Location / Belgrade, Serbia
Year / 2020.
Area / 80m²
Client / Private
Project team / Zoja Turković
Photo / Goran V. Anđelković
In this apartment project in Block 70, New Belgrade, our team faced the challenge of transforming a neglected and spatially inefficient flat in its original condition into a functional, contemporary, and bright home for a family of four. The central question we started with was: What does “family home” mean today, and what is the role of the central symbol of togetherness within it? From this reflection emerged the core design concept – to make the family dining table the central motif of the space, both functionally and symbolically.
In typical New Belgrade apartments from the era of socialist construction, rooms were often closed off, dark, and oriented toward individual use. Through our interventions – which included minimal removal of partition walls and a redefinition of spatial hierarchy – we created an open living zone where the kitchen, dining, and living room function as one harmonious whole. At the heart of this space, we placed a round dining table, around which family members naturally gather.
Special attention was given to materials and details. Wooden slats were used to let light pass through while also visually dividing the space. A playful transition of hexagonal floor tiles into parquet marks the shift from the entrance area to the living zone. Every part of the apartment features custom-designed furniture tailored to fulfill the specific wishes of the clients. All of this contributes to an atmosphere where every element has its role, yet none dominates the space. The furniture was designed to be unobtrusive yet highly functional – with hidden storage, work surfaces, and multifunctional zones that support the family’s daily activities.
In this project, we didn’t follow trends, but instead focused on the needs of real people. Our goal was to create a space where the family can live, gather, learn, work, and rest – a home where every square meter is thoughtfully designed to enhance the quality of life.
We believe architecture is not just about shaping space, but also about shaping relationships among its users. By returning the family table to the center of the home, this project sends a clear message about the importance of togetherness, everyday rituals, and presence. In a time when shared family meals are becoming increasingly rare, our design serves as a reminder that physical space can foster emotional closeness.
This apartment in Block 70 is an example of how, even with limited square footage and budget, a strong concept and dedication to detail can result in an interior that is warm, functional, enduring, and – above all – tailored to its users.
