Backbone Village Houses
Ljubljana is expanding outwards from its inner core by merging the urban city with the dense rural formations that surround it at different scales. As a consequence, historical rural typologies are losing their patterns, character and qualities. The village of Podpec is quickly becoming one of such suburb part of Ljubljana. This project was a challenge to explore the potential of suburban areas outside of the Ljubljana highway ring for young families homes that cannot afford to live in the city. At the same time is also a perfect opportunity to own a house with a garden in the middle of the nature just 15 minutes from Ljubljana city centre.
In response to the traditional and historical rural typologies the main proposal was a condensation of eight longitudinal units that branch out from an internal road. Each house has its own garden that dissolves into the green surroundings. Because Ljubljana outskirts is becoming a favourable place for young couples to afford their own home with a reasonable bank loan, the project had to react to the economical, rational and flexible considerations of this market. The 3-bedroom units with adjoining garden and 3 external parking spaces were designed to be sold at 140-160.000 . Each house has two 55 m2 floors, and each unit was left without finished floors and sanitary elements in the bathrooms.
The ground-floor consists of a central living area and kitchen with storage. Living area is designed to allow the owner to easily add an additional guest-bedroom or working space. It also opens to an elevated veranda and small inner garden. The first floor functions as a sleeping area providing 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and wardrobe space. There is a long terrace with a pergola along the bedrooms. The pitched roof design allows space for a gallery or storage area.
status project 2006, construction start 2008, completion 2010
program private houses for young families
details low construction cost, rural environment
type single family housing
client private
area house 110 m2 (55 m2 / floor), plot size 420 m2, parking and terrace 80 m2, garden 165 m2, 40 m2
dimensions max height 8.30 m
budget construction cost 85.000 , selling price 140160.000 (3rd building phase - without finishings)
materials plaster, larch wood, glass, fibre-cement slates
structure reinforced concrete and brick fillings
