Owners of large Slovenian post-war suburban houses often took inspiration from older and
more prestigious city villas when designing their premises. However, unlike their inspirations,
these structures were far simpler in terms of materials and architecture, lacking in excessive
luxury and the spacious interiors of the past. Floor plans are typically fragmented into a
multitude of small, disconnected rooms arranged around a central staircase. This layout makes
it difficult to accommodate the modern spatial expectations of today's clients, who mainly seek
an open, airy living space in the style of a "loft."
It is therefore not surprising that clients often opt to demolish the old structure in order to build
more contemporary architecture in its place. The same dilemma arose when planning the
renovation of a post-war "villa" in the suburbs of Ljubljana. The client desired more
spaciousness in the home but, as an environmentally conscious investor, was also committed
to a sustainable approach. He understood that "the greenest building is the one that is already
built." Often, it is also the most cost-effective solution.
Together, we resolved the dilemma and found the optimal solution. We retained the ground floor
and upper floor of the existing structure while placing the desired "loft" in the space of the
previously unused attic. The smaller rooms on the ground and upper floors were allocated to
the remaining household functions.
The newly designed attic forms a large, unified space beneath a single-pitch roof. To the south,
the space continues into a wide and bright winter garden, offering broad panoramic views of the
surrounding greenery. The home's distance from the street ensures a sense of complete
privacy. In addition to the sweeping views through the winter garden, two additional windows
provide more intimate views. To the east, the view extends along the quiet suburban street
through a large scenic window, while to the north, it opens through a smaller one.
The newly designed, compact attic serves as a discreet accent on the renovated villa. Despite
its different material execution, the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), and the darker color of
the metal facade, it seems as if it has always been there, harmoniously engaging with the
casual passersby on the nearby green promenade surrounding Ljubljana.
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