure (20m²) | €3,000-6,000 |
| Pergola (10m²) | €1,000-3,000 |
| Furnishing | €2,000-5,000 |
| Landscaping | €1,000-3,000 |
| Total | €9,000-23,000 |
Value Perspective
Outdoor space costs less than indoor:
- No heating/cooling systems
- Simpler construction
- Fewer finishes required
- More flexibility in materials
- DIY-friendly elements
DIY vs. Professional
Can DIY
Many outdoor elements suit self-builders:
- Paving installation
- Simple deck construction
- Basic pergola building
- Planting and landscaping
- Furniture assembly
Professional Recommended
Some work benefits from expertise:
- Structural covered terraces
- Electrical installation
- Plumbing (outdoor kitchen)
- Complex drainage
- Attached structures (permits)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do covered terraces need permits?
Covered terraces attached to houses typically require permits but don’t count toward 100m² self-build limit. Check with your municipality for specific requirements.
How do I protect outdoor furniture in winter?
Store cushions and textiles indoors. Cover or store furniture if possible. Choose all-weather materials. Covered terraces protect furnishings better.
What’s the best orientation for outdoor dining?
East is often ideal—morning sun warms the space, afternoon shade keeps it cool for dinner. North or covered structures work if shade is priority.
Can I add a covered terrace later?
Yes, terraces can be added to existing homes. Design your main structure with future terrace connection in mind. Consider door and floor level planning.
How do I handle mosquitoes?
Standing water removal, ceiling fans, screened areas for sensitive locations, and mosquito-repelling plants all help. Bulgaria has mosquitoes in some areas, especially near water.
Extend Your Living Outdoors
Quality outdoor spaces multiply your home’s livability without counting against building limits. Design thoughtfully, invest in quality materials, and create your ideal Bulgarian outdoor lifestyle.
Your next steps:
- Browse house plans — see included outdoor spaces
- Consider your orientation and climate
- Plan your outdoor lifestyle needs
- Contact Architect Miglena for outdoor space design advice
All plans include 15% discount—create your perfect Bulgarian outdoor living space.
