Lace Apartments | OFIS Arhitekti

This apartment block is in the center of Nova Gorica (population 32.000)-situated in the west of Slovenia, adjacent to the Slovene-Italian border. It lies 92 meters above sea level, with a very specific climate, known as the hottest town in Slovenia during the summer with very strong winds in winter. With this climate, vegetation and the city's life style have a very Mediterranean character, where external shaded spaces are very significant. Therefore, the clients demanded a rich variety of external spaces. Given urban conditions - The fixed urban plot of the building was an orthogonal block 48 x 16m x 5 floors. The client’s brief requested simple and repetitive apartment typologies. Over the structure, a single line intertwines the block providing apartments different types of terraces, loggias and balconies. Using these elements building elevations reinstate three-dimensional lace embracing its volume. Studying the different external spaces of local housing typologies, the concept proposes types such as: balconies and terraces – both opened and covered with roof or pergola, loggias closed from the side and fully or partly glazed and fences of different characters – transparent with glass or metal fence, full and of different heights. Many balconies have integrated cupboards for storing external furniture. Using traditional elements the apartments gain exposed and intimate zones with open or partially enclosed views The facade color patterns are chosen from typical color elements of the area (typical Gorica valley soil, wine and brick roof-tops) ...nevertheless the locals started to call it "pajamas” for its resemblance to night wear patterns. Besides 5 floors there are two underground parking levels, with shops/services located on the ground floor. Sustainability issues: The combination of façade elements – projecting roofs, pergolas, apartment dividing walls, terraces and balconies with loggias function as constant temperature buffer zone to the main living and sleeping areas and protect against sudden weather changes and strong winds. Additional aluminum shading panels are placed on the outer sides of the winter loggias and balconies. The service and communication spaces are reduced to minimum thus the daylight is provided on the shafts. The monthly basic energetic and service costs are low and economic for the inhabitants.