Lace Apartments is located in the centre of Nova Gorica (population 32.000) – Nova Gorica is situated in the west of Slovenia, adjacent the Slovene – Italian border. It lies 92 meters above sea level. The town has also very specific climate conditions – it is renowned as the hottest town in Slovenia in summer and very strong winds in winter.
Courtesy of OFIS arhitekti
The object s positioned on the fixed urban plot 48 x 16m x 5 floors. The formal concept reinstates three-dimensional lace which embraces the volume of the building. Furthermore, the lace is transformed into functional elements – projecting roofs, pergolas, apartment dividing walls, terraces and balconies with loggias. These elements are protecting external spaces and interior of apartments and provide additional privacy to inhabitants.
Courtesy of OFIS arhitekti
The combination of façade elements – projecting roofs, pergolas, apartment dividing walls, terraces and balconies with loggias function as constant temperature buffer zone to the main living and sleeping areas and protect against sudden weather changes and strong winds.
Courtesy of OFIS arhitekti
Additional aluminum shading panels are placed on the outer sides of the winter loggias and balconies. The service and communication spaces are reduced to minimum thus the daylight is provided on the shafts. The monthly basic energetic and service costs are very low; so also economic for the habitants.
Courtesy of OFIS arhitekti
Project Info:
Architects: OFIS arhitekti
Project Location: Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Project Year: 2008
Project Area: 10250.0 sqm
Client: Kraski zidar, Sezana, Slovenia
Project Leaders: Rok Oman & Špela Videčnik
Design Team: Rok Oman, Špela Videčnik, Nejc Batistic, Martina Lipicer, Andrej Gregoric, Katja Aljaz
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.