The Bohinj Hotel, formerly known as Kompas Hotel, was constructed spontaneously over the past 30 years without a cohesive final design. Situated on a plateau, it offers stunning views of Bohinj Lake, the surrounding mountains, and the Janez Krstnik Church, creating a unique sense of familiarity. The hotel’s new owner has embarked on a comprehensive renovation, focusing on structural reinforcement, interior refurbishment, and sustainable upgrades.
The building’s original structure is now enveloped by a new framework of wooden beams. This addition includes newly built balconies and an overall change in the building’s scale. The wooden framework not only enhances structural resilience against frequent earthquakes but also integrates essential features such as drainage systems, power lines, lightning rods, and facilities for rehabilitation. The exterior is clad with deciduous pine wood, lending the hotel a natural and harmonious appearance.
The entrance facade has been expanded to include a new, larger two-story elevated lobby, an entrance canopy, and a restaurant. The old building’s triangular gable roof is echoed in the entrance facade through recognizable triangular elements, establishing a dialogue with the surrounding mountain peaks. The design draws inspiration from local vernacular architecture, reflecting its details and craftsmanship in the new facade and architectural features.
The interior features 69 guest rooms, each reflecting local culture through patterns, textures, and furniture details. Room types vary from doubles and triples to family suites equipped with panoramic windows and balconies. The long public corridor is inspired by the “toplar” — a traditional building form seen in Bohinj’s haystacks.
These traditional Slovenian architectural monuments are typical of the villages surrounding the hotel. Through these unique local structures, guests experience a distinctive journey to their rooms. The geometric patterns, replicated in carpets, ceilings, and wall finishes, serve as both a design element and a cultural reminder. This heritage, highly valued by locals, is at risk as many traditional buildings deteriorate or collapse each year.
The public spaces encompass a two-story entrance hall, a restaurant and breakfast room, a vintage-style pub featuring a traditional clay stove, a small conference hall, and a club with a bar. Custom-designed furnishings—including seats, benches, curtains, decorations, and lighting fixtures—reflect the hotel’s unique identity. The lighting fixtures resemble tree branches, creating a warm and inviting ambiance, while chairs are crafted from recycled plastic bottles.
Larch wood is the predominant material used for walls, furniture, and ceilings, with all design details drawing inspiration from local folk traditions. The public area flooring is arranged on platforms with light gray stone, while black stone markers guide guests toward the entrance and lobby. These markers evoke memories of Max, the legendary hotel cat who vanished mysteriously after the previous hotel closed for renovation.
Throughout the hotel, patterns on fabrics, glass, and walls depict the silhouettes of the four courageous men who first conquered Slovenia’s highest peak, Triglav, on August 26, 1778. Their story is woven into the hotel’s narrative, symbolizing bravery and strength. This theme represents the identity of Bohinj, inviting guests to journey back in time, explore local roots, and connect with the region’s heritage.
The hotel also features a small wellness center with an outdoor swimming pool and a hot water lawn. The old pool has been replaced by a large fireplace and social activity area, encouraging guests to swim in Bohinj Lake—renowned for its purity due to continuous water renewal at least three times a year. To preserve the natural beauty of the hills and the night sky, the hotel employs subtle exterior lighting that complies with Triglav National Park’s guidelines and design principles.
The renovation also includes upgrading the hotel’s energy systems. Energy planning adheres to strict regulations to ensure efficient usage, meeting A2 energy standard compliance. Ground source heat pumps provide heating and cooling for public spaces and selected rooms, supported by underfloor radiant heating and convection fans. A centralized control system manages the heating and cooling capacities efficiently.
All lighting is based on energy-efficient LED technology and operates through sensors to limit usage time. Fixtures and appliances are designed to minimize consumption and comply with modern standards to prevent light pollution. This is especially crucial given the hotel’s location within Triglav National Park, where preserving biodiversity and allowing nocturnal wildlife to thrive is a priority.
Technical Drawings
Project Information
Architectural Design: OFIS Architects
Area: 5800 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: Ziga Intihar, Ales Gregoric, Andras Boros
Design Team: Rok Oman, Špela Videčnik, Borut Bernik, Rok Vrenko, Giulia Sgro
Client: Merlak investicije and Alpinia
Structural Design: Milan Sorč, Project PA d.o.o
Mechanical Design: Matej Jelen, Bambi d.n.o
Electrical Design: Bojan Kralj, Pro elekt d.o.o
Fire Safety: Andrej Fojkar, Fojkarfire d.o.o
Kitchen Technology: Gregor Dojer, IXA d.o.o
Structural Physics: Matjaž Zupan
Acoustic Design: Saša Galonja
Graphic Design: Futro
Construction and Handicrafts: Tosidos d.o.o. & Riko d.o.o.
Indoor Contractor: Svea d.o.o
Membrane: Permiz d.o.o.
Electrical Installation: Eurolux d.o.o
Mechanical Installation: NKM d.o.o
Lighting: Arcadia d.o.o.
Chair Manufacturing: Donar d.o.o., Stolarna d.o.o.
Ceramic Art: Bakery Tomaž Štupar s.p.
Fireplace: Bakery Play Jurij s.p.
Windows: Gašper Trženje d.o.o.
Wallpaper: Hamler d.o.o
Health Care: Spa2O
Swimming Pool: Remax d.o.o
Landscape: Rade Oblak
Red Wine Bar: Different Furniture d.o.o.
Natural Stone Products: Kamnar d.o.o
Country: Slovenia
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