Inside Zagreb’s Mamutica – one of Europe’s largest apartment blocks with an interesting legacy
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Nestled in the suburb of Travno in Novi Zagreb stands Mamutica, a colossal residential complex that holds the distinction of being the largest building by volume in Croatia.
Constructed in 1974 by Industrogradnja and envisioned by the architectural prowess of Professor Đure Mirković and Nevenka Postružnik, Mamutica, which means mammoth in Croatian, represents a mammoth presence in the city’s skyline and is recognised as one of the most substantial apartment blocks across Europe.
This mammoth structure, measuring an impressive 240 meters in length and soaring to a height of 70 meters, spans 20 floors and accommodates a staggering 1,212 apartments.
Housing a community of approximately 5,000 residents, Mamutica is a testament to architectural ambition and communal living on a grand scale. The estimated value of this monumental complex, as of 2010, stands at a noteworthy 135 million euros.
Unlike traditional residential buildings, Mamutica boasts a unique design, akin to the panelák or plattenbau style, marking its distinctiveness in the architectural landscape.
(Photo credit: Mst78/CC BY-SA 4.0)
The building features six entrances for the larger section, known as Big Mamutica, and three entrances for the smaller section, aptly named Small Mamutica. Additionally, Mamutica incorporates 256 garages and 24 outlets at the plateau level, enhancing its functionality and convenience for residents.
Mamutica transcends its role as a residential behemoth, becoming a focal point in Croatian television. Croatian Radiotelevision aired a crime TV series titled “Mamutica”. The series intricately weaves police investigations set in and around the colossal building, adding a unique cultural dimension to Mamutica’s identity.
Beyond its architectural and cultural significance, Mamutica holds a strategic role in the city’s emergency planning. Due to the presence of a massive aggregate within the building, Mamutica was conceived as a potential wartime hospital, showcasing its versatility and adaptability in critical situations.
Its resilience stems from meticulous engineering and construction practices, ensuring the safety and security of its residents in the face of seismic events.
(Photo: Suradnik13/CC BY-SA 4.0)
The origin of Mamutica’s name adds an intriguing layer to its narrative. In a departure from convention, Mamutica, meaning “mammoth” in Croatian (female), stands as a unique nomenclature choice for a building.
Originally intended to be named Tratinčica (flower Daisy) as per Miroslav Kollenz’s urban plan, Mamutica’s nomenclature diverged from the floral theme due to unrealized planning ideals.
Mamutica’s historical significance deepens as it emerged as a sanctuary during the turbulent times of the 1990s civil war. As air raid warnings echoed through Zagreb, Mamutica’s tenants sought refuge in atomic shelters constructed within the newly developed socialist neighborhoods, highlighting the building’s role beyond its architectural grandeur.
