north star apartments by nice architects feature extruded balconies

north star apartments by nice architects feature extruded balconies
photo © tomas manina
all images courtesy of nice architects

slovakian architectural studio nice architects has completed a residential complex entitled ‘north star apartments’. situated in the center of senec, a popular summer resort, the development takes its name from an adjacent observatory and the building’s exact north-south orientation. the brief called for the construction of a memorable and vibrant design that introduced a sense of brightness and clarity into the existing urban fabric.

the four-storey structure is positioned on a triangular site within a mixed city block. at ground level, small shops and cafés activate the edge of the site, while strengthening connections with the surrounding landscape. in total, nine inhabitable units are housed across three residential storeys, with each level following the same spatial configuration. each 50 square meter apartment features a west-facing balcony offering sunset views.

the four-storey structure is positioned on a triangular site within a mixed city block
photo © tomas manina

the top corner of each balcony is exposed to the south, allowing the sun to penetrate deeply into the living space. the extruded form isolates the apartments from noise emanating from the street below. as the sun moves throughout the day, the reflections cast by the protruding terraces create a constantly shifting display of light and shade. protecting against graffiti, the lower part of the structure is painted in a gradient of monochromatic stripes.

the clear and rational design is reflected in the use of materials and construction methods. load-bearing walls and partitions are made from brick, with reinforced concrete ceilings. balconies are also constructed using brick, cantilevered on concrete plateaus.

reflections cast by the protruding terraces create a constantly shifting display of light and shade
photo © tomas manina

the extruded form isolates the apartments from noise emanating from the street below
photo © tomas manina

at ground level, small shops and cafés activate the edge of the site
photo © tomas manina

nine residential units are provided across three floors
photo © tomas manina

the development takes its name from an adjacent observatory and the building’s exact north-south orientation
photo © tomas manina

aerial view of the site
photo © tomas manina

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project info:

architect: nice architects, bratislava, slovakia
team: tomas zacek, sona pohlova, igor zacek
location: senec, slovakia
date: 2011-2014
photography: tomas manina