The Stone Nest

The preservation of architectural history through the restoration of older buildings offers significant cultural, environmental, and economic advantages for building owners, the community, and posterity. Such restoration efforts contribute to environmental sustainability by repurposing existing structures, minimizing landfill waste, and conserving natural resources. Older buildings offer invaluable historical insights, showcasing past architectural and design elements no longer in common use. They foster a connection to our past and enrich the character of our neighborhoods. Montenegro boasts a rich and extensive architectural heritage, reflecting its long and storied history, dating back to antiquity. The coastal region is particularly abundant in well-preserved examples of historic stone villas, representing a significant cultural legacy that warrants preservation. The Stone Nest villa serves as an example of a project that successfully integrates the restoration of Montenegro’s architectural past with contemporary design, creating a structure that embodies a timeless fusion and promises to become a lasting addition to the country’s heritage.
Location
Donja Lastva, Montenegro
City
Tivat
Area
352 m2
Client
Adastra Invest
Year
2024
Status
Ongoing

Preservation entails implementing measures to safeguard the structural integrity, materials, and original form of historic buildings. This encompasses protective and stabilization efforts, prioritizing ongoing maintenance and repair of existing historic features and materials over extensive replacement or new construction. However, components exhibiting irreparable damage or failing to meet current building codes, safety regulations, or sustainability standards may necessitate upgrading or replacement.

The Stone Nest villa, a coastal Montenegro property, underwent a sensitive reconstruction and upgrade. Prioritizing historical integrity and aesthetic preservation, the NRA team of architects retained only the exterior walls due to structural damage from past neglect. This approach safeguards the community’s cultural and legacy value for current and future generations.

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The design concept centers on creating an immersive experience that cultivates cultural connection. Preservation of the original stone exterior walls, coupled with the integration of a contemporary cubic structure using carefully selected, minimalist materials, enhances and amplifies the villa’s character. The resulting structure achieves a prominent presence, displaying a deliberate fusion of contemporary and traditional styles without resorting to imitation. Expansive glass openings provide panoramic sea views, with Porto Montenegro visible to the left and Porto Novi to the right.

The contemporary additions, with their vibrant colors, enhance the existing structure, creating a modern feel while respectfully complementing and highlighting the original architecture’s beauty.

Gallery

Credits

Architect
NRA Atelier
Project Lead
Nikola Radović
Visualizations
Nikola Radović
Copyright
NRA Atelier
Developed Design
Tijana Jolović
Concept Design
Nikola Radović
Schematic Design
Jovana Jušković

Partners

Structural Engineering
OPTIMUSPROJECT LTD.
Electrical Engineering
LINES & FIL ELECTRONICS LTD.
Mechanical Engineering
ENING LTD.
Hydro-Technical Engineering
STANDARD ENGINEERING LTD.
Landscape Architects
O2 STUDIO LTD.