Clover of Lika – A House That Tells a Story

In the heart of nature, near Gospić, where modest Lika houses once stood, a new concept for my weekend home is taking shape –Clover of Lika. This house does not merely imitate the past; it recognizes it, embraces it, and transforms it into a contemporary expression of sustainable living.

It is not just a building, but a manifestation of the evolution of the traditional Lika home. It is a story — a story of tradition and its transformation, of the coexistence between old and new, between nature and architecture. Its form draws from the heritage of Lika architecture, yet reinterprets it in a contemporary way — a layered structure where every detail carries meaning.

The Outer Shell – Protection and Shadow

The dark timber shell, created by charring the surface of the wood, pays homage to the shadows of traditional porches (ganjaks), while the structural elements remain in the natural hue of the wood, protected by locally produced oil. This is not a mere aesthetic gesture — it is a multi-layered envelope that shelters the interior while transforming through its interaction with light and vegetation.

Each Facade Tells Its Own Story

The entrance facade is a homage to original Lika homes. A wooden structure with a white wall behind evokes the memory of traditional houses — a presence wrapped in nostalgia.

The northeast facade feels more abandoned — nature is slowly reclaiming it, just as time leaves its mark.

The southeast facade introduces modern elements — large openings and glass walls break through the outer skin, while natural elements like water and greenery emerge within the strictly defined geometry.

The southwest facade symbolizes decay and gradual disappearance — the outer shell fragments, glass becomes dominant, and the texture of the wood resists time, slowly blending into the landscape.

The Interior – A Layered Spatial Experience

The house is conceived sculpturally — a structure within a structure. The outer envelope shelters a spacious semi-open area, while at its core lies the warm heart of the home: an interior with a gallery, hidden corners, and fluid transitions between inside and outside.

A Dialogue with Time and Nature

This dialogue is especially vivid in the surrounding landscape — water, vegetation, and wooden paths become a bridge between architecture and nature, between past and future. The reflections on the water’s surface don’t just capture the present moment, but echo the enduring imprint of tradition.

Clover of Lika is a story in layers — a story of time, identity, and evolution. Its architecture is not static; it is a living organism that grows, transforms, and adapts — just like Lika houses have done for centuries.

In Symbiosis with Nature

Water, wood, and light are the key elements of this space. The house is not isolated from its surroundings — it is in constant dialogue with them. Reflections in the water, shifting shadows on the facade, the scent of wood — all of it makes Clover of Lika more than just a place to live. It is an experience.