The Pretpec Annexe by Argu Studio responds to Croatia’s rocky shoreline with a compact guest building designed to complement an existing stone house near the Adriatic coast. The annexe is situated on a sloping site and is resolved as a simple rectangular volume clad in locally sourced stone that visually links it with its natural and architectural context. A glazed façade faces the sea, providing uninterrupted views while bringing daylight deep into the interior, and a recessed entry on the inland side offers sheltered access without interrupting the building’s primary orientation toward the landscape.
Internally, the space is organised around a living area with an integrated kitchen, a sleeping zone, and a bathroom, all arranged to make efficient use of the limited footprint. Materials such as stone, timber, and rendered surfaces are combined to balance tactile warmth with durable performance in coastal conditions, and the floor level aligns with the existing house to maintain continuity across the site.
Image Credit: Simone Bossi
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sustainable Architecture Integration
- Locally sourced stone as a cladding material integrates buildings seamlessly with natural surroundings, enhancing sustainability and aesthetic cohesion.
- Glazed Façade Designs
- Maximized use of glass façades facilitates abundant natural light and uninterrupted scenic views, redefining coastal living experiences.
- Compact Living Solutions
- Efficient layout designs maximize functional living space in minimalistic builds, catering to the growing trend of smaller, sustainable homes.
Where This Applies
- Eco-friendly Construction
- Buildings utilizing eco-conscious materials like stone and timber align with evolving environmental standards and consumer preferences.
- Luxury Coastal Real Estate
- Innovative design approaches in compact, high-end coastal retreats offer lucrative investment opportunities in scenic locales.
- Interior Design
- Enhanced interior layouts that optimize small spaces challenge traditional design, fostering a market for adaptable furnishings and multifunctional interiors.
