Old Printery: OFIS Architects Revives Slovenian Modernist Heritage

Located in Slovenia, the Old Printery is a landmark example of post-war modernist industrial architecture, recently revitalized by OFIS Architects. Originally designed in the 1960s by the prominent Slovenian architect Savin Sever, the Mladinska knjiga printing house was one of the most modern printing facilities of its era. Sever’s signature modular concrete construction and expressive structural elements reflected the principles of the Ljubljana school of architecture, influenced by Edvard Ravnikar and the modernist poetics of Le Corbusier.

From Industrial Hub to Creative Space

At the turn of the 21st century, the printing house underwent modernization with advanced machinery. However, rapid shifts in digital printing technologies rendered traditional processes obsolete, leading to the building’s closure and years of vacancy. Over time, the large industrial structure found new life as a hub for creative enterprises, generating renewed interest in its unique architectural identity.

Thoughtful Renovation and Preservation

In 2022, the building was acquired by a new owner committed to preserving Sever’s architectural vision. The original concrete framework, dimensioned to support heavy machinery, allowed adaptive reuse without structural reinforcements. The renovation posed significant challenges, particularly regarding thermal insulation. The building’s original design, intended to dissipate heat from printing presses, needed a complete rethinking to meet modern climatic standards.

The architects addressed this by adding interior thermal insulation and enhanced glazing, preserving the original glass roof prisms that allow natural light to flood the interior. The façade was updated to reflect Sever’s initial vision of cement panels, which had been replaced with modular bricks during the building’s construction due to cost constraints. This reinstatement both honors the original design and facilitates technical upgrades.

Introducing a Monumental Entrance

A key intervention in the renovation was the creation of a new southern entrance. Previously, workers accessed the building through office wing dressing rooms, which was unsuitable for the building’s new public and creative functions. The amphitheatrical staircase now forms an interior urban square, welcoming visitors while providing a flexible venue for events, performances, and gatherings. A preserved segment of the original printing machinery serves as a historical artifact, bridging the building’s industrial past with its contemporary use.

A Model for Industrial Heritage Preservation

While several of Sever’s works have been lost to demolition in recent decades, the Old Printery renovation stands as a model of respectful industrial heritage preservation. By integrating modern functionality within Sever’s original architectural framework, OFIS Architects has ensured that this modernist icon not only survives but thrives, serving as an inspiring example of adaptive reuse in industrial architecture.

All photographs are works of  Tomaz Gregoric, OFIS Architects