© Christian Sperr

• Architects: Caramel Architekten , Günther Litzlbauer
• Location: Vienna, Austria
• Area: 189.0 sqm
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Christian Sperr

© Christian Sperr

In the neighbour’s garden

Densification can also be possible in built up settlement areas of one family houses. The property of House D is located in the middle of a block of buildings, which are surrounded by the local streets, and each building is part of the formation of a big wonderful garden right in the heart of the block. The generous building regulation allows us to build on all properties up to at least a quarter of the whole property area and thereby creates possibilities to divide properties and the densification of the green spaces.

© Christian Sperr

That’s how in the middle of an existing  green space a lot the size of 433 m² was developed which cannot be seen from the streets.  Due to the ground water situation coming from the Donau and the slight subsidence of the property to the street level, it was clear that the goal would be to build as high as possible.

© Christian Sperr

Ground Floor Plan

© Christian Sperr

Family life is happening in the middle of living and cooking on the ground floor and sleeping and relaxing on the first floor. An additional multifunctional room in the attic is extending with an all around view over the neighbour’s buildings. Three differently shaped and stacked volumes, which were arranged next to each other, are reflecting the various areas of use of the yet still 3 member family. To create as much connection as possible to the outdoor space, the transparent volume of the living room on the ground floor is mostly all over and up to the ceiling made of glass. Connecting with the transparent surface, the needed side rooms are partly only exposed through slits. It seems as though the more introverted appearing box with bed rooms on the first floor and balconies, is floating above the living area. Because the multifunctional room in the attic, which was built a bit further back and also appears to be a closed box, can hardly be seen from the garden. That’s how it creates intimacy and a retreat.

© Christian Sperr

The design on the ground floor consists of concrete or exposed concrete and a light wood construction on the first floor. The vertically arranged battens of the facade are made of grey fir wood which was formerly impregnated. On the one hand to prevent decomposition and to frame it more homogenous. On the other hand it is supposed to let the three volumes appear as one. The battens are partly creating a natural sunscreen and privacy shield on the vitrification.

© Christian Sperr

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© Miran Kambič

• Architects: SADAR+VUGA
• Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Architects In Charge: Jurij Sadar, Boštjan Vuga, Tina Hočevar, Gregor Turnšek, Tjaša Plavec
• Area: 531.0 sqm
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Miran Kambič

• Students Interns: Primož Černelč, Urška Rupnik, Marko Kavčič, Jan Trunkelj, Maja Omerzel, Tjaša Plavec
• Assistant: Ana Kreč

© Miran Kambič

The renovation of the Bank of Slovenia’s central lobby was designed at a student workshop at Ljubljana’s Faculty of architecture. The project was executed by SADAR+VUGA in close collaboration with the initial student design team.

Bank of Slovenia’s headquarters are located on Slovenska Boulevard. The portal of the 1920s building is adorned by two mighty Atlants. Behind this impressive entrance is the central lobby of the Bank of Slovenia.

Floor Plan

Before the reconstruction it had the character of a publicly accessible, monofunctional bank hall: it hosted cashier desks and a mailroom. Despite its central location and formidable size, it was in no condition to host protocolar events.

A complex programmatic and spatial reconstruction made the lobby an interactive space, intended mainly for the Bank’s employees. Here they can meet, work, socialise or greet their guests. The flexible design envisions both formal and informal usage, which is why the lobby becomes a strong identification point for its daily users as well as for the institution of the Bank of Slovenia.

© Miran Kambič

The space is designed to provide the employees with a more relaxed, diverse and interactive work environment and at the same time create a protocolar space for Bank’s official events. Combining the two created a space which offers strong identification for the employees as well as for the institution.

The monofunctional space became a frame within which several ambients and programs were layered. The new programmatic sections, incorporated in the niches, intertwine in a club-like ambient without strict programmatic boundaries. A soft curtain, that allows the users to regulate the level of intimacy, is the only physical boundary of the space.

Section

Library is placed next to the south openings; adjacent to it is a small self-service bar. Both are separated from the main area by a glass wall. Library’s program is complemented by the reading room, and café extends into a lounge area.

Three meeting rooms are placed on the opposite side of the lobby. Closing the curtain separates them from the main space and thus ensures privacy for informal meetings and workshops. Service spaces are placed at the back of the lobby, their walls upholstered with rich blue textile that gives depth to the space.

© Miran Kambič

The lobby is furnished with a comfortable armchair Triglav, developed for this project.

The new areas intentionally recreate a living room-like environment, where the employees can feel comfortalbe and at ease. Warm and soft materials, like textile (curtains, flooring, upholstery) and wood (celiling lamellas), are chosen. The area is ambientally lit. Blue, green and golden tones are complemented by neutral furniture in dark matte and reflective tones.

© Miran Kambič

The central, triple height area, is in contrast with the warm and ambiental surroundings. Its classical architecture is accentuated with stone cladding and a monochromatic palette, which makes it a perfect setting for protocolar events. The central space can be separated from other programes by enclosing the curtains around its perimeter.

The lobby’s main feature is a mighty chandelier, which – with its circular form and silver and gold materiality – simbolizes a coin as a representative image of the national bank. The ‘levitating coin’ is made of aluminium truss, lined with satinated tin in two shades, suspended from steel cables and mounted into the walls. The chandelier centers the programmatically mixed lobby and creates a solemn atmosphere appropriate for the events it holds. 

© Miran Kambič

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