This summer a new design hotel was open in Ljubljana – Hotel Vander, whose design is the work of the famous Slovenian architecural office Sadar+Vuga. The hotel is located in the historic centre of Ljubljana, right next to the Ljubljanica river and on one of the busiest pedestrian paths in the town.

The hotel is constructed within the interior space of four historic adjacent buildings. Because of this specific location and conditions, the design of the building plan is spread vertically, with a ground floor space that serves as the main public part of the building and contains the reception, restaurant and bar/lounge areas. The next three levels are organised around a vertical atrium with stairs and contain 16 rooms. The top floor of the hotel includes a glasshouse with a large open terrace and pool.

The exterior facade of the building remains untouched and preserved. Conversely, upon entrance to the hotel you enter a new identifiable area that is the innovative space of Hotel Vander. The design of the hotel was based upon the kaleidoscopic play of 3D patterns in different materials, and reflections that extend the borders of the constructed space. The space created inside appears almost endless. Due to the reflections created inside the building, the visitor becomes a part of the interior.

The rooms inside the hotel are designed with light colours, textile floors and contain glass partition walls to the bathrooms. Inovative interior design and detailing allowed for maximum use of relatively small surface areas. Rooms appear to be more like homely living rooms, due to custom designed furniture pieces such as the black tables and mirrored wish box with mini bar.

A special feature of the hotel is the long terrace with wooden decking and swimming pool. Intended for the relaxation od guest, the wooden deck allows spectacular view of the picturesque roofs of old Ljubljana. Here also the space appears to extend, mostly thanks to the “endless” pool that seems to overflow over the terrace edge. This whole ambient presents an oasis of peace and tranquility right above the busy and buzzing pedestrian zone of old Ljubljana.

All the floors inside the building are interconnected with a vertical hall that also serves as a light shaft. In addition the northern wall of the atrium is cladded with a hanging metal curtain which allows light to diffuse inside the core of the building.

Photos: David Lotrič and Miran Kambič

All photos and drawings courtesy of Sadar+Vuga