Romana Ručková
student
Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava
Slovakia
Architektura
The project was based on a proposed urban study for a currently undeveloped area in the holiday destination of Dalmatia in Croatia. The proposed territory is… more
Omar Harb
advisor
USEK - Holy spirit University of Kaslik
Lebanon
As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more
For Project ID 5740, titled "Hidden Villas_Miris Garden" by Romana Ručková, here is a professional evaluation and improvement suggestions based on Inspireli’s jury standards.
1. Project Evaluation
A. Concept and Integration
Strengths: The "Hidden Villa" concept is highly effective for the Dalmatian coast. By burying the structures into the sloping terrain, you preserve the natural horizon and minimize the visual impact on the landscape. This "invisible architecture" is a trend jurors appreciate for eco-sensitive luxury.
Spatial Narrative: The "framed view" strategy—where the sea is immediately visible upon entering the subterranean hall—is a classic but powerful architectural move that heightens the emotional experience of the site.
B. Functional Logic
Strengths: The modular layout (separating day and night zones) allows for organic outdoor pockets (terraces and kitchens) that are protected from the wind. This "cluster" approach mimics traditional Mediterranean stone settlements in a modern way.
Privacy: The burial of the first floor ensures total privacy from neighboring lots, which is the primary selling point for high-end holiday villas.
C. Materiality
Technical Choice: Using local stone and wood alongside monolithic reinforced concrete creates a bridge between traditional Croatian tectonics and modern minimalism.
I. Technical Detail: The "Buried" Envelope
Suggestion: Building into a slope in a coastal environment presents significant challenges with moisture, drainage, and thermal bridging.
Refinement: In your technical boards, provide a 1:20 or 1:50 detail section of the retaining wall where it meets the living space. Show the waterproofing layers, drainage gravel, and how you manage insulation. Jurors (especially for the Archicad/Technical prizes) want to see that the "hidden" villa won't suffer from dampness or poor air quality.
II. Natural Light in Subterranean Spaces
Suggestion: While the west-facing glass walls provide sea views, the "buried" parts of the house (corridors, back rooms) might feel dark.
Refinement: Incorporate light-wells or skylights at the back of the modules. This creates "zenithal light," which dramatically changes the atmosphere and provides natural cross-ventilation, drawing the sea breeze through the entire house to the back.
III. Landscape as Architecture
Suggestion: The roof becomes the "new ground" for people looking from above.
Refinement: Design the green roofs with local xeriscaping (lavender, rosemary, olive trees). Don't just show them as flat grass. Use stones from the excavation to create dry-stack walls that integrate the villas even further into the rocky Dalmatian terrain.
IV. Visual Atmosphere (The "Sea Spray" Effect)
Suggestion: Renders of luxury villas can sometimes look sterile.
Refinement: In your Lumion/Chaos renders, focus on the material textures. Show the roughness of the local stone against the smoothness of the glass. Use a "Golden Hour" render to highlight how the sunset reflects off the water and enters deep into the buried living spaces.
V. Sustainability: The "Cool" Villa
Suggestion: Dalmatia is very hot in summer.
Refinement: Explicitly state the thermal benefits of your design. Building into the ground provides natural geothermal cooling. Mention this in your description as a passive energy-saving feature—it shows the jury that your "hidden" concept is as functional as it is aesthetic.
24.01.2026