Еxtension to the Zivković Family House
Buildings/The current appearance of the house is the work of Isailo Nikolić, who, through precise modifications, transformed the existing building in the academic style into one that stylistically carries the hallmarks of the contemporary early modern architectural trends of that time. He created a refined façade, free of ornamentation, emphasizing circular elements as the sole decoration. Nikolić shifted the original window openings to highlight the building’s corner. The stairs leading to the ground floor are accentuated by an arch retained from the original structure. Today, together with several other buildings, it is nestled within the City Wall of Skopje.
Architect Isailo Jov. Nikolič
Year of design 1936
Investor / Owner Zivković Radivoje, Zivković Nadezda
City / Municipality Skopje
/ Centar
Address Lermontova St. No. 19
Floors B+GF+1
Original typology
Current purpose
Protection status not protected
- Building chronology (project, construction phases)The original building was designed in 1928. The extension was designed in 1936.Number of floorsB+GF+1Program description (floor plan details)The ground floor and the upper floor contain residential units. The entrance to the building is from the courtyard itself, through the side façade via stairs accentuated by an arch. The ground floor is elevated, providing a light opening to the basement space.StructureMassive construction system with a wooden interfloor structure; the walls in the basement are made of rammed concrete, while the masonry on the ground floor and upper floors consists of brick and lime plaster. The extension is built with a mixed system of concrete and wooden construction.RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with roofing tiles, the roof structure is made of processed fir timber.FaçadeThe façade is plastered with extended plaster, and the stairs are emphasized with an arched beam.CarpentryThe exterior carpentry consists of painted wooden windows and doors. The windows are made of wood with vertical divisions into two and three panes in the window openings. The ground-floor windows also have fixed transoms.Building surroundingsThe building is accessed through a courtyard and stairs (raised ground floor). The courtyard is enclosed by a metal fence set between masonry pillars. The fence features geometric detailing in a modern style.ContextThe building is situated within the post-earthquake modern urban core of the city (the large ring).
- RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with roofing tiles.FaçadeThe façade is plastered with extended plaster, and the stairs are emphasized with an arched beam.CarpentryThe exterior carpentry consists of PVC frames, with vertical divisions into two and three panes in the window openings. The ground-floor windows also have fixed transoms.Building surroundingsThe building is accessed through a courtyard and stairs (raised ground floor). The courtyard is enclosed by a metal fence set between masonry pillars. The fence features geometric detailing in a modern style.Exterior conditiongoodInterior conditionsatisfactoryExterior authenticitysatisfactoryInterior authenticitypoorModificationsAn additional floor was added above the 1936 building, which altered the appearance of the facade and the roof. With the change of use from residential to commercial, further modifications were made to the facade, including changes to the window openings, the addition of eaves, and adaptations reflecting the commercial function of the building with traditional Chinese elements.
- not protected
- architectural and aesthetic
- Recommendation to the owners: The value of the building should be respected when installing elements directly on the façades, and if changes are made, they should be aimed at preserving its authenticity.
- State Archive of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje Department. Arch. No. 6.1.319.59/601-624.