The Pedestrian Bridge across the River Rinža

Dans arhitekti

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Completed Buildings – Transport. Display

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Slovenia

Company Name

Dans arhitekti

 

COMPANY COUNTRY:

Slovenia

ARCHITECTURAL CREDITS

Dans arhitekti, Maja Cvelbar, Miha Dešman, Eva Fišer Berlot, Vlatka Ljubanovic, Katarina Pirkmajer Dešman

Project Team
Alan Sodnik (structural engineering)
CLIENT OR OWNER NAME:

Municipality of Kočevje

Project Name:
The Pedestrian Bridge across the River Rinža
Project Country:

Slovenia

Project City:
Kočevje
Project Category:
Transport. Display
Project Area:
The bridge itself covers 165 m², with an additional 310 m² of surrounding riverbank area.
Completion Date:
2024-08-30
Project overview

The footbridge over the Rinža River forms a long, elegant curve across two existing supports and rests gently on the riverbanks. The bridge is made of wood: two composite load-bearing arches constructed from laminated timber beams, serving also as railing. These are protected on both sides with replaceable textured wooden cladding, which extends the bridge’s lifespan while shielding the main structure from weather exposure. The bridge is cost-effective and reflects local building traditions.

Project history

The project was selected in a 2021 public competition by the Municipality of Kočevje to replace an old footbridge. The existing structure was worn out and no longer safe for pedestrians and cyclists due to its steep slope, narrow width, and low railings. The new bridge was designed with a gentler slope, which made it longer than the previous one. We reused the existing foundations to minimise intervention in the natural environment. During the 2022–2023 design phase, elevation levels were re-checked to meet 100-year flood protection standards. Construction was carried out in spring 2024 by local contractors. We actively participated in the process and visited the site multiple times. The wooden components, including the textured cladding on the beams, were prefabricated and installed on-site in just two days. The natural riverbank was preserved to minimise environmental impact. Completed in August 2024, the bridge fits naturally into its surroundings and was warmly welcomed by locals.