House under the olive tree
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