Architects: OFIS Architects
Area: 115 m²
Photographs: Tomaz Gregoric, Jan Celeda
City: Ljubljana
Country: Slovenia
Level Apartment renovation by OFIS Arhitekti in Ljubljana, Slovenia transforms an apartment within a 1902 art nouveau building, originally designed by C.M. Koch. Overlooking a central square, this 5-floor residential block required a shift from a compartmentalized layout to a more open-plan design, clearly defining different uses within the space. Completed in 2012, the project involved removing many existing partitions to create a continuous space, with only the main structural walls remaining, enabling constant circulation and a cohesive feel.
The project involves renovating an apartment within an art nouveau building, originally designed and constructed by architect C.M. Koch in 1902. This five-floor residential block, located in central Ljubljana, overlooks a square surrounded by residential and mixed-use buildings. The original layout consisted of multiple rooms, creating an enclosed feeling within the apartment. The renovation brief required a more open-plan layout while clearly defining different uses within the space.
Many of the existing partitions were removed to create a more continuous space, leaving only the main structural walls to define the space and enable constant circulation around the apartment. This design approach created the feeling of a single entity interrupted by only a few elements. Instead of using walls to define different areas, levels within the floor were created. This allowed the open-plan layout to be maintained while indicating changes in use through changes in elevation.
Storage and furniture were integrated into the floors and walls to enhance space delineation, providing each area with a distinct use. Designing the furniture to be embedded within the walls and floor, using similar materials, reinforced the concept of creating separate, purposeful spaces. This approach also generated a cohesive feeling, allowing the spaces to be perceived as a single, unified entity.
Storage throughout the apartment is implemented using a repeated element, creating hidden storage wherever the floor level is elevated. For example, steps leading to the sleeping or shower levels serve not only as circulation but also as storage. By concealing most of the storage, the continuity of space and materials is preserved, enhancing the sense of an uninterrupted space.
Repetition of furniture elements throughout the apartment, concealed within the extruded floor, with most storage hidden to maintain material continuity and avoid interrupting the spaces.
Use of floor levels to define rooms instead of walls
Creating furniture from integrated floor elements
Refurbishing historic elements such as doors and windows
Breaking down multiple spaces into larger, simpler ones by using furniture elements as room separators
Using changes in floor levels to define rooms, with furniture integrated into the floors to indicate room functions
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
