The Fantastic Farmhouse
an abandoned construction site transformed into an urban farm



The Fantastic Farmhouse is a regeneration project in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where an abandoned construction site is transformed into an urban farm and cultural center.

Originally planned to become student housing, but left to its own devices after an economic downturn, Copova 9 has been a whole in the otherwise vibrant tapestry that is Ljubljana. The proposal is simple: Use the existing structure, add a series of balconies, and fill it with urban farming of different kinds. Open it up strategically to create stronger connections to the nearby surroundings, and make spaces for gatherings and cultural events both inside and outside.





90% of the materials came from within 1 km of the site, and all the concrete slabs were misproductions donated by the local concrete factory. 




The urban farm houses a complex program of both cultural activities and food production. An experimental restaurant, a library, a shop for produce and farming supplies, a rooftop bar, workshop spaces and lecture spaces are spread out on the lowest and highest levels of the structure.

Most of the interior spaces contain various adapted vertical hydroponic farming systems while in the exterior spaces a mix of produce is grown in low-tech planters on ramps and walkways.






The site
“Knafljev Prehod” - acourtyard in the historic centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia, contains an incoherent mix of styles and abandoned construction projects. Some corners are inviting and comfortable, while others have the opposite effect. 

Copova Ulica 9 lies at the Northern corner of the Knafljev Prehod.


The site
“Knafljev Prehod” - acourtyard in the historic centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia, contains an incoherent mix of styles and abandoned construction projects. Some corners are inviting and comfortable, while others have the opposite effect. 

Copova Ulica 9 lies at the Northern corner of the Knafljev Prehod.
The site
“Knafljev Prehod” - acourtyard in the historic centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia, contains an incoherent mix of styles and abandoned construction projects. Some corners are inviting and comfortable, while others have the opposite effect. 

Copova Ulica 9 lies at the Northern corner of the Knafljev Prehod.





Type of project:
Circular economy, Radical reuse, Transformation, Adaptive reuse, Urban Farming, Emotion-centered Design, Christopher Alexander, The Unfolding Process,

Year completed:
2022

Location:
Copova Ulica 9, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Tutor:
Prof. Or Ettlinger

Series:
Unfolding Spaces