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Croatian Paradise Overlooking the Water

Dubbed House U, this residence nestles itself on the sloped land overlooking the water in the Ploče quarter of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The steep plot of land was irregular in shape so 3LHD designed the home at the top of the site with a garden below.

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The house was designed to accommodate parents with grown children and their families, therefore, the design features two structures – a two-story volume for the parents and another to house the children and their families. The one for the children contains two apartments, so overall, the property has three residential units.

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The sunken pool sits in front of the parents’ house below the terrace level so that the view is not blocked.

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The facade is made up of a white stone from a local quarry, interspersed with panels of glass to capture the views. Wood hangs above the pergola to connect the two houses.

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An outdoor terrace space between the two houses is meant for socializing and family gatherings.

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Glass panels on the ceiling fill the interior with bright light.

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The living rooms and bedrooms were placed on the outside perimeter so they could overlook the water and city, while the kitchen and bathrooms are located in the interior.

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The parent’s bathroom is the exception – they designed it to overlook the city and Kokrum Island.

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Photos by Damir Fabijanić.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.