A timber-and-glass house 19 years later

19 years later: a house that still inspires

When timber-and-glass houses were still rare

Nineteen years ago, prefabricated houses were not as widespread as they are today—especially those with an exposed frame. Doubts came from every direction. Would such a house be strong enough? What would maintenance involve, and how long would the timber last? Would the glass withstand every external influence?

Today, it is clear that those concerns were unfounded. This house proves that a high-quality timber frame can pass the test of time with flying colours.

A dream house among the vineyards

“This is not my house; this is my home”

The family from Maribor wanted more peace, light and contact with nature. Their weekend home on the edge of the city was replaced by a natural, bright and spacious Vita Nova that still impresses with its architecture and the warmth of timber.

Because of the steep, demanding terrain, we spent several months coordinating the basement construction to ensure it followed the design and was ready for the KAGER house. Bad weather and rain added to the challenge. Fortunately, the sun came out on the day the mobile crane and lorries carrying the house elements arrived, and within the next few days the house was under roof.

When we spoke with the owners a few years ago about their experience of the KAGER house and the complete service, they agreed: “If you feel comfortable in your own house every day, it gives you a sense of warmth. And if everyone who visits feels it too, you are a winner regardless of the time and money invested. You can then say to yourself and others at any moment: this is not my house; this is my home. That is exactly true of the KAGER house we have enjoyed for more than a decade.”

Today, the stories in the house have changed. The children have grown up and moved away, but the house among the vineyards remains the centre of family moments. The whole family gathers here for celebrations and holidays, while the grandchildren already look forward to the first warm days, when the outdoor pool can be used again and they can explore the surroundings.

Timber that stands the test of time

Regular maintenance and a new Kerowood exterior terrace

After almost two decades, the house remains as captivating as on its first day. The owners carefully maintain the exposed timber structure, renewing the opaque coating every four to five years so that the timber retains its warmth, texture and character.

They recently also decided to renovate the exterior terrace with Kerowood bamboo. Bamboo is a natural material of exceptional strength, resistance and elegance. The system was installed around the pool, terrace and balcony, creating complete colour harmony between the façade, details and exterior space.

Interventions like this prove that timeless architecture can be refreshed with contemporary materials without losing its identity.

Architecture that passes the test of time

Durability, adaptability and support over time

At 19 years old, the house confirms that the lifespan of prefabricated construction is fully comparable with masonry. A frequent concern about timber construction is that timber and glass are not durable. In practice, precise production and certified glued laminated timber ensure exceptional structural stability and longevity. The keys are high-quality glulam, precise manufacture in controlled conditions and regular maintenance. As a living material, timber breathes with its environment, allowing it to retain stability and a pleasant indoor climate even after two decades of use.

The adaptability of the Vita Nova timber frame allows rooms to be rearranged when needed. Now that the children have moved away, the house can adapt to the owners’ new needs without major construction work if they wish. It remains an open system that evolves with its residents.

The owners also have access to KAGER HIŠA service support. We advise customers on maintenance, remedy potential defects during the warranty period and offer exceptional service visits after the warranty expires.

This approach shows that quality is not merely a feature of the moment of construction, but a commitment that endures through the years—right up to today, 19 years later.