Honeycomb Apartments, Izola (Slovenia)

The project is a winning entry for two housing blocks in a competition convoked by the Slovenia Housing Fund, a government-run program providing low-cost apartments for young families. The blocks are set out on a hill with a view of Izola Bay on one side and of the surrounding hills on the other. The brief required 30 apartments of different sizes and structures, varying from studio flats to 3-bedroom apartments. The apartments are small, with minimum-sized rooms according to Slovenian standards. Since the blocks are subject to a Mediterranean climate outdoor space and shade are important elements.

The project proposed a veranda for each apartment, thus providing an outdoor space that is intimate, partly connected with the interior, shady and naturally ventilated. Perforated side-panels allow summer breeze to ventilate the space. The strong colors create different atmospheres within the apartments. Boxes at the side of each balcony provide room for air-conditioning units.

Sustainability issues: Balcony modules are designed as efficient system providing shading and ventilation for the apartments. Textile elements fixed on the front of the balconies block direct sunlight and accumulate "air buffer" zone.

Location: Livade
                   Izola, 6310
                   Slovenia

Building status: built in 2006

Client: Slovenian Housing Fund

Site size: 5400 m2

Building area: 2250 m2

Budget total: 1500000 USD

A project by: OFIS architects

                         Architecture

Photo Gallery of Honeycomb Apartments, Izola (Slovenia)

(Source: architizer.com)