A bold architectural statement has emerged along the Croatian coast, challenging the notion of uncontrolled development. Argu Studio, a Zagreb-based practice, has crafted Pretpec, a guest annexe that stands as a testament to the power of compact design.
Nestled within the lush gardens of the Pelješac peninsula, Pretpec occupies the footprint of a former summer kitchen, a traditional structure known locally as a Pretpec. The studio chose to maintain the original compact size, a decision that founder Marko Gusić describes as a critique of the area's rapid expansion.
"Instead of expanding, we worked with the existing scale and spatial logic," Gusić explained to Dezeen. "The architecture emphasizes a lifestyle where daily life unfolds primarily outdoors."
The exterior of Pretpec is a study in contrast, with rough, rocky stone cladding giving way to a full-height glazed corner. This corner provides expansive views from the main living space, across an outdoor dining and cooking terrace, and out to the garden and sea.
Inside, the living space revolves around a historic freestanding hearth, sourced from the main home. A sleeping mezzanine overlooks this area, perched atop a timber wall that houses built-in storage, a small kitchenette, and a bathroom.
"With limited space, we differentiated vertically," Gusić said. "A gallery and subtle sectional adjustments create a sense of variety."
The interior blockwork structure is left exposed, clad with irregular stonework unified by a whitewashed finish. This design choice mirrors the stone walls dividing the garden and the finish of the long kitchen counter on the patio.
"Our architectural language is inspired by the existing house and its context," Gusić explained. "Material presence, surface texture, and modes of use guide our design."
The remote location and limited access to craftsmen resulted in some material imperfections, which Gusić sees as a natural consequence of building under local conditions. These imperfections reinforce the project's connection to its place, process, and constraints.
Other notable projects in Croatia include OFIS Arhitekti's renovation of a stone home on Cres, where a slatted timber frame was inserted into the existing structure, and Njiric+ Arhitekti's Double Villa Bukovac in Zagreb, designed as a "case study" for low-density housing.
The photography of Pretpec is by Simone Bossi.
