Liste des projets

Meta Kutin

  • Site : www.mkutin.si
  • Adresse : Rožna ulica 31 1000 Ljubljana
Meta Kutin graduated in 2009 at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana. During her studies she won the international Student's Award Piranesi. She is postgraduate student of the same faculty and investigates the impact of open space on successful educational process. Within the framework of the "Slovenian Third Age University, National Association for Education and Social Inclusion", she conducts the study programme aimed at enhancing critical thinking od older adult students in relation to the built environment. She is editor of the official web site Trajekt, Institute for Spatial Culture. She is member of Docomomo Slovenia and Architects’ Society of Ljubljana. From 2011 to 2016 she worked as a partner together with Tomaž Ebenšpanger. Since 2017 she has worked in the architectural office of her own. In 2021, she received (together with T. Ebenšpanger) the Golden Pencil Award conferred by ZAPS (the Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning of Slovenia) for achievement in the field of architecture for The House for Modest Residence. She is interested in small scale architecture and design in which she can devote herself to cooperation with her clients. Owing to her mentoring work in the field of the education of older adults, over the years, oriented herself towards house design and residential architecture for clients in the third age. She understands that clients, after retirement, are one of the most heterogeneous social groups which are strongly defined by individuals' past professional experiences, personal memories and attitudes toward world issues. Limitations in physical functioning (disabilities) may be one of the characteristics of older generation, yet in no case the one which mostly defines the older generation! Meta Kutin knows by experience that for high quality living of the elderly it is not enough to just know legislation and rules in the field of disabilities. Meta Kutin brings to public attention her reflections, studies, mentoring work and architectural projects through numerous published technical and non technical as well as scientific articles, exhibiitons, through lectures intended for architects and wider public, and also through delivery of her thoughts on public television and radio. For the Architects' Society of Ljubljana she is presently preparing the exhibition named City 65+, Ageing between Retreat and Urbanism, as a way of life. Through exhibition she calls attention to inevitable participation of the elderly in town planning, architecture and society in general. Social participation of older people should keep this generation in responsible, creative and participative relationship with the society. By return, this will help the architectural profession to establish a direct connection with the elderly and come to know not only their needs but also aspirations.

House in Alpine Village

Authors, architects: Meta Kutin and Tomaž Ebenšpanger
Year: 2016 built
Size: 160m2
Location: the protected alpine village of Stara Fužina in the Triglav National Park, Bohinj
Investor: lady at the age of 64+
- Position: bachelor of economics
- Family status: lives alone
- Status: just before retirement at the time of project


Entering the third age the client wanted to build a house of her own - just for herself! Such a brave decision for a resident in a small and traditional community.
On account of its location with panoramic views over the valley, the building was kept in sight of villagers throughout the whole period of construction. And suggestions of local residents in small communities have not a negligible influence on choices made by clients. Therefore, it was necessary to build trust and develop it throughout the entire project not only with the client but also with local tradesmen, with a view to make them accept new concepts and new construction details. For instance, facades without traditional timber formwork panels in gables, facades without balconies, large glass surfaces which »make windows disappear«. A special attention has been focused on jutting roofs. Their design conception follows the rural pragmatism, hence they have different depths to meet the function; they are visible on account of their slenderness which is further emphasized by a thin fibre cement grey roof covering and a supporting structure made of cross-glued board plates. All materials used on the house are local.
The house is situated rectangularly to a steep hillside in order to make the most of both sunny warmth, spectacular views and diverse outdoor living areas. The owner had in mind to spend a lot of time in her garden after retirement. The ground–plan of the house is small but offers good use of space. The simple concept allows to meet also the owner’s longer-term needs and goals. The third age is a long period in which the owner’s needs, aspirations and wishes will surely change. The floor plan in the west wing accommodates a small apartment for the time when she will no longer be able to climb the stairs to reach the first floor. The apartment is now periodically used by her son, when he visits his mother. If necessary, this apartment can easily be let out, Stara Fužina being a very popular tourist destination.
Building activities during construction works and news spreading in the village stimulate spontaneous and informal integration of villagers, which is an opportunity also for architects to clarify certain dilemmas, interpret solutions or exchange experiences in a friendly atmosphere. All my so far created projects prove that design and construction process strengthen ties with the community and are opportunity for members of community to gather, connect with one another and learn more. This is even more important when the client is in the third age with plenty of time to spend at home and to connect with local community.

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