Studio Kalamar

Cvetkova Apartments . Murska Sobota

more: Studio Kalamar . photos: Miran Kambič and Studio Kalamar

Apartment buildings are located in a redeveloped downtown area that has recently been converted from derelict industrial to public and residential use. Despite its central position in the city, the site is removed from main roads and downtown bustle. Next to the new music school on the north of the city block, three apartment buildings rise from a green surface. Their positions reflect the heterogeneous surroundings; variety of directions influences the varying orientations of the volumes. As there are no parallel facades, each apartment can establish an individual character without obstruction. Lower floors comprise four apartments each, top floor is divided into three apartment units, all with flexible floor plans. As a result, long facade surfaces ensure each apartment abundant natural light. The smooth facades with enclosed loggias enfold the volumes into a shimmering ceramic coat, varying in colour tone and reflectivity. Transparent fence around the complex prevents exclusion from surrounding city life while allowing unsupervised children's play. Gently sloped green areas provide various opportunities for that, and a small playground for the youngest children is located in the eastern corner of the site. Parking and storage spaces are arranged below ground, serving as a base for all three volumes. Special attention was accorded to energy use of the complex. Each building has a separate boiler room, cooling is arranged individually, the compact facade and energy supply scheme both stimulate economical consumption and thus reduced energy use.