House under the olive tree

The ancient olive tree in the garden was a long-held dream of the owner. From the moment they entered the property, it was love at first sight. The house, beautiful in its original form, called for a thoughtful redesign of the new annex on the west side and an interior makeover that would celebrate its existing stone walls and details while introducing contemporary touches to the overall atmosphere.

The original stone walls were carefully restored with fresh grouting, while the new annex was finished in textured plaster. The house strikes a balance between old and new — the original structure features traditional windows and shutters, while the new annex offers a contrast with expansive glass doors. A carefully chosen earth-tone plaster ensures that these two faces of the house blend seamlessly, appearing as a single, harmonious volume that respects its weathered patina. 

A sleek concrete bench and deliberate emptiness lend a serene silence to this holiday retreat, while warm wooden floors and soft cushions infuse a sense of home into the vastness of the living room. Picture yourself taking a book from a minimalist steel shelf, settling into the cushions as the olive leaves outside dance with light and shadow across the interior — the essence of a true Mediterranean day of leisure. 

 

Inside, the preserved stone walls complement new ones finished in rough, off-white plaster, skillfully applied by a local craftsman. The aged character of the home is further highlighted by travertine and wooden flooring. Contemporary elements provide a striking contrast to these aged surfaces, with matte black steel details and olive green joinery that create a meaningful connection to the ancient olive tree in the garden. 

 

travertine flooring

​ROMAN PATTERN

Type
Location
Date
Floor area
Design
Photography

Residential
Zavala, Croatia
2020
216 m²
Morpharos architects
Marko Mihaljević