studio 502 revives 20th-century villa in croatia as vibrant restaurant

historic secessionist villa in split welcomes mokosh restaurant

Studio 502 transforms Villa Tončić, a protected Secessionist villa in Split, Croatia, into Mokosh Restaurant, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary hospitality design. Originally designed by architect Kamil Tončić in the early 20th century, the villa served as a summer residence before later adaptations diminished its original spirit. Studio 502 approached the project through minimal, fully reversible interventions, preserving wood panelling, murals, ceiling detailing, and lighting fixtures. Later alterations that obscured historic features were carefully removed, and damaged areas were reconstructed in collaboration with local artisans to reimagine the villa for vibrant public use.

image by Franjo Matkovic

Studio 502 balances heritage and contemporary design

Mokosh Restaurant at Villa Tončić reconnects Split’s community with an important architectural legacy, demonstrating that sensitive adaptive reuse can restore cultural value while creating vibrant contemporary spaces. Inside, new bespoke furnishings, contemporary paintings, and subtle material updates refresh the Central Salon, while the Green Salon has been reimagined with contemporary tiling, custom joinery, and mirrors referencing Secessionist geometry. The team at Studio 502 has also integrated a discreet bar within the footprint of the original kitchen.

Material selections throughout emphasize regional sourcing and sustainability. Local artisans have crafted bespoke woodwork and rattan radiator covers, while vintage garden furniture has been restored and reused to minimize waste. Further, the villa’s thick masonry walls and modest openings continue to regulate interior climate passively.

the Central Salon preserves original panelling, complemented by new furnishings | image by Dusko Vlaovic