The site of this project was once occupied by an old stone house, situated in an area of remarkable architectural heritage of the Bay of Kotor, in the hinterland of Risan, near Gabela Street, built in the 12th century. Our idea was to tear down the existing stone structure but to pay homage to the former structure by reusing the same stones. By renewing the spirit of a place with centuries of tradition, while understanding the current moment and the contemporary needs of clients, this design has resulted in a building that reconciles these two contrasts, not by compromising but by mutually affirming both aspects of the house.
Project year
2013
Project status
Concept design
Project type
Private Villa
Location
Risan/ Kotor
Client
Amanda Holick
Project team:
Nikola Novakovic
Slobodan Jovic
In the exterior, this approach is visible in the two main units – one part of the house has a modern design, and its whiteness and simplicity basically serve as a pedestal, while the other part is expressed through an archetypal stone structure renewed with the material from and in the spirit of the original house. By raising the stone part of the house on a pedestal, we have paid homage to traditional building, which is of essential importance in this area.
The most important aspect in the positioning of the structure was the existing giardino (garden), of remarkable value for the setting, which we have completely preserved and implemented in the new design of the house. This approach has resulted in a design which is at the same time modern and full of respect for tradition and the environment, and which completely utilises the existing potentials, while introducing new qualities in the spirit of sustainable construction.
