The apartment is located in a building that was designed by the same author so it was a great pleasure to design such a space. The work is marked by the excellent cooperation with the client who is identified in a concept of an open space and all further cooperation in interior design runs smoothly. Special attention in the design of the apartment is dedicated to getting as many zones in a common area as possible where one may spend free time. Duplex apartment is 217m2 floor area with a terrace on the upper level of 180m2 . The lower level consists of a large common living room area (zone 1 ) , dining room ( Zone 2 ) , a kitchen with a bar ( zone 3) and terrace ( zone 4 ) . From this area the stairs lead to the upper level in the area of “winter garden” from which there is access to a large terrace. At this level there is a large entrance wardrobe and a toilet as well as a guest room with a walk-in closet and a bathroom. On the upper level there is also one master bedroom and one child’s room. In the winter garden there is a pilot kitchen with built-in wine fridge. In the summer that space can be integrated with a terrace by opening a large double sliding door but during the cooler periods it is a cozy corner providing a wide view of the terrace. Two ambiental parts have been created in this area - one at the bar with high stools placed by the kitcenette, which can be transformed into a flat surface after the special tap is inserted inside the sink that is, in turn, covered by a board. Such a surface can be used for placing a laptop on or simply for sipping a glass of wine taken from the wine fridge ( zone 5 ) . The second ambient consists of two “shell chairs” with a mini library and it is an area for relaxation in comfortable seats, reading, talking… ( zone 6 ) . Large terrace ( Zone 7 ), which is accessible from all rooms on the upper level is surrounded by jardinière with a variety of greenery. Jardinière is at the same time a bench under which is run a hidden LED strip to illuminates the terrace. There is also comfortable outdoor furniture on the terrace, a sun bed, garden parasols and a shower . Bricks are a motif that runs along both levels and connecting them . With its strong texture and dark color it provides a good contrast to large glass areas and selected furniture. Furniture and lighting are a mixture of timeless pieces from the past and the modern design.

Architect: Aleksandar Savikin website: aleksandarsavikin.rs location: Smetanina 9, Belgrade, Serbia client: Family Lutovac project area: duplex flat 217sqm + teracce 180sqm project year: 2013 photographer: Aleksandar Savikin

Ten years ago, architect Aleksandar Savikin designed the building with the penthouse. He also had the opportunity to create the interior. He tells us: “In certain respects this work was made easier, as I was fully aware of all the architectural lines and possible positioning of the furniture. It's always such a pleasure to design the building first and then to decorate the interior afterwards.” Brick slips for the interior The architect created open spaces that flow into each other to form one large integrated space. The choice of brick slips not only stands for a distinct style, but it also brings all the different areas together. Aleksandar Savikin: “I decided on bricks because I love the contrast of modern and minimalistic furniture against the rough surface of the bricks. The furniture and lighting seem more sculptural and special against a brick background.”

Dark colour Douro facing bricks provide this kind of contrast thanks to the powerful texture and dark colour. The joint-free brickwork adds a modern touch. “I must admit that it took a lot of courage to choose this colour for an area of 100 sqm. But it was love at first sight. Douro bricks have a complex colour, and they are in perfect harmony with the idea I had for the interior. The result is even better than I expected,” explains the architect.