Dugi Rat – East

At the transition between the steep slopes of the Poljica Mountains and the gentle coastline of Jesenice, a project of three luxury villas has been conceived to fully harness the power of the site. The concept is driven by two core ambitions: maximum privacy and maximum openness toward the sea. This balance is achieved through the precise use of existing terrain level changes, a careful arrangement of volumes, and an orientation strategy that allows each villa unobstructed views of the horizon.

Architectural duality and spatial organization

The architectural expression is founded on duality. The open face of the villas – the southern elevation facing the pool and the sea – is conceived as a large transparent plane, defined by impressive glazed walls that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. This openness emphasizes spatial fluidity, allowing living areas, dining spaces, and kitchens to visually merge with terraces and infinity pools. In contrast, the closed face of the villas, oriented toward the mountain and the access road, adopts an entirely different character: sculptural, calm, and almost monolithic. The central volume, finished in a raw, nearly archetypal plaster, forms a clear compositional base free of unnecessary openings or details, while elegant dark horizontal projections and deep, shaded cantilevers introduce dynamism and a sense of restrained luxury. Vertical stone elements introduce local materiality and connect the architecture to the Dalmatian building tradition. Rising above the primary volume, they transition into the natural rhythm of the surrounding vegetation, creating a subtle dialogue with Vela Gora in the background. The floor plan organization is simple and rational. The ground floor of each villa consists of a generous open-plan layout that seamlessly extends into the outdoor space with a swimming pool. The upper floor accommodates three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and balcony, as well as a shared sauna with sea views. While all three villas follow the same architectural logic, they are carefully adapted to the micro-topography to ensure intimacy and discreet separation for each residence.

Materials and landscape integration

Materials are natural and locally sourced– stone, wood, plaster, and glass – interpreted through contemporary geometry and a palette of natural tones. The landscape is designed as an extension of the architecture, with terraced stone retaining walls, vertical greenery, and Mediterranean planting that softens the transitions between private and shared zones. The result is a harmonious synthesis of architecture and landscape: villas that do not compete with nature, but rather reinterpret it in a contemporary architectural language.