Renovation that respects, not overhauls, a 1960s house

In an era often dominated by the urge to demolish and rebuild, architects Blaž Kandus and Alenka Korenjak champion a more nuanced approach: renovation. Their philosophy, as articulated by Kandus of Kombinat, is that 'renovation means to renovate something, not to make it anew, which is too often forgotten.' This perspective guided their work on a family home originally built in the 1960s, a project they aptly named 'Ne preveč prenova' – 'Not too much renovation.'

The couple's commitment to preserving the essence of the original structure was evident throughout the process. They recognized the inherent beauty and interest in the house's initial floor plan, opting to alter it minimally. Upstairs, only the bathroom was slightly reduced in size to accommodate an additional bedroom for their five children. The main living area saw a shift, with the kitchen and living room exchanging places, but even this was done with a light touch. Their restraint extended to the garden, where they carefully considered the need for summer shade, a crucial element for outdoor comfort.

This philosophy of 'less is more' resonated with visitors during the Open House Slovenia festival, where the house was showcased. It underscores a broader principle that aligns with sustainability, heritage conservation, and financial prudence. By focusing on thoughtful interventions rather than wholesale transformation, Kandus and Korenjak demonstrate that significant improvements and enhanced functionality can be achieved without sacrificing the soul of the original building. Their work serves as an inspiring example for homeowners and architects alike, proving that respecting the past can lead to a more meaningful and sustainable future.

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Renovation means to renovate something, not to make it anew, which is too often forgotten. With renovation, clients and architects usually want to do something completely new, radical, with which it actually loses its meaning. In my opinion, the meaning is in not renovating too much.