Studio Kalamar | Lev Office Building
The building stands on the corner of the most frequented intersection in the city.
Impact of heavy traffic, diversity of physical space.
Visible part, housing offices and retail space, represents only a third of the entire structure. Below ground, three more levels accommodate parking and additional programs for the adjacent hotel.
Protective against the impact of the intersection, the building is oriented within where, together with adjacent buildings, it forms an open atrium, a nucleus of public activities.
The high-polished minimal form interacts with drivers passing by, echoing their movement. The “chromosome image” of the vertical window openings provides movement with a large scale rhythm, the layer of creased metal in two contrasting hues interacts with motion by changing colour, the outer layer of printed glass softens the volume in small scale rhythm of continuous code.
Materials used
Construction: reinforced concrete
Facade: metal panels, glass
Roof: gravel
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Architect: Studio Kalamar | Andrej Kalamar
Structural Engineering: Anton Berce, IZTR
HVAC Engineering: Lenassi
Electrical Engineering: Eldata
Contractor: SGP Pomgrad d.d.
Client: Regal d.o.o. Murska Sobota
Built area: 4.200 sqm
Project year: 1999-2001
Construction: 2002
Budget: 2.300.000 €
Photographer: Miran Kambič
Awards:
ar+d award 2002: highly commended project
Bienal Miami+beach 2003: Gold Medal
26. Salon of Architecture Belgrade: ULUPUDS award
The Chicago Athenaeum 2006 International Architecture Award
