Vila Grad Ljubljana Building, Slovenian Apartments, Architect, Property Design News

Vila Grad, Ljubljana : Slovenia Residential Architecture

Slovenian Residential Building Project design by Groleger Arhitekti

25 Aug 2010

Vila Grad Property

Design: Groleger Arhitekti, Ljubljana

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Photos: Miran Kambič

Vila Grad (Villa Castle)

In close proximity to the historic Old Town of Ljubljana lies the new sculptural building, embedded in a green oasis beneath the hill and the old castle, the city landmark.

A very important urban planning aspect was to maintain the rich green tissue of the surrounding hill and connect it with the newly designed green par terre: The lush green environment gives the pure white building a friendly and at the same time luxury aura.

The upscale residential development includes 12 residential units (3-5 rooms apartments) with an area of 103 to 186 per m2, spreading over 4 floors (ground floor and 3 floors above ground, in the basement 22 parking spaces are at disposal).

The previous building hosted under its roof in 1924 Černigojs »school of architecture« (The painter Avgust Černigoj ,1898 – 1985, attended the Bauhaus school in Weimar where he spent a short semester. He is best known for his experiments in Constructivism). This heritage catalyzed the idea of the “living cell”, inspired by the principles of constructivism and their application on our post-post modern time.

Two fundamental elements determine the character of the building: The “spine” and the “living cell”. The second term refers to the large and small lounge – a reminiscence of the space division in Černigojs school.

A clearly structured floor plan offers exceptional living qualities: The living and dining area (»big lounge«) is designed as an open, flowing space, extending into a spacious terrace. Large scale glazed windows create in the interior good lighting conditions and spatial continuity. From here the view opens towards the Gruberjev channel and the opposite Golowetz hill.

In the more private sleeping area (“little lounge”) are bedrooms, children’s rooms and bathrooms, oriented to the courtyard which serves as a small shielded children’s playground adjacent to the forest.

A corridor and a flight of stairs connect the two levels.
All ground floor apartments enjoy also gardens, forming a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors create seamless transitions between outside and inside.

The exterior reflects the internal structure. The “stacking principle” of the »big lounge« is visible in the composition of the white street façade : living room and terraces alternate like a chequerboard pattern – the façade is a result of a dynamic, lively, rhythmic “living cell” on the skeletal structure.
In contrast, the more calm courtyard façade turned towards the green hill, is cladded with dark gray stone.