Renovation of Collegio dei Nobili
The renovation of the Collegio dei Nobili in Koper undoubtedly represents one of the most significant conservation and architectural interventions in the Istrian region in recent years. The 18th-century Baroque palace, originally intended for the education of the sons of the nobility, has in modern times acquired a new identity as part of the city’s cultural and educational infrastructure, while retaining its historical presence and urban role in the center of Koper.
The project was based on the principles of minimal intervention, legibility of the layers of time, and respect for the original spatial proportions. The key challenge was to balance conservation requirements with contemporary programmatic needs, particularly in the context of fire safety, energy efficiency, and functional flexibility. In stabilizing the structure, reversible reinforcements were used, along with discreetly integrated technical installations that do not interfere with the historic fabric.
The architectural expression of the renovation is restrained yet deliberately contemporary. New elements, from wooden louvers to metal details, are designed as contrasting yet harmonious additions to the stone materiality of the existing fabric. Special emphasis was placed on the transformation of the inner courtyard, which had already served as a gathering space prior to the renovation.
The construction work took place in a highly complex and conservation-sensitive context, dictated by the location within the dense urban fabric and the exceptional historical value of the building. Following extensive archaeological research, which confirmed settlement traces dating back to the Roman period and uncovered multiple cultural layers as well as valuable Renaissance finds, the key structural intervention followed – the restoration of the existing wooden roof. Removal of the ceilings revealed a significantly worse condition of the structure than anticipated, necessitating a combination of complete replacements of individual sections and targeted restorations, verified through structural assessments and conservation guidelines. In parallel, internal installations were modernized, including a new internal sewage system and the preparation of infrastructure for energy-efficient systems. The renovation of the sports annex roof also allowed for the installation of technical equipment on a new steel platform, requiring additional reinforcements to the supporting structure. The exterior landscaping included replacing asphalt surfaces with limestone paving, while the inner courtyard received new paving made of white Istrian limestone, emphasizing respect for regional materials and providing a tactile enhancement of the historic environment.
The renovation of the Collegio dei Nobili is therefore not merely a restorative intervention, but an example of sensitive revitalization of cultural heritage through contemporary architectural practices – an approach that reinforces the role of historic structures as active participants in today’s urban life.
Project information:
Investor: Urban municipality Koper
Architect: Savaprojekt, d.d.
Lead conservator (ZVKDS): dr. Mojca Marja Kovač
Main contractor: Makro 5 Gradnje d.o.o.
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