AI builds an exclusive village in Slovenia

Welcome back to Proptech Pool – your weekly deep dive into the tech shaping the future of real estate. 🌊 

In this issue, we explore how AI is reimagining architecture in Slovenia, why brownfield sites are turning into goldmines, and the rise of living walls that do more than just look good. Plus, big moves in funding and a virtual tour tool that’s actually closing deals.

Ready to make a splash? Let’s dive in. 🏊‍♂️

🤖 A Villa with True Machine Vision

Studio Tim Fu has masterfully reimagined the historic Lake Bled Estate in Slovenia through revolutionary AI integration. The 22,000-square-meter property, featuring seven distinct buildings completed in 2024, represents a stunning fusion of preservation and innovation.

Tim Fu used to work with the computational research team at the legendary Zaha Hadid architects, where he learned how to turn complex geometries into real buildings and leverage the possibilities of AI and now describes himself as “Architectural Futurist”.

Here’s why Fu’s work on Lake Bled Estate is a wake-up call for the world of architecture:

• Cultural Heritage Reimagined: AI reinterpreted Slovenian timber patterns into vertical atriums that flood interiors with light while preserving architectural traditions.

• Cost-Efficient Sustainability: Algorithms optimized energy use and material efficiency, cutting costs without sacrificing elegance or environmental harmony.

• Precision Restoration: The historic Vila Epos (a 1909 Jože Plečnik masterpiece) which is right next to the Lake Bled Estate, was restored with AI’s accuracy, blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge design.

The bottom line is that Studio Tim Fu's approach proves AI isn't just a tool—it's a creative partner with visual intelligence that's transforming development timelines, budgets, and quality standards all at once.

🏘️ Brownfields Are the New Goldfields

A forward-thinking and grandiose, sustainable and truly ground-breaking development we came across recently, is the UK’s Network Rail and London & Continental Railways plan to deliver 40,000 homes in the next 10 years – and without cutting off a single tree! Their secret weapon? Brownfield regeneration 

Why this matters:

• Urban sites with existing infrastructure lower development costs and timelines

• It reduces sprawl and helps preserve green spaces in urban areas

• Regenerate and revitalise an area - typically abandoned industrial sites, which can be polluting and dangerous to the community

Some standout examples:

• Newcastle Forth Yards: a 100-acre redevelopment set to bring 5,000 homes.

• Manchester Mayfield: a brownfield rebirth with 1,500 planned units.

It’s a bold model that merges sustainability with practicality – especially relevant for nations grappling with housing shortages. Explore the full plan here.

♻️ Walls That Breathe

Living architecture is no longer just a novelty – it’s becoming a mainstream strategy for urban sustainability, resilience, and energy efficiency. One standout system leading the charge is the MobiPanel Green Wall by Mobilane – a modular, fully integrated green façade solution that’s designed for both new builds and retrofits.

Why it matters – and what’s inside the panels:

• Smart irrigation – Each panel features an automated, closed-loop irrigation system that conserves water and supports plant health year-round.

• Energy and climate benefits – Green walls like these can reduce surface temperatures by up to 10°C, leading to 30% lower cooling energy demand during peak summer.

• Urban biodiversity – By hosting native plants and pollinator-friendly species, they bring life to areas that would otherwise be inert concrete.

• Air purification & noise dampening – Studies show vertical green systems can capture 40–60% of particulate matter from the air and reduce sound reflection in dense urban settings.

In tight urban environments where horizontal green space is scarce, these living walls aren’t just aesthetic flourishes – they’re part of the sustainability playbook.