VILA STANZIA ZRINSKA

LOCATION
Krasica, Croatia

COMPETITION YEAR
April 2025

ARCHITECTURE OFFICE
Ravnikar - Potokar arhitekturni biro d.o.o.

ARCHITECTURE
Robert Potokar, Sabina Colnar, Mina Gutović

COLLABORATORS
Filip Perušić, Erika Sirotić

“In the quiet hinterland of Istria, among dry-stone walls and wild trees, stands a ruin.
Not as a relic, but as a beginning.”

The Villa Stanzia complex in Mužolini is conceived as a reminiscence of the former estate, which was defined by a principal building together with a number of secondary structures. The new complex follows this principle, organising a series of individual buildings within the landscape that together form a coherent whole.

The existing structure – or rather, the surviving fragments of its stone walls – assumes the primary role within the complex. These elements are either renovated and structurally restored or reconstructed within their original dimensions, using the retained stone material. The service programme is partially embedded into the basement, while an additional service and circulation zone is introduced along the eastern side of the building. On the southern side, the complex is extended by a garage, a multifunctional space at ground-floor level and two apartments on the upper floor.

The outdoor swimming pool and its surrounding terrace are positioned on the lower terrace of the site and enclosed by a low stone wall.

Additional accommodation is provided in separate apartment cottages. Depending on the desired density of development, up to three additional cottages can be introduced.

The landscape design responds to the characteristic Istrian landscape, with extensive new planting reinforcing its natural character. A new olive grove is established in the lower western part of the site, within which a small stone house with a summer terrace is positioned.

The combination of individual buildings and covered and open outdoor spaces allows the inhabitants and guests of the villa to experience a variety of atmospheres throughout the year: eastern terraces, western terraces, northern terraces, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, a fitness area, a multifunctional space, and more.