Located on the western edge of Lake Bled, world renowned for its island church and the majestic backdrop of the Julian Alps, this small, barely 25.5-square-meter construction was carefully renovated with a focus on preserving tradition through restoration. It serves as headquarters for the Slovenian Environment Agency’s research operations, sheltering vessels used to monitor the water quality of an ecosystem which is particularly vulnerable to the pressures of tourism.

Far from a radical transformation, the intervention respected and revitalized the original timber structure, which was taken apart, inspected and restored piece by piece, and reassembled, all the while faithfully maintaining the proportions and the vernacular language of Alpine constructions. The process included treating the wood with traditional pine resin, a natural material that protects the structure, honors local craftsmanship, and complies with current ecological criteria.

The facade was not rebuilt uniformly: instead, the boards were moved and rearranged at different angles, creating an openwork envelope that subtly transformed the building’s character. This ‘porous skin’ lets light, air, and lake views penetrate the structure, generating a play of transparencies and shadows that connects the interior to its natural surroundings in a delicate and sensitive way. A standout among the improvements made is the replacement of the old cement floor with wooden planks, providing a breathable surface consistent with the lake landscape.

The operation not only extended the building's useful life, but also upgraded it as a discreet and integrated piece of architecture whose true merit lies in its ability to preserve, reuse, and respectfully interact with the surroundings.