Perched on the green slopes of Kumrovec in the Croatian municipality of Zagorje, Hiža stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural renovation. Originally in a poor condition, this old cottage has undergone a remarkable transformation under the expert guidance of Studio Proarh, embracing local heritage and design
Preserving Hiža's authenticity
In this renovation, the Proarh studio adeptly preserves the original shape of the Hiža house while integrating innovative elements. The introduction of a sleek glass cube in place of the traditional porch not only modernizes the structure but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. In order to orient the cottage with southern exposure, the glass volume has been slid outwards from the main volume, simultaneously forming a zone of ingress
Interior-exterior dynamics
The relationships between the interior and exterior spaces are established by a series of openings made of glass walls. The house consists of three floors: the basement, ground floor and first floor, which is made up of an essential living room. There are leisure areas, the dining room and a cooking area on the ground floor while the sleeping area is on the first floor. The spaces on the ground floor are then arranged according to a traditional system of organization that creates a central common area
Drawing from Zagorje's tradition
The inspiration comes from the traditional architecture of the Zagorje region. The pristine nature of the area for a non-invasive design that has been developed by interpreting the traditional construction of the cottage: a house consisting of basic spaces covered with thatch
Blending wood and thatch in design
The thatch covering the roof is replaced with a new layer extending into the façade, while the fronts are covered with wood. The entrance avenue is made of tree trunks. The Piedestal, an existing piece of stone, is maintained while the newly designed terrace is made of a wooden floor from which you can appreciate the picturesque landscape of Zagorje
Sustainable living
The house becomes 'organic', as it is easily renovated using resources available locally and processed sustainably. This approach allows the structure to evolve and adapt over time, fostering a dynamic living environment that aligns with the natural rhythms of its surroundings. This emphasis on eco-friendliness not only contributes to the preservation of the environment but also promotes the creation of a healthy living space for its occupants
Straw and wood revival
The innovative use of straw, largely considered to be an archaic and forgotten material, both on the roof and walls in combination with wood as the supporting structure of the dashboard and a glass and aluminum structure, makes this modest house a sumptuous tribute to the richness of culture and heritage of the Zagorje region
Renovation challenges and craftsmanship
The most difficult part was finding the craftsmen to make the traditional thatched roofing and the facade also built in a traditional way. By enlisting their expertise, the renovation project paid homage to the time-honored techniques and craftsmanship inherent in the region's cultural heritage
Delving into the past
The research was based on historical documentation and research on the territory. Documentation on traditional thatched construction methods was lacking, so the research was based mainly on the identification of some of the thatched houses that still exist
