STONE HOUSE BY THE SEA

011-archaos-00

Stone House by the Sea sits on a sloped and irregular plot, narrowest on the lower slope towards the sea and widest towards the elevated part. It stands close to surrounding houses, one of which visually dominates the centre of the plot intended for the family house, which significantly reduces privacy. From this context arises the idea of a slight rotation of the building in relation to the plot, so it achieves optimal orientation and greater spatial intimacy.

A Karst Landscape as the Starting Point

The existing terrain features a natural cascading karst landscape, with approximately one metre of height difference per level, which inspired the concept of a ground-floor house articulated in gentle cascades. Since the project orients itself toward optimal positioning in relation to the attractive panoramic sea views and the layered overlapping of the island landscape, this further justifies the rotation of the volume.

Three Levels Connected by Stone Cores

The house unfolds across three cascading levels, interconnected by stone cores. The cores sit on both sides of the central public space; on one side sit the service functions, while the private rooms, namely the bedrooms, sit on the other. The central space follows an open-plan layout and forms the centre of social activity and communication.

Recessed Cores That Frame the View

By recessing the stone cores, the architects gave all bedrooms equal sea views and direct access to terraces. The removal of traditional corridors further emphasises the spaciousness of the central zone, while the recessed positioning of the cores discreetly conceals the side entrances to the other rooms.

From Kitchen to Terrace: The Vertical Sequence

The highest level connects the kitchen and dining area with an outdoor atrium that includes a summer kitchen. On the central level, the living room faces the sea and features an integrated concrete seating tribune, designed for gathering and relaxation. From the living space, the main circulation continues via stairs to the lowest level of the outdoor terrace, covered by a pergola.

A Terrace Built for the Mediterranean

At the extension of the spacious terrace sits a water reservoir. Exterior steps in front of the living space serve as an additional place for sitting and enjoying unobstructed sea views, in the shade and within the spirit of the Mediterranean environment.

Stone House by the Sea: A Material Palette Rooted in the Island

In accordance with the location and Mediterranean landscape, the architects shaped the house using stone, polished concrete with a terrazzo effect in the exterior, and machine-applied beige plaster with a rustic expression. An interior enriched with wooden textures further emphasises the authentic island Mediterranean atmosphere.

location:

Rural area Drvenik Mali, Island Drvenik Mali, Croatia

size:

125 sqm house + 20 sqm storages + 25 sqm open summer kitchen

plot:

740 sqm

year:

2024

program:

Cascading single vacation house with storages and open summer kitchen

archaos team:

Srđan Ostojić, Toni Kerum, Krešimir Ćavar