Location: Ljubljana (SI)
Authors: Peter Gabrijelčič, Boštjan Gabrijelčič, Aleš Gabrijelčič
Investor: Private
Construction year: 2019
Photographer: Jure Goršič

The PATIO HOUSE, measuring 180 m2 is situated on the outskirts of Ljubljana’s city center. The plot encompasses 550 m2 and lies adjacent to a prominent 30‑km‑long recreational promenade, which encircles the city like a green ring. To the south the plot borders an area of a future housing construction, which has not yet been determined. This attractive space offers all the benefits of living in nature, while having all the advantages of the city.

In spite of its seeming simplicity, the minimalist-designed house offers complex spatial and living experiences. The clever architectural design responds to the needs of a family of four, who wished a house with a high degree of privacy, while enjoying its spaciousness and openness despite the relatively small plot. Due to the unpredictable nature of the future development in the area, the house is oriented into itself. It forgoes a garden in favor of an intimate inner atrium, around which the entire program of the house is arranged. The atrium is embraced on two sides by two wings connected via a corridor. The south wing features living areas, and the north wing features sleeping rooms. To the south the living area expands into a wide terrace, covered with a projecting roof, designed for daily living in the open air. Both living and sleeping areas open into the inner atrium and are separated only by moveable glass walls and doors, thus creating a unified living space both in conceptual and functional sense. The sliding doors create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior ambient.