Case Atrio is a dual residential project comprising Casa Nini and Casa Maria in Rovinj, Croatia. It is rooted in family memory and spatial continuity, built on land once belonging to the grandparents whose names the houses bear. Rather than maximising footprint or formal expression, the design focuses on longevity, environmental moderation, and the presence of landscape as the primary structuring element.

Building within memory and landscape

The site, preserved across generations, is located within a cultivated vala — a naturally formed land depression (vrtača/dolac) characteristic of the Istrian terrain. The architectural strategy minimises visual and ecological disruption. Earth-toned façades and low, articulated volumes allow the houses to settle into the topography rather than dominate it.

The project consists of two mirrored courtyard homes derived from the division of an original atrium typology. Between them runs a narrow access lane illuminated by restored vintage fixtures. This reuse avoids unnecessary material replacement while reinforcing continuity.

The courtyard as environmental regulator

At the core of each home stands a preserved centuries-old olive tree. These trees function as symbolic anchors and microclimatic regulators. The enclosed courtyards create shaded, wind-protected zones that moderate temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Inspired by ancient Mediterranean domestic models such as the Greek oikos and Roman domus, the layout organises daily life around the atrium. Large glazed openings connect living spaces directly to the courtyard, maximising daylight while allowing cross-ventilation. Sleeping areas are positioned to the north, reducing solar gain and enhancing passive thermal comfort.

The courtyard operates as a climatic buffer by filtering light, reducing heat, and creating a protected outdoor extension of the interior. In contrast, the pool area forms a secondary, more open social zone for communal gatherings and seasonal outdoor living.

Material durability and low-impact choices

Material selection emphasises longevity and tactile authenticity. Interior finishes include natural wood, terracotta, terrazzo, and ceramic tiles. These materials are known for durability, reparability, and long life cycles. Their thermal mass contributes to indoor temperature stabilisation, particularly in shoulder seasons.

Exterior finishes rely on mineral-based renders in muted earth tones, reducing maintenance requirements and blending with surrounding vegetation. Pitched and inward-sloping roof forms respond to rainfall patterns while reinforcing the inward orientation toward the courtyard. By favouring robust, time-tested materials over short-lived synthetic finishes, the project prioritises lifecycle performance rather than trend-driven aesthetics.

Passive strategies and spatial efficiency

The mirrored configuration optimises land use without compromising privacy. Compact massing reduces exposed surface area, improving thermal efficiency. Courtyard geometry enhances stack ventilation, drawing warm air upward during summer months.

The design leverages passive principles. North-oriented sleeping quarters aid thermal stability. Deep reveals and shaded glazing control solar gain. Courtyard vegetation enables evapotranspiration cooling. Cross-ventilation is supported by dual façade exposure. These measures reduce reliance on mechanical cooling and heating systems, aligning architectural form with environmental logic.

Landscape as living infrastructure

The landscape design extends the sustainability strategy. Native and climate-adapted species, including lavender, rosemary, bay laurel, salvias, and roses, minimise irrigation demand while supporting biodiversity. Seasonal variation in scent, colour, and texture reinforces the cyclical experience of time.

Rather than ornamental landscaping, planting is treated as environmental infrastructure. The design helps stabilise soil, improve microclimate, and maintain ecological continuity within one of Rovinj’s last actively cultivated valas.

Rather than ornamental landscaping, planting is treated as environmental infrastructure. The design helps in stabilizing soil, improving microclimate, and maintaining ecological continuity within one of Rovinj’s last actively cultivated valas.