Whether it is a residence, an office, or a commercial building, carports are often spaces that are added in as an afterthought, or at best, as an extremely functional requirement. It is rare that this functional necessity receives the aesthetic treatment that the rest of the building usually gets. Frame House, designed by Slovenia-based OFIS Architects, remedies this. Situated in the suburbs near Ljubljana, Slovenia's bustling city centre, the house treats its carport as a natural extension of itself. A series of intelligently designed spaces compose this residential architecture by bringing together aesthetic appeal and functionality.

At first glance, the covered carport reveals itself as a striking feature, its design transcending that of a mere parking space. It acts as a protective canopy and offers more than shelter for vehicles. The canopy also doubles as a playground and provides a versatile space for children to frolic and play. A strategically planted tree beneath the canopy adds a touch of nature, softening the otherwise strict lines and accentuating the home's commitment to blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

Visually captivating, the canopy, the actual residence and its storage unite to form a cohesive volume that is clad in a uniform skin of red brick tiles. This choice of material not only lends the structure a timeless elegance but also serves a practical purpose. The red brick tiles, covering both vertical and inclined planes, create a perforated lace structure, offering visual and acoustic isolation from the nearby busy road, thus offering solitude to the private residence.

Visually, the red brick tiles shroud the house in a unified aesthetic. Beyond their timeless aesthetic appeal, the tiles offer durability with a promise of low maintenance and also tie into the sustainable heart of the residential design by providing insulation and enhancing energy efficiency.

Inside, the house follows its exterior form. The play of horizontal and vertical lines created by the arrangement of spaces as well as the furniture, mirrors the lines created by the external form. However, while the forms are similar, the interior and exterior still maintain their distinct identities. The exterior exudes a sense of solidity and tradition while the interior of Frame House is a study of modern elegance and functionality.

Designed to maximise space without compromising on style and aesthetics, all the interior spaces are bathed in natural light streaming through large but shaded windows. This lets in abundant light, without compromising on the thermal comfort inside the house. These windows also frame picturesque views of the lush garden while serving as conduits, seamlessly connecting the interior with the exterior.

Like the exterior, every aspect of the house inside is thought diligently. Every inch of the space is meticulously optimised to accommodate the needs of a modern family. The home features many multi-functional areas. With stairs that double as bookshelves and a study room boasting a fold-out king-size bed, the spaces are ingeniously designed to merge form and function. Such design elements not only enhance the living experience but also contribute to the home's sustainability by maximising its efficiency.

By preserving the existing garden and integrating environmentally conscious materials, OFIS Architects has crafted a residence that not only minimises its environmental footprint but also embraces the principles of sustainable living. From energy-efficient solutions to a cognizant usage of natural materials, each aspect of the home reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of the planet.

Project Details

Name: Frame House
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Architect: OFIS Architects
Design Team: Rok Oman, Špela Videčnik, Andrej Gregorič, Janez Martinčič,, Matej Krajnc, Matej Brus, Giulia Sgrò, Agnese Nascimben, Gencer İşlekter 
Construction: GTN Kriznar
Electrical installations: Elpro Kriznic
Mechanical installations: Kek
Structural engineering: Milan Sorč, Project PA
Electrical installations: Biro Mikroklima
Mechanical installations: PRO-ELEKT
Completion: 2024