X Marks The Spot

Ljubljana-based OFIS Architects reveal what inspired their design for a contemporary villa in Slovenia. 

- Joanne Molina

Bold and beautiful, with graceful lines, innovative wood materiality and intellectual foundations, Villa Criss-Cross Envelope represents the future of residential architecture in Slovenia. Špela Videčnik, who with Rok Oman founded and is principal of OFIS Architects, reveals the creative process behind this landmark residence.

Designed over the course of two years, this single-family home boasts 340 metres square of interior surface spread over three floors. The concept design and brief from the client requested a villa suitable for three children, and which sincerely reflects its urban environment.

But rather than create another generic, contemporary white box that could be interchangeable with any urban space, Videčnik and her team took a refined, thoughtful path that speaks to the distinct character of the neighbourhood.

“The villa is located in the Mirje suburbs within the city centre,” Videčnik explains. “The street of the villa runs perpendicular to the ancient Roman Wall and continues into a pedestrian passageway under the stone pyramid that was designed by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik [as part of his reconstruction project along the wall]. The villa’s structure embeds an existing retaining wall along the street front. By incorporating the wall as part of the new construction, the new house keeps its original position on the street, in an axial alignment to the pyramid.”