OFIS Arhitekti Revives 1930s Ljubljana Villa with Modern Extension

OFIS Arhitekti, a Ljubljana-based architectural studio, has completed the renovation of a 1930s modernist villa known as Ring House in the suburbs of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The nearly ten-year project aimed to restore the original character of the house while improving its connection to the expansive garden through a contemporary semi-enclosed extension.

The original cubic volume of Ring House, built in the 1930s, featured semicircular fringes and minimal details. However, a 1980s adaptation significantly altered its design by adding a slanted roof, diminishing its former elegance. OFIS Arhitekti's renovation sought to revive the home's modernist roots while introducing a modern extension to facilitate "inside-outside living."

The renovation began by removing the added pitched roof and replacing it with a flat roof that aligns with the original design. A smaller terrace floor was added to organically complete the existing volume. The central architectural challenge was connecting the house with its sprawling garden, which covers more than twice the area of the building's footprint.

To address this, OFIS Arhitekti designed a winding, semi-enclosed extension that creates different outdoor spaces and facilitates a seamless transition between the interior and the garden. The extension follows the site's topography, gently sloping southward away from the house. "The extension creates different outdoor spaces," explained OFIS Arhitekti. "The gesture is a kind of cross corridor, enclosing part of the garden in an inner 'zen-like' atrium, while also connecting the inside of the villa with the open garden."

The extension features two semi-circular living areas that reference the villa's original bay windows. The eastern living area is enclosed within full-height glazing, forming a winter garden, while the western area is open to the elements, defined by columns and a curtain. "The living room is inside a glazed area that is a sort of a winter garden, whereas the outdoor dining and kitchen are below a roof and protected by shading curtains," noted OFIS Arhitekti.

The renovation of Ring House showcases OFIS Arhitekti's ability to sensitively restore a modernist gem while introducing contemporary elements that enhance its functionality and connection to the outdoors. The project's success lies in its thoughtful dialogue between two architectural eras, resulting in a coherent composition that celebrates the villa's hidden qualities and embraces modern living.

Key Takeaways

• OFIS Arhitekti renovated a 1930s modernist villa in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• The project restored the original character and added a contemporary extension.
• The extension features a winding, semi-enclosed design connecting the house to the garden.
• Two semi-circular living areas reference the villa's original bay windows.
• The renovation showcases a thoughtful blend of modernist and contemporary elements.