When Tjaša and Jernej built their modern home in Bled, Slovenia, they refused to compromise—neither on design nor on comfort. Instead of concealing the technology, they made a bold move: their KRONOTERM ADAPT heat pump became a central architectural feature.
With its elegant, minimalist design and premium materials, the unit was placed right at the entrance. The architects and designers paid special attention to its exterior, ensuring it blended seamlessly with the building’s color palette and materials.
Choosing corten steel turned the ADAPT into a decorative element. Its distinctive patina greets visitors with character and warmth. As Tjaša, an interior designer, explains: “We didn’t want the heat pump to look like a foreign object, but to merge completely with the architecture—in both color and material.” Her vision was for ADAPT to complement the home’s clean lines, wooden façade, and expansive glass surfaces.
What is Corten Steel?
Corten, also known as weathering steel, is not a paint finish but a special alloy that naturally protects itself from the elements. Over time, it develops a signature rust-colored patina that is not corrosion, but a durable protective layer. This makes corten low-maintenance and far more long-lasting than standard steel. Popular in contemporary architecture, its earthy tones and textures pair beautifully with wood and other natural materials. Every surface is unique, as the patina evolves and deepens with time.
A Home Where Technology and Architecture Work Together
Tjaša and Jernej’s house is spacious, modern, and designed for comfort. The ADAPT in corten fits perfectly into this story—not only as an architectural element but also as the heart of the home’s heating and cooling. The system is so efficient that their total monthly electricity costs—including heating, cooling, ventilation, daily cooking on an induction hob, and running two energy-demanding ovens—remain under €100, even though the house spans 230 m².
What’s more, the heat pump is exceptionally quiet, ensuring that the peace of their four-home neighborhood remains undisturbed. “At first I was unsure—the house is made of reinforced concrete and the spaces are large. But it turned out the system works brilliantly: efficient and silent,” adds Jernej.
A Sustainable Choice that Shapes Identity
The story of this house in Bled is one of a thoughtful decision: making technology an integral part of the home’s identity. The ADAPT in corten is not just a device, but:
- A considered architectural integration – The heat pump is no longer a technical afterthought but part of the design concept. It stands as an “art piece” that enhances the style of the building.
- An advanced, future-ready solution – A long-term investment in efficiency, designed to connect with other building systems such as photovoltaics for smart energy management.
- A refined aesthetic accent – With corten steel or other color options, the heat pump goes beyond its primary function, becoming a distinctive design element that gains character and visual value over time.
Are you considering a heat pump not just as technology, but as a part of your home’s architecture? Get in touch—we’ll be happy to help you find a solution that complements your space, both aesthetically and functionally.
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