VATRAA

VATRAA is an architecture and interior design practice founded by Anamaria Pircu and Bogdan Rusu in 2018.

From our offices in London and Bucharest, we create buildings that act positively, improving people's lives and leaving a valuable legacy behind.

14/08/2026

The entrance to the new Innovation Hub is marked by an arched portico, with its neo-Gothic proportions derived from University House. The entire building curves around the edge of the historic garden, pulled into place by the site rather than simply placed upon it.

The Garden of University House | Design Competition

Main author: VATRAA | Anamaria Rusu, Bogdan Rusu, Andrei Patriche, Anda Elis Cauia, Alexandra Zaharescu, Noela Szeker
Architecture collaborators: Ana-Denisa Popa Becheru, Mario Peiciu, Dinu Dogaru
Landscape collaborators: S.C. West Consulting S.R.L. , MUUR Atelier 35 S.R.L | Radu Matei, Radu Georgescu, Adrian Vasile

05/08/2026

The lawn of the University House is reinstated to its original extent, allowing the monument to recover its posture. The later terrace-restaurant addition that suffocates it is removed, and a new restaurant is placed to one side of the plot, so the House is finally allowed to breathe within an unobstructed lawn.

At the foot of the lawn, a new water feature holds the reflection of the façade rather than framing it.

The new restaurant answers the neo-Gothic features of the House quietly, in material and proportion rather than imitation.

Main author: VATRAA | Anamaria Rusu, Bogdan Rusu, Andrei Patriche, Anda Elis Cauia, Alexandra Zaharescu, Noela Szeker
Architecture collaborators: Ana-Denisa Popa Becheru, Mario Peiciu, Dinu Dogaru
Landscape collaborators: S.C. West Consulting S.R.L. , MUUR Atelier 35 S.R.L | Radu Matei, Radu Georgescu, Adrian Vasile

29/07/2026

Reimagining the Garden of University House, Bucharest (our proposal for the recent competition which, due to an unfortunate event, did not take part in the official jury process).

Over a century and a half, additions crowded the monument and cut its garden off from the city. Our conviction: everything needed to repair this is already on the site — it needs to be revealed, not reinvented.

The excess is removed, and new interventions gently curve towards the surrounding landmarks, anchored in the site rather than placed upon it. A rhythm of arches and stained glass carries a quiet trace of the neo-Gothic interior into the garden. The landscape is organised in three parts: the romantic garden around the House, the productive zone of restored greenhouses, and the park with its amphitheatre. The historic view of the House is recovered and completed by a reflecting pool, while new entrances reconnect the garden to the city.

Main author: VATRAA | Anamaria Rusu, Bogdan Rusu, Andrei Patriche, Anda Elis Cauia, Alexandra Zaharescu, Noela Szeker
Architecture collaborators: Ana-Denisa Popa Becheru, Mario Peiciu, Dinu Dogaru
Landscape collaborators: S.C. West Consulting S.R.L. , MUUR Atelier 35 S.R.L | Radu Matei, Radu Georgescu, Adrian Vasile

14/07/2026

At Putney Riverside, the first-floor office was reimagined through a process of ‘architectural surgery’, selectively removing only what dampness had irreparably damaged while preserving every salvageable fragment of the original character. The result transforms conservation from a nostalgic exercise into a dynamic dialogue between past and present.

Photo: Jim Stephenson

27/06/2026

Architect / Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Hackney, London

We are a small, flexible and genuinely positive team working across scales, from buildings to furniture, focused on meaningful, context-led architecture and committed to its careful realisation on site. We are curious about the world, passionate about architecture, and looking for someone who shares this outlook.

We are looking for Architect or experienced Part 2 with strong technical skills, site experience and a thoughtful, detail-driven approach (ArchiCAD, UK-based).

To apply
Please send your CV and portfolio to: [email protected]

Interviews will take place between 29 June and 10 July, with a decision by 1 August.

For full details and application information, please see the link in bio.

24/06/2026

A full height opening in the living area frames a tall tree, bringing the garden closer to the interior.

Photo: Jim Stephenson

09/06/2026

The study is conceived as part of the living area, designed in bespoke cherry wood to align with the flooring and kitchen joinery, while highlighting the Victorian details of the house.

Photo:

26/05/2026

The ground floor of our Stoke Newington extension is shaped to frame a different garden view from each window.

Photo:

05/05/2026

Design elements, such as garden framing through strategically positioned openings and the incorporation of a green roof, encourage a type of living connected to nature.

Structure:
Contractor:
Photos:

21/04/2026

Play is a universal human need, but it isn’t always accessible.

In architecture, we often celebrate the geometry of the past, the way brick and metal define a space for exploration. But for children with neurodiverse needs, a standard playground can often be a place of sensory barriers rather than a sanctuary.

As we move through World Autism Acceptance Month, we are supporting ASCD Sf. Andrei Gura Humorului. They are on a mission to build a therapeutic outdoor environment for their inclusive kindergarten, which has grown from 4 to over 20 children in just one year.

VATRAA believes architecture must be a source of wellbeing. This space is more than a playground, it is a vital therapeutic tool designed for emotional regulation, sensory integration, and social inclusion.

The land is ready. Now they need your help to build it.

Donation details for GBP, EUR, and RON are in our Bio.

Address

28 Easton Street, Unit 1. 06
London
WC1X0DS

Website

https://linktr.ee/vatraa_architecture

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VATRAA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to VATRAA:

Featured

Screw piles
Avery Associates
291 Mitcham Road