Zagreb

Lead architects: Marin Binički, Siniša Blaženka & Marko Salopek Design team: Marin Binički, Siniša Blaženka, Marko Salopek and Vlasta Binički (KAT d.o.o.)  Client: City of Zagreb / Contractor: AB gradnja  Collaborators: Electrical engineering: Darko Žerjav - ELAG, Technology: Marko Bajič - Alarm automatika, Mechanical engineering: Nikola Zadravec - Eco Plan, Fire Protection/Life Safety: Martina Gajdek - FLAMIT, Landscape design: Ivanka Mlinarić, Road design: Robert Gojani - ROBUR, Land survey: Miroslav Sokolaj - GEO 88, Geotechnical report: Ivan Matković - IGH Project design start: 2005 / Project design completion: 2019   The Vrbani II kindergarten was built in 2020 in the Zagreb neighbo... More

Dutch Embassy central office space in Zagreb is characterized by openness and neutrality in accordance with its diplomatic function, but also by recognizable Dutch identity. ​ Center of the interior is designed as a uniformed wall surface which like a multi functional 'spine' extends through the space. Elegantly designed with unobtrusive wooden lining, it serves as a guide throughout the office. From it, the floor area is stretched out in the form of a carpet that stands out as the main accent of the space. Modular carpet interprets the colors of the Dutch landscape, presenting its elements in shades of blue, brown and green. The color 'game' begins at the wooden 'spine' and disappears to the glass partitions without compromising attractive... More

The “Centar Kaptol” was opened at the end of 1990s in Kaptol, the historic center of Zagreb. The center, originally an old hat factory with two additional extensions, was relatively well positioned in the 1990s. However, the mistakes in architectural solutions resulted in a decline in visitor frequency. At the beginning of 2018, Austrian property specialist Supernova acquired Centar Kaptol. BEHF Architects has been commissioned to modernise the existing property in the high-quality urban district of Zagreb and convert it into an inviting place.  The design strategy is to develop a new spatial structure and create a novel look for the forecourts of the center. Due to somewhat unconventional layout of the rooms and pathway on the ground... More

Infinum, one of Croatia’s most successful software companies, has expanded into a new office space above the city. The location itself, as well as the company’s success, brought superheroes to mind. That inspiration is subtly present in the details, the materials we used and the overall approach to the design. As most of the office was designed as an open space, there was a need to create more intimate spaces as well, where employees could conduct longer business-related meetings or calls, without distracting others. This is why we introduced two phone booths offering a quiet space in zones which are often left unused, such as hallways and corner areas. The Chill Zone, the gathering space for employees, is adaptable to various occasi... More

Booking.com’s office regional headquarters in Zagreb needed to intertwine the nature of Booking.com as the world’s best known tourist agency with the city of Zagreb as the up-and-coming tourist location. The space needed to be comfortable for work and encourage communication and collaboration. The office is one integral circular space reminiscent of travel, mobility and interconnection. Even though it functions as a whole, it’s divided into two zones – one for individual work, the other for meetings, socialising and relaxation. The first «working» zone has neutral surfaces enriched with details employees fill in themselves, such as writable walls or lockers. The second «socialising» zone is more colourful, filled with Zagreb motifs:... More

In 2013 and 2014, we designed promotional retail experiences in several Nike stores based on Nike’s global standards. For all of the projects, we implemented our strategy of creatively approaching a brand’s visual standards, believing that it takes more than ordinary two-dimensional tools to experience the desired message. In general, classic prints, posters and panels utilize only a small part of the promotional potential that a retail space offers. We create the positive feeling that customers experience inside the retail space by using, whenever possible, its specific layout and arrangement of elements for different forms of communication. With design that does not impose on space but becomes an essential part of it, our aim is to... More

The design of the Take Me Home store is a logical continuation of the pop-up concept of selling products made by Croatian designers out of “suitcases,” which is where they will end up after being purchased. Thanks to the flexibility of displaying the souvenirs in suitcases ready for the journey home, the concept was easily applied to a two-level, 30-square-meter space below the Zagreb funicular. The wooden suitcases were adapted to hang wide open from the walls, lit up from within to further emphasize the small and diverse designer objects displayed inside. The upper floor of the shop features a small living room furnished with designer decor. Illuminated prints on the wall and window function as a brand wall during the day and as co... More

If we expect food to be tasty, the restaurant it’s served in should be tastefully designed, shouldn’t it? Especially if the restaurant in question is one whose very name – Umami – means exactly that in Japanese: a savory taste. Which is why the design of the new Umami restaurant, the second in Zagreb and located in Vrbani, was inspired by the engagement of all five senses combined under the slogan of Feed your curiosity. Our task was to create a space which encourages exploration, carrying forward the owner’s philosophy that every dish can be new and different by exploring and experimenting with spices and sauces. Thus it was necessary to create a relaxed and open atmosphere in the space, one with unexpected elements which inspire interac... More