Zatoka House | Studio Arkhitekton | Ostruica, Serbia

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Modern minimalist house with large glazed windows and wooden accents in a picturesque morning setting

Mountain Retreat Built by Hand

Amidst the mountainous landscape of Ostruica, Serbia, Zatoka House by Studio Arkhitekton stands as a quiet testament to architecture capable of coexisting with nature rather than dominating it. This small countryside home, carved from the earth itself, embodies a minimalist form deeply rooted in local craftsmanship and material honesty. Built jointly by the owners with the local community, this architectural work redefines sustainable living through handcrafted architecture and the use of locally-sourced materials.

The result is a structure that blurs the boundaries between natural form and human creation—a true dialogue between mountain, river, and stone.

Built from the Earth

All aspects of Zatoka House originate from its immediate surroundings. The site is located near a local quarry, which provided nearly all the stones used in construction and landscaping. Gravel and acacia from nearby forests were used for pathways, terraces, and furniture, while felled maple trees were reimagined as outdoor furniture.

This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates a deep material continuity between the house and its environment. Walls, floors, and even built-in furniture tell a story of the region shaped by local knowledge and collective effort.

Design Simplicity, Engineering Ingenuity

Despite the apparent simplicity of its box-like form, the project addresses complex geological and climatic challenges. The site sits on a steep slope with a river below, posing risks of landslides and surface runoff. The solution emerged from collaboration with local builders and residents, who helped stabilize the terrain and improve infrastructure before construction began.

The outcome is a compact and sustainable structure rooted in the mountains yet visually light—a building that is both of the earth and on it.

Spaces for Reflection and Creativity

Within its modest 80 sqm, Zatoka House unfolds as a multi-functional interior—a family sanctuary, creative studio, and spiritual pathway. Open spaces provide flexibility, allowing the environment to adapt between domestic rituals and artistic aspirations.

The owners, both passionate photographers, designed the house as a sanctuary for creativity, where shifting light and shadows coexist with raw materials. Each opening creates a dialogue between inner tranquility and the dynamic natural world outside.

Material Soul and Atmosphere

Inside, the material palette reflects the landscape: stone walls, wooden ceilings, and earthy textures create a tactile, enduring environment. The internal atmosphere evokes calmness—quiet, cool, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

This is not a house that dominates its plot but one that listens to the rhythm of mountains and rivers, integrating into seasonal cycles.

With Zatoka House, Studio Arkhitekton demonstrates that profound architecture need not be grand in scale—only in spirit. Through local collaboration, handmade materials, and deep ecological respect, architects have created housing that fully belongs to its place.

This is architecture as landscape, memory, and living craft—a reminder that the most sustainable design begins with listening to the earth itself.