A Chest of Stone – Preserving Memory Through Architecture

This project is not merely the reconstruction of an old house in the historic core of Ražanac – it is a return to memories, emotions, and a co-existence with the stone that has always been present here. Part of the house borders a structure dating back to the Ottoman period, and the last addition was made before World War II. Time has worn it down, but has not erased its story.

Mrs. Vulić, whose family history is rooted in this house, decided to bring it back to life — not as a replica of the past, but as a fusion of tradition and the present day. A home that preserves the spirit of the old while responding to the needs of a new era.

Architectural Solution

The right volume of the house, which ends in a flat, walkable terrace, was built using the same type of stone as the original structure, but in accordance with contemporary architectural standards. It houses the kitchen and living area — the heart of the home, once a gathering place for family, and now once again a space for new memories.

From the living room, one steps into a private courtyard, where prefabricated stairs lead to the roof terrace — a modern addition that offers panoramic views of the rocky Dalmatian landscape.

The sleeping area remains true to its original form — covered by a traditional gable roof. Two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms open onto a small private courtyard, shaded by a pergola and framed by original stone walls, creating a sense of privacy and protection.

Materiality and Concept

The newly built parts of the house are clad in large-format modern stone panels. Notably, one bedroom’s bathroom and the entrance area are designed to merge with the rocky landscape, giving the impression that the new volume has grown out of the stone — not been built onto it.

The interior will be designed with equal reverence for the past — local stone from the plot will be preserved and exposed, and carefully selected details will infuse the new space with the spirit of earlier times.

The house’s name describes it perfectly — solid, enduring, and valuable like a chest (škrinja), while stone symbolizes tradition, longevity, and the Mediterranean spirit. The chest also tells a story of preserving memories and treasures, just as homes preserve the warmth of family and belonging.

Just as chests once held cherished belongings and family stories, this house becomes a kind of Chest of Stone — a space that safeguards heritage and shapes the future, blurring the boundaries between time, architecture, and memory.