The Subterram Retreat | 2025

The Subterram project is designed as a summer retreat for a large family, between rugged rocky shoreline vineyards and pine forests of the island of Hvar. The extensive project program suggested a large structure, which was not an option in such a delicate and intact Mediterranean ambiance. The intention was to be non-intrusive to the location and to comply with the assignment.

The plot is fairly regular, rectangular, facing the south and the sea, but with a central area which was not owned by the clients, so the design had to embrace such an unfavourable situation and bypass the central area of the plot.

The design idea was to focus on the seamless integration, to deprive our architectural ego of the facade and to give priority to the space rather than the shape.

The steep slope was pointing out to develop the plans in a cascade form, displaced one from the other, following the natural inclination of the terrain.

The structure was sunken into the slope so the architecture appears almost camouflaged, utilizing a rough stone-clad surface as a roof that blends with the surrounding rocky landscape, preserving the island’s natural aesthetics. The structure is punctuated with multiple rectangular openings that serve as terraces and atriums.

The house is developed in two main levels- the sleeping area level and the living area level. The upper sleeping area level consists not only of bedrooms with bathrooms, but also fitness, spa and lounge area with terraces and atriums.
Lower living area consists of a large living room, dining room, kitchen, outdoor lounge and dining area, cinema room, different storage spaces and utility spaces. The living/dining room area has a large covered outdoor terrace, which stretches into a grand open terrace with a pool.

The main advantages of the structure are sustainability and minimalist design. We incorporated passive and active solutions to minimize the environmental impact, focusing on three key areas: rainwater use, solar power and passive cooling.

The rainwater use system capitalizes on the sloped terrain with a comprehensive collection system designed under the roof.

The project features two electricity solutions: a concentrated solar power (CSP) system and photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The Subterram is oriented to make full use of the sun in the winter, while long roof cantilevers provide shade to protect the interior from the direct sunlight. The positions of southern terraces and northern atriums allow natural ventilation and cooling through negative pressure, with cool air flowing from the south and hot air exiting to the north.

Preserving the topography with the usage of local stone, as the roof material, suggests an ecological approach, while sharp-edged, rectangular voids, which are a contrast to the organic texture of the surrounding rocks. These voids and courtyards introduce natural light and ventilation into the interior spaces while creating private outdoor spaces.

Construction is concrete, which remains the final finish in the interior, emphasizing the subterranean and raw feel.
The Subterram is a concept of context-sensitive design. a seamless extension of the environment rather than an imposition upon it.

Category:Vacation HomesYear:2025Location:Dalmatia, Hvar, CroatiaArchitects:Proarh d.o.o.Lead Architect: Vedrana JancicClient: PrivatePhotographer: Courtesy of the Designer