In Trviž, in the heart of Istria, the Villa Box project was completed – a contemporary rental villa that clearly demonstrates how minimalist architecture can be successfully integrated with natural materials and the local context.

At first glance, clean horizontal lines, flat roofs, and large glass surfaces dominate. However, the true character of the building comes to life through the carefully measured use of decorative stone combined with wood and neutral facade tones. It is precisely this balance that gives the space a sense of warmth and “vibrancy” without compromising its modernity.

The building is shaped through a clear interplay of volumes. The upper floor appears light and almost floating, while the ground floor, clad in decorative stone, provides stability and a visual anchor for the entire composition. Here, stone is not used merely as decoration, but as an element that defines the building’s relationship to the terrain. This achieves a sense of solidity and longevity, while the upper volume remains calm, light, and modern.

The project utilized the Monte 216A3 model, a decorative stone by Rustik Kamen, featuring a combination of flat and corner elements. A total of 150 m² of wall cladding and 40 meters of corner elements were installed. The stone was placed in key zones of the ground floor, around the entrance, along the terrace, and in areas in direct contact with the outdoor space. This approach allows the material to stand out without visually overwhelming the architecture.

For the finishing, Rustik SG grout in a gray-brown shade was used, with a standard filled joint. The result is a clean and precise look that highlights the stone’s structure without excessive rusticity. This grouting method provides the material with a sense of control and calmness, making it ideal for contemporary projects seeking a balance between a natural look and architectural purity.

One of the strongest features of this project is the relationship between the interior and exterior. Large glass walls completely open the ground floor to the terrace and pool, allowing the living space to flow naturally outdoors.

The covered terrace further emphasizes this connection. The wooden ceiling brings warmth, while the stone wall provides texture and a sense of stability. Combined with smooth, modern surfaces, the space feels balanced and natural, without abrupt transitions. The result is an ambiance that simultaneously offers a sense of luxury and relaxation, which is particularly important for properties intended for tourist rental.

In the evening hours, the villa takes on a completely new dimension. Discreet lighting emphasizes the texture of the stone, while the illuminated interior, seen through large glass walls, further highlights the openness of the space. Together, everything creates an impressive yet unobtrusive nighttime identity that further accentuates the building’s architecture.

Beyond its aesthetic role, decorative stone also has very concrete functional value. It is weather-resistant, durable, and does not require intensive maintenance. At the same time, it protects the most exposed parts of the facade and contributes to the overall value of the property. For rental villas, such solutions have a direct impact on the perception of quality and the overall impression the space leaves on guests.

Villa Box is an example of how a thoughtful selection and dosage of materials can achieve a strong architectural identity without overdoing it.

The combination of clear form, the natural texture of stone, and the warmth of wood resulted in a space that is simultaneously modern, functional, and authentically Mediterranean. In this project, stone is not just a finishing layer, but an element that connects the architecture with its surroundings and gives it character.

For any additional information or a quote, please contact us:
E: info@rustik-kamen.hr
T: +385 1 345 00 54
A: Oreškovićeva 1a, Zagreb
W: www.rustik-kamen.hr