Transformed Archetype

architects Dekleva Gregorič architects
project Chimney House, Logatec, Slovenia
written by Jure Grohar

 

 

In the Chimney House, one could easily find references to the Slovene vernacular and critical regionalist  modern architecture, local craftsmanship etc. But these references aren’t as essential, as the most interesting question that poses itself is how a single archetypal architectural element became the central theme of the house.

 

The archetypal element
 

Historically, the chimney is one of the first technological elements which appeared in architecture and, along with the fireplace – the source of warmth, light and food preparation – became the centre of the home. The chimney retains the same meaning in this house and becomes the centre of the building on all levels.

The volume of the house is, in a way, of an archetypal shape, transformed by the outline of the chimney. It stretches from the lateral side through the entire volume of the house and splits the ridge of the roof. This specific external appearance opens up a dialogue with the nearby church. Both buildings share an added vertical element, which transforms a generic object (a gable house) into a specific one. The shape of both houses was generated using the bottom-up principle.