Tetris Apartments, Ljubljana

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Tetris Apartments, Ljubljana

Mismatches Location Diversity
Urban Design Quality Liveability
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

The Tetris building in Slovenia features a façade resembling the Tetris game and is oriented at a 30-degree angle to reduce noise from a nearby highway. The building’s design includes flexible floor plans, with only the outer walls being structural, allowing for adaptable living spaces.

Date

  • 2005: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: OFIS Architects

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Description

After the collapse of Yugoslavia, Slovenia underwent significant economic transformations, which also affected its housing policies. The pressures of global markets and speculative practices further exacerbated the housing situation, prompting Slovenia to develop comprehensive housing strategies. A key component of this effort has been the restoration and development of public housing stocks, exemplified by the Tetris building.

The Tetris building earned its name due to the appearance of its elevations, which many people likened to the iconic shapes of the Tetris game. The design of the façade is straightforward, reflecting the organization of the floor plans. Given its location adjacent to a busy highway, the building’s apartments and balconies are oriented at a 30-degree angle towards the quieter, south-facing side. This strategic orientation minimizes noise and enhances the living experience.

Future plans include the construction of two additional blocks on the longitudinal sides of the Tetris building, which means there will be no direct windows facing east or west. Each apartment features a view of its own balcony, and in some cases, a glazed loggia, fostering a sense of privacy and preventing direct views between opposite apartments.

The apartments in the Tetris building vary in size, ranging from 30 square meters studio flats to 70 square meters three-room apartments. Larger apartments are located on the front façades, offering better views and corner orientations. These apartments are constructed with economical yet high-quality materials, such as oak wood floors, granite-tiled bathrooms, and large windows equipped with external metal blinds.

The building’s structural concept emphasizes flexibility in floor plans. Only the walls that separate the apartment shells from the rest of the building are structural, while all other internal walls are non-structural. This allows for adaptable living spaces that can be modified according to residents' needs.