Apartment 24 is situated in a central Belgrade residential dwelling from 1970. The place itself possessed great spatial potential with its 97m2 surface, partly occupying both seventh and eighth floor of the residence, yet dealing with numerous problems: two levels were connected by uncomfortable spiral staircase, bathrooms were without natural light and ventilation, a large part of the second level space under the roof didn’t have any purpose because of inadequate height, the whole space had single orientation and the insulation was poorly performed. Moreover, the lower level was divided in a conventional manner, without visual contact with the upper one, creating the general impression of a more compact space.
A new metal construction, introduced through the reconstruction, enabled additional 13m2 of habitable space, appropriate height of the second level walkway and creation of more desirable plans for both levels. Newly created eleven roof openings brought natural light and ventilation to every single space - public, private, or auxiliary. At the first level, two transitional, in-between spaces are established, a kind of a special places with greenery, functioning either as extension of the exterior, or as a part of interior.
The entire space is conceived like a large wooden box, where birch plywood boards and walnut veneer take shape of handmade floorboards, staircase, wall paneling, divisions, pivoting panels, storage spaces and most of the furniture. The idea of divisions at both levels that play the role of functional, bespoke furniture, enabled maximum use of the anew created space. All wooden elements were designed by the Architect, produced in joinery workshop in Athens, Greece and then transported to the site where the assembling was done.
Inspiration for finishing materials was drawn from the history of the dwelling – a kind of Seventies nostalgia: walnut veneer, white oiled marine birch plywood and white cement terrazzo created in situ, all evoke atmosphere of that time.
Additional insulation of external walls, proper roof insulation, triple glazed roof and façade windows, natural light, and ventilation in all spaces, together with greenery in the transitional places - all have contributed to achieving a sustainable environment of the highest standards.
This project is relevant not only for the architectural qualities, but also for the social ones. Namely, it was coordinated in three languages and supported by dedicated professionals, whose enthusiasm, international expertise and human qualities made the realization joyful and possible.
Material Used :
1. RAMAR, Serbia - Wooden Triple Glazed Facade Windows and Doors
2. VELUX, Denmark - Roof Windows
3. MG Kamen, Serbia - Terrazzo
4. CORDIVARI, Italy - Radiators - Tubular Ardesia
6. CATALANO, Italy - Toilets - Zero 55 1VS5500
7. GEBERIT, Switzerland - In-wall flush toilet tank system with flush plate
8. ZUCCHETTI, Italy - Bathroom features( showers, basins, kitchen sink) - Isy Collection
9. CORIAN by Du Pont, USA - Custom-made Kitchen Sink, Washing Basins and Table Segments
10. KARBOXX, Italy - Floor and Table Lamp- Ministick Collection
11. ARTEMIDE, Italy - Wall Lamps-Tolomeo and Demetra Collections
12. B&B ITALIA, Italy - Sofa- Solo Collection
13. B&B ITALIA, Italy - Armchairs - Tulip Sixtysix Armchair
14. KVADRAT, Denmark - Sofa and Armchairs Felt upholstery - Divina Melange Collection
15. VITRA, Germany - Pivot Armchair Cast Base on Castors - PACC Collection
16. HAY, Denmark - Metal Side Tables - Tray Table Collection
17. REX KRALJ, Slovenia - Walnut Chairs - Mosquito Collection
18. COVO, Italy - Floor Coat Stand - Latva Collection
