PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, SLAVÍN

Idea projektu

The aim of the studio project is to restore the functionality of the Presidential Villa in such a way that it not only meets the current requirements for the president's family life and work, but also that its architecture conveys dignity and appropriately reflects its representative function. The studio work focuses on the architectural reconstruction of the Presidential Villa located on Bratislava’s Slavín, which is currently in a state of disrepair. The goal of the proposal was to preserve the villa’s position, formal language, and original character, while also seeking to elevate its architectural nobility and restore the dignity of this exceptional building. A key element of the design is the integration of the villa’s private residential function with the representative role of the head of state through a new pavilion with salons oriented toward the garden. The proposal also addresses the cultivation of the extensive exterior, which is newly organized into a private and a public (representative) zone. The result is a harmonious synthesis of historical continuity, functional efficiency, and contemporary representativeness.

Popis projektu

The reconstruction proposal respects the original urban context of the Slavín locality, which is characterized by solitary development of villa-style family homes set within a landscape of significant natural and architectural value. The Presidential Villa remains in its original location, thereby preserving its privileged position and compositional role within the district. The annex housing the representative pavilion is designed below the terrain level and vertically offset, ensuring that it does not visually disrupt existing sightlines or the character of the environment. The site is topographically divided into two functionally distinct zones – the upper private garden, featuring freely growing trees and a swimming pool, and the lower representative garden, composed of formal flower beds and structured planting. This approach creates a harmonious interplay between the villa’s private and public realms. The architectural concept of the design emphasizes the dialogue between the original building and its new functional purpose. From the rear, the villa retains its articulated form, which expresses its residential function and evokes a sense of enclosure and intimacy. This volume is conceived as a “box with openings,” where windows are used selectively to allow daylight while preserving privacy. In contrast, the front façade has been architecturally unified into a single glazed plane, complemented by an elegant colonnade, resulting in a dignified and representative expression. The new representative pavilion is set below ground level and illuminated via a central atrium. Around this atrium, salons and a dining room are freely arranged, with the layout remaining flexible thanks to movable glass partitions. The material composition draws from the original architectural expression – dominated by light materials such as exposed white concrete, terrazzo flooring, and warm-toned walnut wood. In this way, the design respectfully builds upon the villa’s original aesthetic and elevates its architectural nobility.

Technické informácie

The structural design builds upon the original wall system of the building, preserving the existing column grid with a module of 1900 mm. The symmetrical floor plan of the villa is also maintained, which simplifies the spatial and operational organization. The new below-ground pavilion is designed as a reinforced concrete structure with an exposed surface finish that reflects the project’s selected material philosophy. This approach achieves both visual clarity and technical precision in the architectural expression. The building’s program is divided into two main zones – private and representative. The original villa accommodates the residence of the presidential family: the ground floor contains the day zone with living areas, while the night zone with bedrooms is located on the upper level. The representative functions are relocated to the new pavilion, where salons, social spaces, and the dining room are freely arranged around a central atrium. The main advantage of this section is its flexibility – movable glass partitions allow the space to be adapted as needed, ranging from a large hall to smaller, more intimate rooms. The technical facilities, including the garage, are situated below ground level, thereby preserving the external appearance of the building and the character of its surroundings.