Project Domus Lapis by Studio Soče dances gracefully around geometric shapes, neutral colors, and natural textures, where the stone takes center stage, creating the perfect minimalist home. It embodies the idea that a home's value lies not in its abundance but in its skillful utilization of texture and space.

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Designed by the architect Nina Soče, Domus Lapis embodies a seamless fusion of nature and architecture, where every stone is thoughtfully handpicked and positioned, showcasing a captivating harmony. Nature's allure, with all its enchanting imperfections, finds itself beautifully juxtaposed by the bold presence of this distinctive stone house, adorned with sleek lines that assert their prominence in the surroundings.

A Sanctuary of Serenity

The project's objective was to create a sanctuary for a young couple, a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Keeping the clients' background in mind, an ideal location was identified - a plot with an existing stone house in the southwest part of Herzegovina, not far from the border with Croatia.

The existing structure, a typical old Herzegovinian stone house, had seen better days, with deteriorating materials and aging foundations. The plan was to construct a new dwelling, paying homage to local traditions and using traditional materials in a contemporary manner while maintaining a deep respect for nature. This vision gave birth to "Domus Lapis," a Neo-Herzegovinian house that gracefully captures the essence of the surrounding landscape.

A Symphony of Architecture and Nature

The house is strategically situated on a plateau with a breathtaking view of an ancient olive grove. Adapting to the sloping terrain, the backside of the house is partially nestled into the ground, while stone retaining walls enclose the rest of the plot. Access to the house is thoughtfully designed from the northwest side, following a meandering pathway of large-format stone slabs that complement the natural surroundings.

Preserving the existing tree on the plateau, the architects created a welcoming outdoor space with a circular table and chairs adorned with overhead lighting—a perfect setting for al fresco gatherings. In a nod to tradition, an ancient stone trough was incorporated into one of the walls, providing a refreshing touch during the warm summer months. The immediate surroundings remain untouched, with minimal interventions such as stone paving and carefully chosen Mediterranean plants.

Seamless Integration with Nature

To harmonize seamlessly with its environment, the entire house, including the roof, is clad in stone - a true homage to the region's heritage. Thoughtful design elements, like concealed gutters, ensure efficient water drainage down the façade. The external joinery strikes a balance between modernity and tradition, utilizing a combination of aluminum and wood profiles.

Inside the 56-square-meter abode, the ground floor houses a kitchen and dining area, a bathroom, and a living room. A gallery on the upper level serves as a sleeping area. The traditional hearth is replaced by an open fireplace in the living room, allowing a seamless flow between the interior and exterior spaces - perfect for enjoying the home during warmer months.

The Beauty of Simplicity

The design philosophy behind Domus Lapis centers on functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Excessive decorative elements are eschewed in favor of simple, timeless, and unpretentious ambiance. To achieve this, light tones of gray and brown are paired with coarser textures and natural materials such as solid wood, ceramics, rattan, linen, and cotton. The lighting fixtures are thoughtfully divided into two categories: primary spotlights with discreet designs to accentuate specific areas and floor and table lamps that provide a pleasant ambient glow.

"Throughout the entire process of designing and shaping the interior, from the initial sketches to the final selection of decorative elements, the emphasis was on functionality and simplicity to create a space where the user can 'disconnect' from the information-filled modern life and return to the factory settings.'' – stated Nina.

The completion of the Domus Lapis project is anticipated for the spring of 2024.