Bratuš Homestead

Bistrica ob Sotli is a relatively small settlement on the eastern border of Slovenia. It is located in the south-eastern part of the Kozjan Park, an area of nature reserve which, in addition to its biodiversity, is also characterised by an almost unspoilt countryside and a cultural landscape typical of Slovenian conditions. Although the villages in this area are generally scattered, their spatial organisation, with a mixture of pastures, vineyards, fields and small patches of woodland, creates a rich and varied space, imbued with elements of traditional and vernacular architecture.

Bistrica ob Sotli is located near Podsreda Castle, with the mighty Holy Mountains towering above. The silhouette of the settlement is marked by the Church of St Peter, the Austro-Hungarian-style primary school on the south side and the shallow ridge of the northern part of the settlement, which rises above the Bistrica field.

The Bratuš homestead consists of three buildings: a house, a hayloft and a trestle. The house was renovated from the outside about five years ago, while the hayloft and the goat shed were not included in the renovation. The municipality decided to completely renovate the whole complex and create an intergenerational neighbourhood with three assisted living apartments and one apartment for a younger family. The aim of the design is to allow spontaneous mutual assistance between the different generations. All apartments are for rent.

In the evaluation of existing buildings, we identified the relationship between the dimensions of the buildings and the character of the space that forms between them as a key spatial quality. Typical carpentry techniques were identified in the hayloft and partly in the trestle. The wooden structures, whether closed, semi-closed or completely open, reveal the authentic ambience of the Slovenian countryside. The techniques of wood binding, layering and the play of textures were identified as identity carriers, which were taken into account in the design of the new buildings.

Hayloft is designed as a two-storey building with two serviced apartments. The floor plan is simple and functional, with transitional spaces connecting the living room to the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The building retains the original dimensions of the hayloft, but is technically divided into a brick ground floor and a wooden superstructure. The ground floor is constructed of monolithic thermal insulating bricks, which ensure optimum air humidity transmission and adequate thermal insulation. On the first floor, the construction is carried out as a timber skeleton, which remains visible even inside. The external façade is articulated in several layers, combining tradition and modern architectural solutions. The light and technical requirements are combined with a rural aesthetic, ensuring a pleasant and functional living environment.

The house has kept its original appearance. There is a third serviced apartment on the ground floor and an apartment for a young family in the attic. The interior has retained some of the characteristic wall paintings, which have been restored by the conservation service. The external walls are insulated from the inside using a multi-pore brick wall cladding, which provides vapour permeability and thermal capacity. The space in the attic is continuous but divided into different ambiences, allowing the tenants to adapt the layout.

The most unique part of the homestead is the trestle, which is designed as a multi-purpose covered structure. Its open design allows for parking cars or organising social events for residents and neighbours. The construction is based on a distinctive Slovenian architectural model. The wooden roof is supported by two steel columns, which are connected to the service building, where the common heating and storage rooms are located.

The renovated Bratuš homestead respects the principles of rural design, while incorporating modern architectural solutions that reflect the spirit of the times. The intergenerational neighbourhood is more than just a community of young and old – it is also an architectural synthesis of tradition and modernity. We followed the construction process from March 2023 to November 2024, when the renovation was completed.

Authors: Blenkuš Matej; Cimperman Katja;
Cifer Aleksander