The Boathouse Zuka Lab Adapts a Heritage Boathouse as a Research HQ
Amy Duong — July 17, 2025 — Art & Design
References: ofis.si
The Boathouse Zuka Lab adapts a heritage boathouse as a research HQ on Lake Bled’s western shore. OFIS Architects meticulously dismantled and restored the 25.5 m² alpine structure using traditional pine-resin treatments before reassembling its wooden planks into a rhythmic slatted facade. This clever design filters daylight and offers transparency, while the building glows softly at dusk, transforming a simple boathouse into a beacon of both tradition and innovation.
A new filtration garden installed on the steeply pitched roof tests eco-friendly water cleansing methods by pumping lake water through planted wooden trays. Inside, the space was upgraded with timber flooring, replacing cold cement tiles to create a warmer, more comfortable environment for researchers. Now serving the Slovenian Environment Agency, the structure supports water-quality monitoring efforts and acts as an educational landmark—showcasing how adaptive reuse can preserve heritage, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire sustainable architecture.
Image Credit: Miran Kambic
A new filtration garden installed on the steeply pitched roof tests eco-friendly water cleansing methods by pumping lake water through planted wooden trays. Inside, the space was upgraded with timber flooring, replacing cold cement tiles to create a warmer, more comfortable environment for researchers. Now serving the Slovenian Environment Agency, the structure supports water-quality monitoring efforts and acts as an educational landmark—showcasing how adaptive reuse can preserve heritage, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire sustainable architecture.
Image Credit: Miran Kambic
Trend Themes
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Adaptive Reuse Architecture — The transformation of heritage buildings like boathouses into modern research facilities exemplifies innovative design that combines tradition with contemporary utility.
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Eco-friendly Water Filtration — The integration of filtration gardens on building rooftops introduces innovative methods for water cleansing that merge architectural design with environmental sustainability.
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Sustainable Material Use — The shift from cold cement tiles to warmer timber flooring highlights an industry trend towards using sustainable materials for both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Industry Implications
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Architecture and Design — Innovative approaches in architecture, such as repurposing heritage structures with modern functionality, open opportunities for sustainable and culturally sensitive designs.
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Environmental Science — The effective combination of architecture with environmental monitoring creates new pathways for scientific research infrastructure that marries functionality with ecological consciousness.
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Heritage Conservation — This field sees disruption through the intersection of preservation techniques with modern environmental and educational functions, offering a renewed purpose for traditional structures.
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