Unique underground Croatian villa project turns heads worldwide
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Proarh)
Subterram, a luxury underground villa project on the Croatian island of Hvar, is up for a major world architecture award.
The unique vila, which is the project of Zagreb-based architecture studio Proarh, has been named a finalist at the prestigious World Architecture Festival 2025.
Located on a steep south-facing plot overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Subterram project sits nestled between vineyards and pine forest.
Rather than altering the landscape to suit the house, Proarh designed the home to follow the natural contours of the terrain.
(Photo: Proarh)
The result is a villa literally embedded into the hillside, with a stone-covered roof that allows it to blend almost seamlessly into the surroundings.
This approach ensures that the building does not disturb the natural silhouette of the landscape, preserving the authenticity of the Mediterranean environment.
(Photo: Proarh)
The integration is so thorough that from a distance, the villa appears to vanish into its setting.
Designed across two levels, each with distinct functions and interaction with the terrain, Subterram flows in gentle cascades that follow the topography.
(Photo: Proarh)
The layout includes terraces and carefully positioned openings that maximise light and views while respecting the site’s natural rhythm.
(Photo: Proarh)
This thoughtful approach to design is what earned Subterram a finalist spot at the World Architecture Festival 2025, to be held this November in Miami Beach.
The process of obtaining permits for the construction of the Subterram villa should begin soon.
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The festival is one of the most significant events in the field, gathering top architectural projects from around the globe and awarding excellence across various categories.
The project is a testament to the strength and creativity of Croatian architecture on the international stage.
