House Barje is an unusual project by the Počivašek Petranovič architecture firm, which was realised for a young couple with an integrated yoga studio. Situated in the marshlands of Ljubljana Barje, a suburb characterised by extensive meadows, scattered buildings and a distinct horizontality, the house combines contemporary living comfort with an intensive relationship to the surrounding nature. It is not only functionality that plays a central role, but also the interplay of light, space and materiality, which transforms the building into a living organism. Through a clear, horizontal design and the targeted use of modern materials, the project creates a home that serves both as a private retreat and as a place of encounter and spiritual fulfilment. The unique façade made of black-blue ceramic tiles from Agrob Buchtal, which makes the house appear in a constantly changing play of light, not only sets visual accents, but also reflects the building's connection with its natural surroundings.
The house is located in a subtle transitional area between urban life and natural expanse. The marshy landscape of Ljubljana Barje lends the location a special atmosphere: the surroundings are characterised by flat, expansive landscapes and scattered buildings that convey a sense of tranquillity and openness at the same time. The building site itself has an elongated shape, which significantly influences the design of the house. Due to the low load-bearing capacity of the marshy ground, the building was realised as a single-storey construction, which helps to minimise the overall mass and ensures optimal adaptation to the natural conditions. The house divides the building site into two areas: an accessible northern part and a private garden area to the south, which, together with an existing building, forms a cosy and secluded open space.
From the design phase onwards, the aim was to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing home that fulfils the dynamic needs of its users. The floor plan follows a linear, sequential arrangement of the rooms, which are slightly offset from each other. This arrangement maximises the usable living space, while the open spaces in between in the form of small atriums or deep alcoves are used as shady, dry outdoor areas under the overhanging eaves. The horizontal design is further emphasised by a sloping roof with deep overhangs, which not only provides protection but also creates an atmospheric play of light.
Room programme and utilisation concept
On entering the house, residents enter directly into a small but exquisite yoga studio area, which is designed as a place of peace and spiritual fulfilment. From here, there is access to a separate living area, which is designed as an independent flat. This comprises an entrance area, a bedroom, an office, a living room and an open-plan kitchen with adjoining dining area. A tapered corridor connects the rooms and creates a feeling of spaciousness thanks to its perspective extension. This clever room layout makes optimum use of every area, and the flowing transitions between the individual zones invite you to savour both the private retreats and the communal areas to the full.
Architectural design and materiality
The design of House Barje is characterised by a clear, minimalist design language and the use of modern materials that convey lightness and robustness at the same time. The construction method aims to keep the overall mass of the building as low as possible. The load-bearing structure is based on a reinforced concrete base plate supported by wooden piles - a system that fulfils the special requirements of the marshy ground. The exterior walls are made of hollow concrete blocks, whose raw but refined form contributes to the minimalist aesthetics of the interior. A timber construction was chosen for the roof, which is covered with lightweight, aluminium-coloured corrugated sheets, creating a contemporary yet functional solution.
A highlight of the building is undoubtedly the façade, which presents itself as a visual statement and a link between the architecture and its surroundings. Based on the context of the surrounding, predominantly brick building fabric, the traditional language was reinterpreted: The use of slim, glazed ceramic tiles from the Craft series by Agrob Buchtal in black-blue colour tones significantly characterises the external appearance. These tiles reflect the immediate surroundings as well as the changing daylight in a fascinating way. With varying light intensity - whether in the soft morning light, in the bright midday sun or in the cooler tones of winter - the appearance of the façade changes continuously. A stainless steel gutter system and a cistern system for rainwater collection provide targeted accents that contrast with the dark tiles and emphasise the technical sophistication of the project.
Minimalist interior and integration into nature
The interior of the house is characterised by a minimalist design that emphasises the clear lines and high-quality choice of materials. The visible hollow concrete block walls are discreetly plastered in white, while the plywood partition walls partly function as integrated furniture - a solution that combines functionality and aesthetics. The floor is made of concrete, which emphasises the modern character of the interior with its smooth, even surface. Large window fronts and floor-to-ceiling glass elements create a flowing transition between the interior and the outside world, allowing a view of the neighbouring garden with its typical Marsh planting - consisting of well-tended lawns and a few isolated trees.
This transparent connection to nature reinforces the feeling of living in a space that is in constant dialogue with its surroundings.
PRESS CONTACT
Christoph Schulze
Deutsche Steinzeug Solar Ceramics GmbH
Telephone: +49 (0)228 391-1194
E-Mail: christoph.schulze@deutsche-steinzeug.de
