Project

The Never-Ending House

- Škofi, Slovenia

A continuously evolving residence in Škofi, Slovenia, blending art and architecture over two decades.

Exterior view of a stone house with a glazed corridor and outdoor seating.

A rustic stone house with a glazed corridor and a small outdoor seating area in a grassy yard.

Story

The Never-Ending House

A Continuously Evolving Residence in Škofi In the small Karst village of Škofi, Slovenia, stands a unique residence known as The Never-Ending House. Designed by OFIS Architects in collaboration with artist Matej Andraž Vogrinčič, this project defies conventional architectural norms by embracing a philosophy of perpetual transformation. Since 2003, the house has served as both a home and a living art installation, reflecting the artist's practice of integrating everyday objects into his work. At the core of the design is the principle of accumulation as creation. The house does not aim for completion but thrives in its unfinished state, evolving with the rhythms of daily life. Each room varies in character, from polished to intentionally raw, creating a patchwork interior where every space narrates its own story. The reinterpretation of the traditional Karst "gank" into a glazed corridor exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation, serving as a transparent connector that maintains a visual relationship with the courtyard. The project is a collective effort, involving architects, craftsmen, and the local community. Decisions are often made spontaneously, reflecting the communal culture of Karst villages. Economically, the house is sustained through budget-conscious creativity, with interventions funded as resources allow, emphasizing sustainability and minimal waste. The Never-Ending House the idea that architecture can remain open and evolving, a process guided by necessity, imagination, and affection.

Design Highlights

Embraces a philosophy of perpetual transformation Rooms vary from polished to intentionally raw Reinterpreted Karst "gank" as a glazed corridor Collective effort involving local craftsmen and community Budget-conscious creativity minimizing waste

Key Facts

Key Aspect Detail
Location Škofi, Slovenia
Architect OFIS Architects
Year Started 2003
Site Area 360 m²
Built Area 58 m²
Program Artist Residence

Technical summary

Updated 3/8/2026

Finishes

  • wall finish: Exposed stone walls
  • ceiling finish: Exposed wooden beams

Materials

  • stone — Walls and facade
  • wood — Ceilings, floors, and furniture
  • glass — Glazed corridor and windows
  • metal — Walkways and structural elements

Construction / Systems

  • structural system: Combination of stone and wood with metal elements
  • facade system: Stone facade with modern glass additions

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: natural stone, wood tones, glass transparency
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows and glass corridors

Images

Exterior view of a stone house with a glazed corridor and outdoor seating.
Stone house with modern glass corridor and arched entrance.
Exterior view of a stone house with a modern glazed upper level and outdoor seating.
Exterior view of a rustic stone house with a wooden pergola and a stone well in the yard.
Building exterior with large glass windows on top and stone facade below, featuring a small barred window and a door, with a vintage scooter leaning against the wall.
Building exterior with large window, barred window below, and old scooter leaning against the wall.
Exterior view of a building with a large window, stone wall, and an old scooter leaning against it.
Interior view of a kitchen and dining area with a person at the sink, wooden table, bookshelves, and wooden ceiling.
Person in a kitchen with shelves and books above.
Interior view of a minimalist room with a wooden dining table, chairs, staircase, and shelves with dishes and kitchenware.
Kitchen interior with hanging pots, shelves with dishes, and a small stone fireplace.
Kitchen shelf with glassware, cups, and utensils on wooden shelves.
Room with exposed wooden beams, metal walkway, dining table, red chairs, and shelves with books.
Interior room with a wooden door, metal grid walkway, and exposed wooden beams.
Interior with wooden ceiling beams, small window, staircase with wooden steps, metal grating floor, and hanging light bulb.
Interior with wooden beams, metal mesh walkway, and staircase.
Interior view through a stone doorway showing a metal grate floor, wooden staircase, and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.
Interior space with rustic stone wall, wooden beams, and a table with a pitcher and basin next to a large window.
Narrow corridor with glass windows, wooden floor, exposed beams, and art frames.
Rustic bathroom interior with stone walls, wooden ceiling, blue cabinet, and a toilet, with light coming through an open doorway.
Rustic bathroom with stone walls, wooden ceiling, freestanding bathtub, and blue cabinet.
Rustic bathroom with black freestanding bathtub, stone walls, wooden beam ceiling, and vintage scale.
A rustic interior with a textured wall, small window, radiator, and a towel hanging on the wall.
Open blue metal cabinet with tools and toiletries against a textured wall.
Interior view of a room featuring a large bookshelf filled with books, a wooden desk, and a chair on a wooden floor.
Interior view of a small window with a wooden frame, a black radiator beneath it, and a wooden floor.
Site plan with contour lines and a cluster of buildings.
Site plan showing a village layout with buildings and roads in a line drawing.
Site plan of a village with outlined buildings and roads.
Architectural drawing of a ground floor plan showing different rooms and spaces.
Floor plan of a building with three sections, doors, windows, and a corridor.
Section drawing of a house with pitched roof and staircase.
Line drawing of a house's south elevation with tiled roof and windows.

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