In a remarkable achievement, the Slovenian architectural firm OFIS Arhitekti has successfully transformed a historic post-war residence in Ljubljana, known as House Under the Poplars, through both reconstruction and expansion.
This unique home was initially designed as part of a self-built housing project called Naselje Murgle, which took shape between 1965 and 1982. The visionary architects behind this development, France and Marta Ivanšek, created what is now regarded as one of Slovenia's most significant post-war housing projects.
As many homes in this neighborhood are now in dire need of renovation, OFIS Arhitekti approached the House Under the Poplars project as a pioneering model. Their goal was to exemplify how these cherished homes could be revitalized without sacrificing the essence of the original community.
The firm took the notable yet culturally mindful step of completely dismantling the existing structure. This allowed them to reconstruct and extend the house using modern materials, ensuring it met contemporary standards while respecting its historical context.
"Our project began with a straightforward goal: to demonstrate that the modest timber houses of Naselje Murgle can be gently modernized while retaining the characteristics that make this neighborhood beloved," a spokesperson from the studio explained to Dezeen. They further emphasized, "As many of these residences face the reality of renewal, the identity of the settlement hinges on upgrades that respect its landscape, scale, and cultural significance. Our intent was to preserve the familiar silhouette of the original home while integrating a new space that connects the interior more openly to the garden and the defining trees of Murgle."
Preserving the open-plan design of House Under the Poplars, the living, dining, and kitchen areas have been expanded to the west. Here, a striking timber-framed glazed extension mimics the feel of a greenhouse, framing picturesque views of the surrounding trees and a nearby park.
On either side of this extension stand two slender brick piers, a signature element of the original structure. OFIS Arhitekti cleverly juxtaposed these features with walls made of black timber battens, which effectively prevent overlooking from adjacent buildings, thus maintaining privacy.
Inside, the aesthetic continues with walls and ceilings adorned in light timber. The living area includes an innovative section of walk-on glass flooring, which reveals a small wine cellar beneath, complemented by a freestanding fireplace nestled within a wall niche. To the south, the floor level descends into the main bedroom area, separated from the living space by two standalone bathroom volumes. On the eastern side, an additional guest room and a study are positioned behind a more enclosed brick facade, enhancing the sense of privacy.
The studio highlighted that "brick elements and vertical wood cladding carry forward the design language of the 1980s homes, while the transparent extension injects a modern softness that harmoniously coexists among the trees." They noted, "Timber remains central to the structure, echoing the Scandinavian influences that shaped the original community."
OFIS Arhitekti is directed by Oman and Spela Videcnik, who have also recently completed the renovation of a traditional stone homestead in the Slovenian village of Avber and a major transformation of a stone dwelling on Croatia's Cres island.
Photography for this project was captured by Tomaz Gregoric.
