Concept, Main and Detailed Design for a detached house in Zadar.

The concept originates from the context: although the design includes two residential units, they are intended to function as two distinct houses. The starting point was the typology of traditional Dalmatian semi-attached houses – those that evolved over time, expanded and adapted according to lived needs.

At first glance, such houses may seem unstructured, often breaking away from orthogonal grids. Yet precisely this asymmetry reveals their utilitarian logic and deep connection to everyday life. The alternating rhythm of open, shaded, covered, and enclosed spaces creates a particular atmosphere – one that does not arise from form alone, but from the way space is used. An atmosphere that was once an everyday reality, and today is either erased or reduced to nostalgia in contemporary architecture.

This project brings that atmosphere back – without nostalgia, and without pretence.
It is present, but refined; adapted to the needs and habits of contemporary users.
The protrusions on the façade and balconies, overgrown with greenery, are inspired by traditional dry-stone walls; pergolas extending from them define a rhythm of light and shade, shaping the outdoor space as a true extension of the interior.

Project brief

Two independent residential units with the character of traditional Dalmatian homes – with privacy ensured.

Each unit includes its own terrace with a generous covered outdoor area and a summer kitchen.

One unit contains a wellness area with a pool; the other, a garage.
Each floor maintains a strong connection with the exterior, with most rooms offering direct access to a balcony or garden.

Mission accomplished

Inspired by the logic of traditional Dalmatian housing clusters, the project balances residential functionality with the potential for short-term rental.

The street-facing elevation clearly suggests two separate volumes. The front unit appears as the original structure, while the second seems to have been added behind it at a later time – a layered composition typical of Mediterranean settlements.
The elevation difference between the two reinforces this depth.

The balcony protrusions are not only decorative — they help regulate the microclimate, define a buffer zone between interior and exterior, and act as supports for pergolas with integrated planting.

The entire structure will be built using Iso-span mineralised wood-cement blocks.
The energy needs of the house will be met through solar panels and heat pumps.
Private ground-floor gardens are planted with native species, and filtered pool water will be reused for irrigation.

Note on bio-integration

This project incorporates several bio-integrated elements:
continuous visual and spatial connection with nature, greenery embedded in architectural elements, private gardens with native plants, connection to water, natural materials in the exterior, sheltered human-scale outdoor spaces, microclimate regulation through vegetation and shade, and preservation of local identity through form.

However, the project is not classified as bio-architectural due to the high share of concrete in the structural system, use of PVC joinery, and dominance of plastic and synthetic materials in the interior.

Conceptual, Main and Executive project for an apartment building in Ražanac. An atrium villa with a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery. The concept was determined by the need to enjoy greenery from every corner of the house, as well as the need to bring natural lighting into the interior.

Project assignment:

Comfortable one-story house with an atrium garden. It was necessary to create one room with an anteroom and bathroom and a central atrium surrounded by a large living room. The swimming pool must be in an inseparable connection with the garden, terrace and sunbathing area.

Mission accomplished:

The green atrium is located in the heart of the house, but it is not surrounded by closed living space. From the living room, there is a view across the atrium to the pool area using the covered terrace. This zone is important because it gives the feeling of an interior, security and privacy, but it is still an open space.
Also, a workspace was inserted as a quiet buffer zone between the living and sleeping blocks.
The workspace enjoys a view of the Starigrad Sea Canal and Paklenica.

The entire construction will be made of wood-cement mineralized blocks.
The house’s energy needs will be met by solar panels and heat pumps.
Private gardens accommodate native plants and participate in creating an optimal microclimate.

This project is energy efficient and unobtrusive in the environment.

Conceptual, Main and Executive project for an apartment building in Sukošan.

The concept arose from the context : : the existing surrounding houses are large-format solitaires, and from the road, their ground floor is drowned in greenery. Although they lacked an element of traditional design (apart from pitched roofs), our house must send a signal of belonging to the local traditional architecture and at the same time, compete with neighboring buildings in terms of size.

Project assignment:

Three independent residential units that provide the atmosphere of detached houses : : without interfering with each other’s privacy.
Each unit must have its terrace with a comfortable covered area and a summer kitchen.
Two units on the ground floor are for rent, while the one on the first floor is intended for permanent residence.

Mission accomplished:

Inspired by Dalmatian housing complexes, this project successfully combines residential function with tourist rental. The ground floor units form a neutral base where the living space with an additional room and a covered terrace stands out. The volume of the primary residential content is designed as an elementary house with a gabled roof with tiles and rough plaster in an earthy color. The volume of secondary content for rent is in white plaster and surrounded by greenery on as many sides as possible to achieve an optimal microclimate and privacy. In addition to the facade treatment, the difference in content is also visible in the carpentry choice. The living space has wooden hinged carpentry with shutters, while the rental units have lifting-sliding PVC walls and PVC windows with blinds.

The entire construction will be made of wood-cement mineralized Iso-span block. Solar panels and heat pumps will meet the house’s energy needs. The private gardens of the ground floor units are home to indigenous plants.

This is why this project is energy efficient and in line with the spirit of the place.

Simple gallery family cottage on the island of Molat.
The real condition of the plot was found:: karst, stone, olive.

Project assignment:

A house that will look rustic, as if it has been standing there for about 50 years.
Small open floor plan living space with an open room on the gallery.
Separate guest room and storage room with outside entrance. The terrace and summer kitchen must be protected from the wind and sun, but direct communication with the outside space is mandatory.

Mission accomplished:

Referring to the design logic of traditional Dalmatian houses, two overlapping volumes were created, each of which accommodates its type of space. The volume of the primary content is designed as an elementary house with a gabled roof with tiles and rough plaster. The volume of the secondary content is lined with stone and covered with a hipped roof.

Wooden beams are visible in the interior, and the facade will be covered with processed stone found on the plot. The entire construction will be made of wood-cement mineralized block Iso-span. The house’s energy needs will be met by solar panels, and rainwater is collected in the cistern and recycled.

This is why this project is energy efficient and in line with the spirit of the place.