perforated concrete facade encloses courtyard within geometric family house in zagreb

Struktura’s and 2A1-BÜRO’s design is rooted in Spatial continuity

Struktura and 2A1-BÜRO collaborate on House in Maksimir, a family residence in Zagreb that stands out for its inward orientation ensuring privacy and comfort. The house is designed as a central feature of its plot, with a spatial organization that defines relationships of ‘in front,’ ‘between,’ and ‘behind.’ The design concept is rooted in the notion of a unified whole composed of smaller, distinct segments. Each segment retains characteristics of the whole while contributing to its overall composition. The design process begins with a half-cube measuring approximately 14×14 meters—a form derived from the spatial plan and optimal positioning on the site. The initial volume is refined through a series of subtractions, reducing it to an essential, minimal structure.

Two intersecting central axes divide the ground plan into four quadrants, with additional decentralized axes forming a central ‘cross.’ This layout creates two internal and two external spaces on each level, organizing the basement, ground floor, and upper floor into a cohesive system. Service areas are positioned within the central cross, while living rooms, bedrooms, and garages occupy the remaining internal spaces. The external spaces are enclosed courtyards and terraces, emphasizing the connection between interior and exterior zones.

all images by Bosnic+Dorotic

internal and external spaces merge within House in Maksimir

The journey through the house by Zagreb-based architectural practice 2A1-BÜRO and studio Struktura begins at the front yard, accessed through an entrance gate. A partially covered area is shielded by a perforated facade, which offers privacy while allowing filtered light to penetrate. A circular opening above, combined with the grassy surface and a large glass wall, provides visual continuity from the front to the backyard, offering an initial glimpse into the spatial complexity of the structure. The entrance hall serves as a transitional threshold between the exterior and interior, leading to the house’s central point. From here, the diagonal axes open the space, revealing the living room flanked by the kitchen and dining area. Natural light guides movement through the house, connecting shared spaces to more private areas.

The stairway, situated between the garage and a smaller backyard, forms a vertical circulation path. It connects the basement, ground floor, and upper floor while maintaining the central organizational logic. The upper floor provides a view over the entire house and its surroundings, integrating private rooms such as children’s bedrooms, a workspace, the master bedroom, and service areas. External terraces extend the living spaces outward, creating a harmonious balance between interior and exterior. A circular balcony with a finely detailed metal railing offers a final spatial experience. This feature emphasizes the interplay between introversion and extroversion within the design, inviting users to reflect on the interconnectivity of the house’s elements. The exploration concludes back at the front yard, where the initial perspective of the house transforms into a deeper understanding of its structure and spatial logic, reinforcing the overarching concept of ‘wholeness.’

House in Maksimir by Struktura and 2A1-BÜRO is designed with inward orientation for privacy and comfort

positioned centrally on its plot, the house defines spatial relationships of ‘in front,’ ‘between,’ and ‘behind’

starting with a half-cube form, the structure was refined through subtractions to achieve a minimal shape

central axes divide the plan into four quadrants, creating a balanced layout of internal and external spaces

enclosed courtyards and terraces emphasize the connection between interior and exterior zones

a circular opening and a glass wall connect the front yard visually to the backyard

natural light enhances the diagonal axes, leading from shared spaces to private areas

1/4

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: House in Maksimir
architects: Struktura, 2A1-BÜRO
design team: Jakov Matas, Grgur Butigan & Rade Trbara

location: Zagreb, Croatia

photography: Bosnic+Dorotic | @bosnicdorotic

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom