Seeking the sunset

Positioned along the plot boundary, this house was strategically placed to capture the best views of the sea and sunset, while leaving ample room for a garden and pool at the back. The architecture is inspired by local stone-scaping traditions; from a distance, the ground floor appears as an extension of the natural stone walls dotting the landscape. The living area above is designed to embrace the surroundings, maximizing the intake of natural beauty.

The ground floor’s rectangular stone form provides privacy and intimacy for the bedrooms. It opens to the south, with a long veranda that shields the interior from the intense summer sun while inviting in a cooling Mediterranean breeze. This strong stone base, reminiscent of local craftsmanship, supports the smooth, minimalist upper volume, which reflects contemporary architectural language.

The rough stone walls with recessed grouting echo the traditional stone terraces of the region, giving the impression that the house has naturally emerged from its environment. While the house’s exterior facing the landscape presents a rugged stone facade, the side facing the garden and pool is finished in an earth-toned plaster that harmonizes with the colors of the surrounding garden.

The first-floor living area features an open-plan kitchen, dining space, and a cozy gallery, all offering stunning views of the sea and sunset through expansive glass windows. The north-facing living space seamlessly connects to the south-facing veranda and garden with a pool, creating a fluid, dynamic environment for relaxation and entertainment. For moments of solitude, the sunken bedrooms evoke the tranquility of a cloister, where the only sensory inputs are the fragrance of Mediterranean herbs and the sound of sea waves, framed like a natural painting through single glass openings.

Type
Location
Date
Floor area
Design
Photography

Residential
Stari Grad, Croatia
2021
272 m²
Morpharos architects
Nikola Radovani, Morpharos architects