Lipica Village

The concept and structure of the proposal lay on the identifiable landscape, topographical, vegetation and building features of the region. The main idea is based on transformation of landmark patterns and vernacular principals to contemporary cultural context.

The design of village introduce a spatial and material dialogue between history and modernity, and is conceived with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The aspect of sustainability is ensured with the use of efficient technical devices and systems as well as natural materials such as stone, oak wood and concrete. The facade overlooking the rear courtyards is characterized by panoramic glazing sets behind vertical wooden members. A contemporary interpretation of the structure is typical of agricultural region. The materials of the facades, windows and roofs are attuned to tradition of typical of rural architecture of this region. In order to understand the concept, the most important issue of the project is the spatial complexity individuality of single house unit. Each house is one of a kind distinguished by individual layout, orientation and situation. Non-repetitive spatial concept is avoiding to the lack of uniformity.

The architecture that is characteristic in the karstic world are above all farmstead, residential house, inner courtyard or “borjač”, the convex hearth with chimney of the “spahnjenca”, a massive chimney is particularly characteristic on the Karst, which defies the wind “burja” and the sun. The Karst does not just have architecture of stone; very important elements are in wood, above all constructions that bridge a gap. Tiles, barrel tiles, which replaced stone, have changed a typical aspect of karstic architecture, which is not thus any less eminent. Just as the karstic world is special because of the sun, the burja, the climate and light, its architecture is also thus in the Slovene space: different, more solid, more durable, higher quality. Therefore, it is also more sensitive and vulnerable.

Human beings are constantly changing, and their living environment changes with them. Buildings constitute an important part of this fluctuating environment. Since structures live longer than humans do, they serve as the most permanent witnesses of our past. They are also of priceless and irreplaceable value in terms of our social and cultural identity. The buildings of our past are open books that tell the stories of visionaries, people and architects. They represent the cornerstones of dwellings and societies, environments and cultures. They consist of a mixture of materials, each with its specific colour, texture, relief, temperature and solidity. Since they are a part of our past, we can find hidden clues related to our present – as long as we are willing to read, hear or touch them.