BASIC INFORMATION
Project: revitalization of a garage into a residential loft
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Client: private
Year: 2021-
Area: 90m²
Authors: BAAM architects
Typology: apartment, loft, interior
Photo/Viz: BAAM architects
DESCRIPTION
The client invited us for a site visit, and upon arriving at the property with the house and an abandoned warehouse, he led us into—the warehouse. This unusual space, which had in the meantime become a garage, was envisioned to become a home. With its airiness and industrial character, it immediately caught our attention.
To preserve the character of a loft, we concentrated all functions that require enclosure on one side of the space. We placed a toilet, an entrance wardrobe, a technical room, and a storage area there, and above them, a hidden staircase leading to the utility room and wardrobes. Therefore, the main space remained open, crossed by three bridges made of cross-laminated timber (CLT, KLH, X LAM, etc.). Due to varying needs for privacy, the bridges differ in height and position within the space. The first bridge hosts the bedroom, the second a home office, and the third, positioned the highest, contains a bathroom that includes a mini spa with a sauna.
Under the bridges is the living area. With lightweight furniture pieces and a movable island that can be transformed into a dining table, we have enabled flexible use of the space. During larger gatherings, the space can be cleared, or it can be used for guided yoga sessions.
The bridges have railings that also serve as their supporting structure, resulting in their U-shaped design, after which the project is named. With an affinity for industrial objects, we have retained its "loft" character. By using raw materials, specifically wooden bridges and concrete floors, we highlighted the industrial flair of the apartment.