Pier-Lighthouse by OFIS Architects: Minimalist Stone Renovation on Cres Island, Croatia

Nestled on the serene island of Cres in Croatia, the Pier-Lighthouse by OFIS Architects (2024) exemplifies the delicate balance between heritage preservation and radical modern design. Spanning just 25 m², this compact two-story home with an attic demonstrates how innovative architecture can transform minimal spaces into functional, poetic living environments.

Preserving History Through Minimal Intervention

The island’s challenging accessibility heavily influenced the project’s approach. Construction materials and interventions had to be pragmatic and deliberate, respecting both the environment and local craftsmanship. The existing stone house, positioned on a corner of the town square, had structurally sound perimeter walls. OFIS Architects chose to retain the original stone structure, preserving the building’s historical character while radically reimagining its interior.

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every house is part of the city, contributing to the integrity of the place.” — inspired by John Donne and Hemingway

Radical Interior Transformation

The renovation stripped the house to its essentials: the stone perimeter walls remained, while the interior was entirely emptied. A light wooden structure, crafted from 4 x 4 cm laths, was inserted to fill the void. This structure functions both as the building’s support framework and as a multifunctional furniture system, integrating all necessary living components into a single cohesive volume.

The precision-built wooden frame incorporates electrical installations, lighting, and switches, while the transparent mezzanine panels maintain a full-empty rhythm, allowing natural light to travel from the new zenithal roof window down to the ground floor. This creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, enhancing the sense of space despite the home’s compact footprint.

Smart Spatial Organization

Each floor is carefully designed for multifunctionality and privacy.

• Ground Floor: Kitchen and dining area
• First Floor: Convertible living room/bedroom
• Second Floor: Additional bedroom

Bathrooms are compact yet functional, with one floor featuring a shower and sink, and the other a toilet and sink. Nooks and niches along the wooden structure provide intimate spaces for seating or sleeping, complemented by curtains for privacy.

Community-Centered Construction

The construction process became a local event, as Slovenian carpenters assembled the structure in a temporary workshop on the town square. Residents engaged directly with the craftsmen, offering repairs or modifications, embodying a philosophy of “consensual architecture” where collaboration and spontaneity shape the final result.

This approach not only revitalized the building but also contributed to the vibrancy of the surrounding community, turning the renovation into a socially interactive architectural experience.

Modern Zen Amid Historic Charm

The Pier-Lighthouse elegantly fuses historical stone architecture with light, minimalist wooden design, creating a serene, zen-like interior that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The project illustrates how sensitive architectural interventions can breathe new life into small coastal towns, preserving their heritage while introducing bold, contemporary ideas.

“Each new revitalization breathes life into the settlement, inspiring relaxed modernity amidst historic charm.”

All photographs are works of  Tomaz Gregoric