Urban Parasite / Bostjan Gabrijelcic

from Arhitektura d.o.o. sent us this rehabilitation of an old apartment’s terrace in .

More images and drawings after the break.

The spatial development strategy of Slovenia requires the urban densification of town centres, which opens the way to various practices, including the utilization of garret spaces and roof terraces. This approach also offers the possibility to improve their energy and construction, and make technical improvements. “The urban parasite” we used to rehabilitate a run-down and disused terrace of an old apartment block took advantage of the neighbouring construction site.

Making use of three cranes, the collaborative effort of their jibs enabled us to lift the huge metallic parts of the “parasite” from the bank of the Ljubljanica River over the high surrounding roofs and inner courtyards on to the terrace of the extension of “Rdeca hiša”. The result is a studio flat of 70 square metres, with a kitchenette and bathroom, hanging like a weightless pavilion over Ljubljana, flirting with Ljubljana Castle. A lightweight facade membrane was put over an innovative metallic structure standing on just two columns, enveloping the vacant inner space. To the general satisfaction of the owner, the total building costs amounted to just about € 35,000. “Urban parasite” is evidence of the versatility and innovative utility in apparently useless urban areas.

Cite: P , Amber. "Urban Parasite / Bostjan Gabrijelcic" 08 Jun 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 26 May 2013. <http://www.archdaily.com/23999>

18 comments

  1. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    doesn’t seem too parasitic to me…just a simple insertion. I suppose that since the insertion obtaining nourishment from the ‘host’ wiothout benefiting or killing the host, then maybe. not bad, not great but something that at least works and can live with.

  2. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    doesn’t seem too parasitic to me…just a simple insertion. I suppose that since the insertion obtaining nourishment from the ‘host’ without benefiting or killing the host, then maybe. not bad, not great but something that at least works and can live with.

  3. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    Architecture for the poor? You know that’s an Eames lounge chair, it costs about 1200 US.

    On the other hand, maybe they just borrowed it for the photoshoot :-)

  4. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    It doesn’t look as a parasite, think it needs contrast, in shape, texture, color or anything… but it’s more like dirtiness than parasite.

  5. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    not very original… i think the rarenes of the country had a lot to do with the selection of this proyect. look at the bright side, now we know something else from Eslovenia besides the image left fromt that HOSTAL movie.

  6. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    Poor idea, poor details. Those two columns could be somehow integrated in the outer wall.
    Definitely not suitable for this page, sorry.

  7. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    the project rules, the idea is very good but you missed the point, should read again the description of project not just photos

  8. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    to pan UDEC
    Sorry for correcting you… Slovenia is not Slovakia. If you meant movie “HOSTEL” it was reporting about Slovakia

  9. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    Terrific work! That is the kind of information that should be shared around the net. Disgrace on the seek engines for no longer positioning this post higher! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thank you =)

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