House With Cascade Gardens sits in the rural area of Rukavac on the island of Vis, the third largest settlement on the island, known for its distinctive and picturesque beaches. The area leans predominantly tourist-oriented, with a smaller number of permanent residents, which further shapes the character of the place and the architectural approach.

A Cascading Structure With Three Units

The architects designed the house as a cascading structure on a steep and spacious plot, comprising three residential units. Each unit enjoys an almost identical panoramic view of the sea, the open horizon, nearby islets, and rocky outcrops. Because the terrain slopes diagonally in relation to the plot, the design naturally moved toward a terraced cascading concept, which maximises different views, amenities, and gardens.

A Promenade Linking Two Access Roads

A promenade with a staircase connects the cascading gardens, linking two access roads on opposite sides of the plot. Due to this terrain configuration, the volume of the house sits slightly rotated in relation to the parcel boundaries, so it fits more naturally within the specific landscape and follows the direction of the slope.

The Cascade Gardens as a Spatial Landmark

The project gives priority to the attractive panoramic view that each residential unit enjoys, together with the accompanying terraced gardens. These rise from the inaccessible wild karst terrain and Mediterranean vegetation like an oasis within the plot, taking on the role of a spatial accent and a kind of landmark.

Living Spaces Oriented Toward the View

On the cascading plateaus around the building sit the garage, terraces for gathering, a sun deck with a swimming pool, and gardens with carefully planned horticulture. Each residential unit holds an entrance area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an additional toilet and storage room, as well as an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room. While the bedrooms enjoy varied, controlled views, the living room, as the central space of daily life, enjoys the most attractive panoramic view. Here, a feeling of complete openness toward nature and the sea emerges, further enhanced by the connection to the roof terrace.

A Dialogue Between Cultivated and Wild Landscape

The cascading gardens, formed within dry-stone walls, rise above the natural terrain, while part of the plot stays in its untouched “wild” Mediterranean vegetation and karst landscape. This contrast between cultivated and natural landscape creates a distinctive ambient layer, so it ensures greater privacy and protection from neighbouring plots and unwanted views while it preserves the authenticity of the island landscape.

House With Cascade Gardens: A Contemporary Mediterranean Environment

In this way, House With Cascade Gardens emerges as a spatial structure that defines the landscape and establishes a contemporary Mediterranean environment in dialogue with the sea, natural vegetation, and the karst terrain.