Štenova kajža, Grm, 1950. From the collection of Slovenian Ethnographic Museum
Kajža, a project initiated by the Kriterij Institute for the Development of Spatial Culture, is dedicated to integrating cultural and architectural heritage into modern living, rural development, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. It serves as a hub for regeneration and sustainable living, bringing together experts, craftsmen, technologists, preservationists, communities, environmentalists, and more. Kajža acts as an educational tool and idea generator for sustainable lifestyles, exploring permaculture, socially responsible construction, rural revitalization, and harmonious coexistence with nature. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and cherishing our shared architectural, cultural, and natural heritage.
A hub for regeneration and sustainable living
Project Kajža describe itself as a hub for regeneration and sustainable living. By showcasing successful renovation projects and promoting community engagement, Kajža aims to inspire individuals to view old houses as opportunities rather than burdens. It advocates for renovation in rural areas as a means to address housing challenges, while also exploring community housing practices and advocating for community renewal. Kajža provides education on renovation techniques and financing, promotes local self-sufficiency and sustainable living, and seeks systemic solutions for the resettlement and revitalization of abandoned buildings in the Slovenian countryside.
Through intelligent reflection and empathy, Kajža strives to reconcile the various parameters involved, demonstrating that heritage preservation, sustainable living, and community revitalization can go hand in hand. It envisions a future where old buildings are cherished, communities thrive, and sustainable lifestyles are embraced.
Education program
See also
External links
Gallery
Kajža's advice centre offers help with the first steps in renovating an old house.
In cooperation between Kajža and ID20 Institute from Idrija, an online course on renovating old houses was designed in 2022, which introduces beginners to the basics and outlines the first steps in renovating an old house.
The booklet Universally Specific is a series of reflections on vernacular architecture, created during a train journey from Ljubljana to Lisbon.
In the summer of 2022, Kajža hosted a design-architecture workshop at the homestead Pr' Lenart in Belem on the theme of transforming the old hayrack into a multifunctional community space.
An exhibition of the best examples of residential renovation in the Alps was organised in the abandoned Toplar's hayrack of the Pr' Lenart homestead.
Design workshop on the revival of the old hayrack on the homestead Pr' Lenart.
Living in the Alps roundtable to discuss options for revitalising the Alpine countryside
Discussion on coexistence in Krater space in Ljubljana.