Family House in Street Z

Project Description

This mid-sized family house is designed for a couple with two children. It is situated on a narrow street in centre of Zagreb. The house respects the current building line of other houses on the street, but is raised above street level.
The garage is at street level, but is incorporated in the base of the house. The trapezoid ground plan is derived from the shape of the site.
The immediate neighbourhood is very dense and the site itself is surrounded by huge houses. That is why the house is “defensive” towards its neighbours and opens itself diagonally, at angles, to gain light, air and vistas.

On the garden side, the interior extends towards the outside space, with the largest façade openings. The visible volume of the house is two storeys high, while the base is integrated into the terrain, hiding the garage and pool area. The shell of the house is light, while the core is dark, with the spaces in between becoming terraces and loggias. The living area at ground level is orientated both towards the garden in the west and the street in the east, whilst preventing views in. The design of the house evolved from the idea of ensuring privacy in a densely built-up area.