In the heart of Obrovac, the only town on the Zrmanja River, hidden among stone streets and rooftops, sits Stonehouse Zrmanja. This small stone house, with an area of only 45 square meters, plus an additional 20 m² of atrium courtyard, perfectly combines past and present, tradition and modernity.
Built more than a century ago, the house has retained its original stone facade, while the interior has been thoroughly renovated, respecting the characteristics of the karst landscape in which it is located.
The design is signed by Studio Autori, a team of architects from Belgrade who found inspiration precisely in the Zrmanja—the color palette, materials, and design elements are derived from the natural surroundings, making the house an authentic extension of the landscape that surrounds it.
The renovation, as the Authors state, required almost everything: new infrastructure, roof, wooden carpentry, insulation, but also adaptation of the layout.
"The house was in a ruinous state inside, but its external stone structure withstood the test of time. That was our most valuable resource—we decided to preserve it and build the new content around it, fully adapted to modern needs."
In terms of layout, the house is organized as two independent studios intended for rent—each with its own entrance and unique atmosphere. This was, say the Authors, one of the owner‘s initial requirements.
"The very structure of the building allowed us to do this, so we based the layout and organization of the space on the existing logic of the house. Thus, two floors were formed—the lower and upper studio—which are rented separately and offer different living experiences. The lower floor is directly connected to the hidden inner terrace, which is the star of this project, while both studios open onto a small town square, where there is a large mulberry tree from which locals often pick fruit as they pass by. In this way, we managed to establish a direct connection between the interior space and the surroundings, including the house in the vibrant urban environment."
Design with a Clear Message
In the interior, they did not follow a strict stylistic direction—instead, they relied on elements characteristic of the karst region: stone, wood, earthy tones, green accents, and textures.
"The most dominant element is the stone walls—an old building method characteristic of this area and the first thing you notice when you enter the house. Next is the color palette, which is entirely derived from the landscape: from the Zrmanja River, its tones, and the canyon that surrounds it. Thus, the interior is shaped more by the feeling of space and its context than by a predetermined style label."
Given the very small square footage, a careful functional layout was key.
"Our priority was to retain natural light and the integrity of the interior. We didn‘t divide zones with walls, but used light partitions like curtains, while we only separated those areas that were necessary, for example, bathrooms, with walls. In the lower studio, for example, the sleeping area is separated only by a curtain, while in the upper one it is raised to a gallery. The large terrace on the ground floor compensates for the limited interior space, and upstairs the view of the old town rooftops is especially valuable, further expanding the sense of space."
For maximum use of space, most of the furniture had to be precisely designed, from kitchen cabinets to shower cabins. The combination of handcrafted elements and selected affordable pieces from collections like Ikea and Zara Home proved to be the ideal synergy of design and budget possibilities.
"Since each studio is only about 20 square meters, it was necessary to design custom furniture so the space could function fully—to fit everything needed for a stay in such a small area. This is part of our usual approach, because we believe that custom pieces add both functionality and identity to the space. On the other hand, given that the project was realized with a limited budget, we supplemented the interior with pieces from available designer collections (Ikea, Zara Home)," highlight the Authors, who also had to use smart, simple solutions in the bathrooms and kitchens, which are often the most demanding, to provide comfort despite the modest square footage.
A special value of the project is the atrium courtyard—a hidden terrace enclosed by stone walls—with olives, oleanders, and agaves, which further connect the house with the outdoor space.
This is where most time is spent, say the Authors, and not just because of its function, but because of the sense of peace the space provides.
"The terrace is a space that brings warmth to everyday living. We brought in a lot of greenery to evoke the hidden oases of this region and bring a sense of warmth to daily life."
Challenges
The project was realized within low-budget constraints, but despite modest means, Studio Autori did not compromise on construction and safety.
"The biggest challenge was the 2024 flood that hit Obrovac and seriously slowed down the works during the first year. Additional difficulties were caused by limited funds, a low-budget approach, and the fact that we could not be constantly present at the location, while the lack of adequate contractors, which is unfortunately often the case in the region, further slowed the pace."
Still, it all paid off.
"Although compromises are part of every project, the final solution remained true to the initial idea and the spirit we wanted to keep."
Although modest in size, Stonehouse Zrmanja has attracted great interest, both from guests and among local residents.
"The house was conceived as a meeting place, so the owners became especially attached to the guests and their stories after the first season. It is precisely these encounters and experiences that give the space a value that surpasses every detail of the interior."
Although they did not have a particular anecdote, they emphasize how the interpersonal atmosphere in Obrovac made the entire project lively and warm.
"All the locals were curious and inquisitive, so in their own way, they participated in the works—giving comments, suggestions, and ideas on how something could be done better. That direct contact with the community brings extra warmth into the space and makes the project a living experience," the designers emphasize.
Stonehouse Zrmanja does not try to imitate luxury, nor does it want to. Its greatest success, according to Studio Autori, is that they managed to create a space that reveals a neglected part of Dalmatia—the quiet, continental one, far from the flashy tourist image.
"Both we and the clients are most satisfied with the reactions of people who stay in the house. The way they experience the space and the surroundings confirms how successful the project is. We are especially proud that this small project has encouraged the discovery of a region that has unjustly remained in the background and is still not on the map of those looking for authentic experiences of Dalmatia," conclude the Authors.
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