Bled Boathouse

The Zaka Boathouse on the western shore of Lake Bled is a renovation of a modest existing structure used to store two research boats operated by the Slovenian Environment Agency for monitoring the quality of the lake water. The project is based on the principles of minimal intervention, reuse and preservation of the site’s memory. The existing timber structure was dismantled, inspected and restored, while retaining the scale, proportions and character of traditional lakeside structures. The timber plank façade was reassembled in an offset rhythm, creating a semi-transparent envelope that filters light, air and views. This establishes a direct connection between the interior, the lake, the forest edge and the changing light of the landscape. The timber is protected using natural treatments.

A distinctive element of the project is the experimental filtration beds on the roof, designed to study natural water purification methods and promote biodiversity. The boathouse thus combines architecture, ecology and scientific research, demonstrating how a small-scale intervention that preserves the existing structure can create new spatial and environmental value.