The Croatian coast of the Mediterranean Sea is generally characterized by bushy hills that end up quite steeply into the blue waters. This contemporary residence took the place of a no longer suitable building on such a site. The existing building was completely demolished to make room for a totally new and different project, designed by 3LHD architects. Keeping up with the Mediterranean building tradition but also reinventing it, the project follows the slope of the site. The project is structured on many layers with split levels, because of the topography of the site. The main entrance is on the top floor, and is made from the garage by crossing through a terraced garden. From the entrance the space starts splitting into semi levels, with the private and night area on the top and the day activities at the bottom. The bedrooms have great sea views through floor to ceiling glazed walls and access to balconies protected by glass balustrades. The master bedroom is left of the entrance, and is accessible via an open space used as a study. The bedroom itself has a privileged corner position with glazed corner walls and side access to an outdoor terrace garden. It comes with ensuite walk-in closet and bathroom. The children’s and guests’ bedrooms are organized to the right of the entrance, each of the three rooms with ensuite bathrooms and balcony or terrace access.
The materials used for the facades are white stone in different shapes, glass and thin metal frames. Horizontally there are several terraced layers, starting with the undulating slab of the roof and going down towards the sea with teak and stone terraces.
The pool is on the lowest level of the plot, and it is surrounded by a teak deck. The glass balustrade that protect the pool allows for infinity sea views from the various levels of the house and its gardens.
Thanks to the split levels and glazed walls and balustrades, the interior of the house remains very open and invaded by light. Almost every area of the house is visible from the entrance, which comes to emphasize the feeling of open space.
The living room is set in a protruding cube that cantilevers half a meter over the level of the terrace. The glazed facade overlooking the sea can be protected from excessive sunshine by pulling a heavy white linen curtain. The sofas are outdoor style, thus creating a strong connection between the indoors and outdoors.
The kitchen is dominated by white oak cupboards and furniture. On the cooking side it is combined with white Corian for the worktops and the backsplash. Two big woven pendant lights hang above the massive oak dining table like straw hats.
The master bedroom and bathroom remain contemporary-minimalistic with linear massive wood furniture and vanities. The walk-in closet has big mirrored walls that serve to mirror both people and light.
The two children’s bedrooms have access to a teak balcony facing the sea.
