this dwelling for a family of five, located in the attractive residential part of zagreb in croatia, is designed by MVA architects as a hybrid between a patio house and an archetypal volume. its unique features and striking façade make it noticeable from a distance.

images by bosnic + dorotic

the introverted first floor encompasses living spaces fluidly organized around a series of service blocks and oriented to their own microcosm of a south courtyard with a swimming pool. MVA architects wrapped the entire level in a massive textured brick wall, giving the house a lot of character and appeal. following the natural decline of the terrain, the spaces cascade from the lowest; the entrance, to the highest; the living room. terraces in the courtyard are paved and planted and they follow the levels of the interior.

the copper volume of the second floor covers the entrance and extends far to the east, capturing a view of the city. bedroom modules are linearly organized and accompanied by a 22m long wardrobe, a remarkable feature in the house. the children’s rooms are mini lofts with a gallery for sleeping or playing, accessible by zig-zag wardrobe-stairs. along the vertical communication and spatially connected to the entrance, a multipurpose space serves as a library, study, and children’s living room.

on the underground level, beside technical rooms, MVA architects placed fitness and sauna areas and oriented them toward a small hollowed-out patio. through this patio and the glazed wall of the pool, the sauna offers an underground view of the water and a magnificent vista of the sky above.

project info:

name: courtyard house

designers: MVA architects/ marin mikelić, tomislav vreš, marija barović

location: pantovčak, zagreb, croatia

area: site area: 1246 sqm (13411.83 sqft)

total floor area: 499 sqm (5371.19 sqft)

associates: viktor vdović, mirta rusan, petra matić

photography: bosnic + dorotic

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edited by: yasmina karam | designboom