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Block Balconies, Ofis Architects
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2007-07-18 01:54:18
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While it may look like an optical illusion from the outside, this
housing block in Izola on the Slovenian coast offers bona fide
affordable options for many young families. The team of Ofis Arhitekti
won a national design competition for their design of two apartment
buildings each containing 30 units of varying size ranging from studios
to three-bedrooms.
Internal spaces may be small, however the
unique trapezoidal-shaped balconies accentuate external perspectives
and views directly to the sea. Structural elements are located
externally as well thereby allowing more spacious living areas while
taking advantage of the limited area of each unit and helping to keep
the square metre cost low.
Ofis wrapped sunshades in the form of colourful canvas awnings around
the blocks balconies. These defining features provide ample external
space for each unit, while innovative side paneling allows for both
privacy and ventilation. From within, the canvas panels create unique
environments in individual apartments. Each coastal-facing apartment is
thereby effortlessly adapted to Slovenia’s Mediterranean climate. By Andrew Wiener
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