Located along the banks of the River Buna in Bosnia, the exisiting house projects from its rocky cliffside with views across the river and mountains beyond. During a few months of the year the water levels rise, flooding the garden and lower ground floor of this building; therefore it was necessary to take this into account throughout the design.

The clients required a complete renovation of the building in order to increase its size substantially and take advantage of the surrounding landscape. Neighbouring buildings are of varying sizes and styles and planning permission is not required.

The design of this building focusses on creating a fluid divide between indoor and outdoor space, bringing elements of each into the other; in the summer months aluminium framed by-folding glass walls open fully whilst in the winter they remain closed, blurring the lines between the two spaces. A hanging garden has been added on the first floor above the dining area on the ground accessed via a balcony. As the clients are avid gardeners this feature allows them to continue in the colder months whilst the natural terrain is flooded.

Spatially, inspiration has been taken from 20th Century modern architecture such as Meis Van Der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion where one is able to occupy both indoor and outdoor space symaltaniously, where, aesthetically and materially, the client favoured a more scandanavian atmosphere. A blend of hard lines with soft textures and furnishings creates a sense of calm.