Donkey guesthouse

Nestled between the parish church of St. Stephen, with its iconic bell tower, and the ancient city walls, this ruin is a cherished piece of the town’s heritage. Once a stable with its own courtyard, it served the neighboring residence. The reconstruction aimed to transform this humble stable into a versatile family space — perfect for game nights, cozy readings by the fireplace, and Mediterranean dinners. Additionally, the guesthouse offers a comfortable retreat for family guests, maintaining privacy in the main house. 

The layout respects the historic urban fabric, preserving both the building and the courtyard to celebrate the tradition of outdoor living. The space is divided into two equal parts: one built, the other left open. The interior opens entirely onto a stone courtyard, home to a palm tree, local shrubs, a grill, and a dining area. The bell tower of the church rises just beyond, acting as a striking backdrop and casting a magical glow when illuminated at night. Despite its modest size, the guesthouse feels remarkably spacious, thanks to its compact service core and double-height living area with a sleeping gallery. 

The original stone walls of the stable were meticulously preserved to honor the past, while new walls were finished with a thin, homogeneous plaster that accentuates the roughness and texture of the ancient stone. On the street side, the guesthouse features small, traditional windows and shutters, blending seamlessly with the historic streetscape. In contrast, the side facing the courtyard opens up with large, contemporary windows that foster a stronger indoor-outdoor connection. This connection is further emphasized by a thin concrete layer that flows continuously from the interior to the exterior. A small area near the palm tree is finished in “kogula” — a traditional technique of smooth rocks set in a mortar bed, adding an authentic touch to the courtyard’s design. 

Type
Location
Date
Floor area
Design
Photography

Residential
Stari Grad, Croatia
2019
76 m²
Morpharos architects
Nikola Dužević