Renovation of the Sokol Hall in Bled

The Sokol Hall was built in 1932 to a design by architect Stanko Rohrman in the studio of architect Ivan Vurnik, in the modernist style characteristic of the period. Its composition consists of several volumes: the gymnasium hall, the stage tower, and a lower section accommodating changing rooms, sanitary facilities and the caretaker’s apartment. The building was characterised by a white façade with minimal profiling. After years of limited use and considerable deterioration, planning regulations allowed either the reconstruction of the building for new purposes or its replacement with a new structure. Following an assessment of its usability, structural stability and heritage value, the owner opted for a comprehensive renovation and reconstruction. The works included replacing the deteriorated roof structure, reinforcing the tops of the tall brick walls with a reinforced-concrete ring beam, and replacing windows, doors, wall finishes, flooring and building services. The comprehensive energy renovation included thermal insulation of the building envelope and the installation of underfloor heating, cooling and ventilation systems powered by a heat pump. The rationally renovated and newly equipped building will serve an international business school, providing spaces for larger seminars, conferences, lectures and social events. The renovation and reconstruction were carried out in phases, with the works progressing gradually from the roof down to the basement. The first phase involved the construction of a new roof structure above the hall and stage, designed as an exposed square grid of glued laminated timber beams. Above the lower service section, the roof was reinforced with additional purlins and ties, while the structural elements and building services were concealed behind a suspended ceiling. The external and internal walls were newly plastered, with the exception of selected interior surfaces where the rough brickwork was left exposed, revealing its structural bonds, lintels and service installations. All façade windows and doors were reconstructed, along with the interior wall finishes. Ventilation ducts and services were installed beneath the floor, stage and basement. The original performers’ changing room was converted into a room for lecturers, the former gymnasium changing rooms into a reception area and new sanitary facilities, and the caretaker’s apartment into a café with a terrace. In the reconstruction of the façade, the profile of the new gutter echoes the form of the original decorative cornice. The entire façade – including the plinth, decorative sills and surrounds, windows and doors – is treated in a single colour tone, complemented by the light-coloured paving of the surrounding area. In agreement with the conservation architect, the architects sought to further clarify the building’s modernist expression and composition, while giving the individual interior spaces distinct characters reflecting their new functions.