perforated brick facade clads horizontal double villa bukovac by njiric+ arhitekti in zagreb

njiric+ arhitekti rethinks urban housing in Croatia

Situated in the green foothills of Zagreb, Double Villa Bukovac by njiric+ arhitekti explores an alternative approach to urban housing by proposing a model of low-density, horizontally oriented living. The project presents a dual architectural character, closed to the street and open to the garden, balancing privacy with openness. It combines classical architectural references with experimental materials, serving as a prototype for future residential typologies in peripheral urban areas. The project is conceived in direct response to the General Urban Development Plan of the City of Zagreb. The two-lot configuration intentionally diverges from prevailing norms regarding building density, land use, building height, and parking. Instead of adhering to maximum density regulations, the design promotes a residential typology based on smaller built volumes, single-storey structures, and expansive plots of at least 1200 sqm. This approach advocates for a revised urban model based on reduced intensity and increased livability.

Each of the two residential units occupies 180 sqm, significantly below the permitted 600 sqm Gross Built Area per lot. The layout rejects the standard vertical stacking typical of multigenerational homes in the area. Instead, the units are arranged horizontally across adjacent lots, with a shared interstitial space that serves as a communal zone. This spatial configuration enables a multigenerational living arrangement without vertical separation. A continuous wall along the street edge creates a threshold and defines a buffer zone, resulting in a clearly articulated public-private transition. The northwest-facing street facade is designed to be closed and solid, protecting the interior from environmental and visual intrusions. In contrast, the southeast-facing garden facade opens toward the landscape, integrating views, daylight, and surrounding vegetation.

a horizontal response to vertical norms: two homes side by side instead of stacked | all images by Bosnic+Dorotic

Double Villa Bukovac balances privacy and openness

For the formal and spatial qualities of the house, the design team at njiric+ arhitekti draws from historical and modern architectural precedents. Andrea Palladio’s Villa Barbaro inspired the symmetrical layout, while the Eames House informed the central atrium concept and internal spatial organization. Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia provided a reference for topographic adaptation and facade rhythm. Constructional and contextual relationships are also informed by the LA Case Study Houses, particularly in terms of materials and landscape integration. The facades are differentiated by material treatment according to their spatial context. The ground floor, anchored to the terrain, is constructed in brick to emphasize mass and permanence. The upper floor contrasts this with a lighter, more permeable character, featuring mesh panels made from repurposed cable trays. This layered approach creates a textured, semi-transparent enclosure that modulates light and visibility.

The natural slope of the site is utilized to provide direct underground garage access from the street, while the garden is accessible from the ground floor. A central atrium wall separates the two units and functions as a service spine, incorporating elements such as a garden tool niche, a summer kitchen, and a barbecue area. This element serves both spatial and functional purposes, acting as a shared infrastructure for domestic activities. The garage, beyond its utilitarian role, is configured to host social events and exhibit large-format artworks using integrated lighting systems. The building is conceived as a solar-responsive structure. In winter, it maintains low energy consumption, while in summer it relies on passive systems such as adjustable shading devices to manage solar gain. The combination of architectural form, material choice, and energy strategy supports year-round environmental responsiveness.

street-facing wall creates a buffer, shielding from noise and framing a quiet inner world

a central atrium links the homes, serving as part divider, part gathering space, part summer kitchen

two lots, one architectural idea: living together and apart, intertwined yet independent

repurposed cable tray mesh lends the facade a subtle, ephemeral quality

earthy brick grounds the lower floor, while the upper floats in light and transparency

custom mesh cladding reflects the sky, giving the facade a subtle, shifting appearance

contrasting materials express the house’s dual character

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the house opens fully to the southeast, embracing sunlight, garden, and city views

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: Double Villa Bukovac
architect: njiric+ arhitekti | @njiricplusarhitekti

location: Gornji Bukovac, Zagreb, Croatia

area: 2 x 180 sqm

lead architects: Hrvoje Njirić, Iskra Filipović 


design Team: Ana Miše, Noel Bucul, Marko Gusić, Domagoj Mlinarić, Irma Šmuc, Ljiljana Besednik, Mirna Udovičić

structural engineering: M Plan

water and sewerage: HIT Projekt d.o.o.

electrical engineering: Elektroplan d.o.o.

mechanical services (HVAC): Ekspertterm d.o.o.

gas instalaltion: Mipos d.o.o.

building physics: Mateo Biluš, dipl. ing. arch.

geodetics: Geooperativa d.o.o.

main contractor: Slija d.o.o.

suppliers and brands: Caparol d.o.o., Špina d.o.o., Green Box d.o.o., Votex d.o.o., Teh–gradnja d.o.o., ARP d.o.o., ACO d.o.o., Galeković d.o.o., Marlex d.o.o., Ervojić d.o.o., Proalarm d.o.o., Sika d.o.o., Beton Lučko d.o.o., Ferolignum d.o.o., Spona d.o.o., Kemenović d.o.o., Terra Sol d.o.o., Remeha BV, Oberndorfer d.o.o., Cro Stone d.o.o., Regal-Mont d.o.o., Rasvjeta Ribarić d.o.o., Knauf Insulation, Agroflora d.o.o., AS Floor d.o.o., Themelia d.o.o., Hella d.o.o.

photographer: Bosnic+Dorotic | @bosnicdorotic

drone photographer: Danijel Krznarić 


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