Rustic retreat

A charming old house, once a solitary stone structure on the edge of its plot, stood disconnected from its surroundings. The addition of a smaller annex, designed in an L-shape, has expanded the living space and reconnected the house to its garden. This transformation embraces the essence of Mediterranean living, where the boundaries between the home and garden dissolve, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The interior of the original stone house retains its historic character, while an open-plan layout breathes new life into the space. Traditionally, such stone houses were compartmentalized with narrow corridors and small rooms, but the open plan fosters a lively, communal atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings. The new annex serves as a garden pavilion, a space dedicated to leisure and relaxation. With its inviting sofa and open gallery, it encourages a deep appreciation of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape and the play of sunlight.

The ancient stone walls have been lovingly restored with fresh grouting and complemented by new wooden shutters that enhance the house’s timeless appeal. The annex, covered in soft, traditional plaster, brings a tactile contrast — a rough-soft balance that harmonizes the old with the new. Though different in material, the annex respects the historic facade’s proportions and layout. The new facades, composed of windows and double doors, maintain a rational, understated composition that is characteristic of the local architectural context.

Type
Location
Date
Floor area
Design
Photography

Residential
Vrboska, Croatia
2019
309 m²
Morpharos architects
Morpharos architects