Apartment 24 Lo Spazio Residenziale

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Apartment 24 is situated in the central Belgrade, postwar Yugoslav modern residential architecture dwelling from the 1970s. Thanks to the thorough reconstruction approach, which included a brand new metal construction, memories-filled space got a new life. Overall transparency of space and appropriate height of the upper level are achieved. Eleven light wells and two double-height transitional spaces are created as distinct areas with greenery and light from above, enhancing the beauty of implemented materials.

Dimensions & Packaging

Metal construction is introduced and attached to concrete columns and perimeter walls, thus creating a new construction system that enables habitable surface to be increased from 97m2 to 110m2. Roof, facade windows and balcony doors are triple glazed. Mineral wool insulation is concealed under the wooden panels in the roof and facade walls. All cables and wires are halogen-free, facilitating the highest fire protection. The city heating system is employed, which runs on the natural gas with radiators of high technical and esthetic values.

Tags

natural light , transparency , wooden box, interior garden , bespoke , multidisciplinary

Production Technology

All wooden elements were designed by Architect, produced in joinery workshop in Athens, Greece and then transported to the site where the assembling was done. White cement terrazzo was created by local craftsmen on the site and applied on the floor in front of the main entrance, as a dialogue with Seventies staircase, but also on both bathroom floors, dining area, balcony, greenery pots and washing basin for the upper level bathroom.

Design Challenge

The real potential of the space was recognized in the conventional layout and transformed into something contemporary and functional. The adopted strategy was quite daring. However, only by introducing a new, metal construction, additional 13m2 of habitable space and appropriate height of the second level could have been gained, without violating the existing volume and borders of the property. The execution of the project was taking place in the dense urban tissue on the seventh and eighth floor, and the challenges involved tenants of the dwelling, as well as technical and bureaucratic issues.

Research

This project is twofold: it focuses on architectural qualities in parallel with the social ones. Namely, it was coordinated in three languages and supported by a number of dedicated professionals from various construction fields and several countries. It was their enthusiasm, international expertise and human qualities that made the realization joyful and possible.

Inspiration

Inspiration for the used finishing materials was drawn from the history of the dwelling itself and was all about Seventies nostalgia: walnut veneer, white oiled marine birch plywood and white cement terrazzo created "in situ", evoke altogether atmosphere of that time. These three materials, together with natural light that has its strong presence during the whole day, enabled the Architect to achieve a serene, contemplative mood in the contemporary space.

Project Duration

Project started in May 2017 in Belgrade and was finished in September 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia

Operation Flow

Apartment 24 used to belong to Architect's late parents and the best way to deal with their departure was to transform the space filled with fond memories into something contemporary, functional and beautiful. This decision placed her in the exciting position, in which she had to play both role of a Client and an Architect as well. The implementation of the project inspired all involved in the process, creating enthusiastic atmosphere on the site. Completed space became a more sustainable retreat that involves all senses and brings serenity to the users and visitors.

Image Credits

Image#1: Photographer Dusan Djordjevic, View towards special place with greenery, 2019.
Image#2: Photographer Dusan Djordjevic, View towards bespoke staircase, 2019.
Image#3:Photographer Dusan Djordjevic, View of the first level bathroom, 2019.
Image#4: Photographer Dusan Djordjevic, View of the special place with greenery from above, 2019.
Image#5: Photographer Dusan Djordjevic, View of the kitchen with light well, 2019.
Video: Director of photography Aleksandar Jovanovic,
Apartment 24, 2019.
Video montage and sound: Cinematographer Milorad Glusica, Apartment 24, 2019.