Our first project in Croatia, designed in 2021 and completed 2024, is a vacation home set in the heart of Istria. The site, a flat rectangular plot bordered by two small roads, offered minimal inspiration at first glance. Surrounded by vacant parcels with uncertain futures and lacking clear views or distinctive surroundings, the challenge was to create a unique and self-contained environment.
The generous scale of the plot allowed us to craft a micro-ambience that stands on its own. We opted for low, sprawling structures that blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a layout that flows naturally with subtle level changes. The design draws inspiration from the charm of old towns, where overlapping volumes, deep shadows, roofed courtyards, and atriums invite gatherings and reflection.
The property features a main house, a guest house (planned in the next phase), and a service building. Each structure is carefully positioned to contribute to the overall composition, ensuring privacy and harmony. The main house occupies a central position, around which micro-environments are organised. The guest house faces away from the central courtyard, creating a secluded retreat, while the service building offers panoramic views of Bale from its roof that doubles as an observation deck.
At the very heart of the property is a central plateau, anchored by an olive tree that provides rich afternoon shade to the living area. The living room, designed as an extension of the outside and the courtyard, is defined by deep shadows, framed views and open sides that invite the breeze. From here, the night zones branch off, slightly elevated by a few steps, creating private retreats with their own atriums and framed views of the lush greenery (to become). Text description by the architects.
