House Kozjek

In the heart of rural Slovenia stands a contemporary house for two people, replacing an old farmhouse next to which a stone cellar and a traditional hayrack have been preserved. The new building respects the logic of the original house, its orientation, access, and views toward the nearby church, while adapting it to contemporary living. The house is not conceived as an expressive architectural gesture, but rather as a quiet presence that connects with its surroundings and offers intimate, composed interior spaces.

The design is based on sustainable principles and the use of natural materials. A timber frame structure is filled with straw bales for insulation; the interior surfaces are finished with clay plasters, the exterior with lime renders, while solid oak floorboards and tadelakt in the bathroom complete the material palette. These materials give the space warmth, tactile quality, and durability. The central part of the house is occupied by a service core that integrates the bathroom, technical spaces, storage, and stairs leading to a gallery with additional sleeping spaces and a work desk. Its wooden cladding visually defines the living areas, shapes the entrance, and creates a more intimate bedroom at the back. Large glazed openings connect the interior with the village and surrounding landscape, while a terrace on the opposite side offers a more private outdoor corner. Rounded corners and a carefully arranged layout create a sense of comfort and shelter.

Construction with straw bales and a timber frame required extensive research into details to ensure energy efficiency and durable protection, while preserving the natural honesty of the materials. The project highlights the importance of dialogue between architect and client; the result is a small yet spatially rich house that brings together tradition and modernity while respecting both the landscape and its inhabitants.

The house is located near Mirna in Dolenjska region.