RECONSTRUCTION OF APARTMENT BUILDING

Project : Reconstruction of apartment building
Project team: Andrea Ambrovičová, Juraj Mikulaj, Jana Machalová, Jakub Hanták
Status: Built
Location:  Bratislava, SVK
Size: 1280 m2
Photo: Matej Hakár

2017 - 2023

CE.ZA.AR. 2023 - NOMINATION

FACADE OF THE YEAR 2023 - WINNER

„Novy Svet“ - New World apartment house stands on a steep slope near the Slavin monument and dates back to the mid-seventies. After renovating a larger apartment on the second floor, we set about renovating the whole house. Nine generously designed apartments offer living of special qualities – each of the apartments has at least two loggias overlooking the greenery and the city, a garage and there are built-in fireplaces in some living rooms as well.

The house was in its original state so a complete renovation was needed. As one of the residents of the house, I have initiated this process. A long line of endless house meetings followed. As a result of several years of process, the reconstruction of the house is carried out – complete restoration and insulation of the external shell using high-quality materials, as well as the restoration of common areas in the interior of the house. A new value was added, significantly increasing the user comfort: expansion of several existing loggias towards the garden, where spacious terraces were created.

In this project, it was important for us to build on the original identity of the house, well known in our culture and locality, as well as to preserve its original character, proportions and materiality. Structured brizolite plaster and bright ceramic cladding refer to the character of the original architectural elements. Steel railings add a new layer to the house and represent the optimal solution in terms of functionality, cost and durability.

Energy efficiency was one of the most important aspects of the reconstruction. The positive effect was notable immediately: despite the current energy crisis, the costs of heating are significantly lower than before.

Like many others, also this project was hit by the economic crisis in 2022. The original intention had to be cut and we had to carry out only what was necessary. And so we are left with some unfulfilled dreams and plans for the future. One of them is a common roof terrace, with a beautiful view of the city skyline.