In architecture, every project is more than the creation of space – it is the creation of a story. Our project, awarded at the Days of Architecture with the prize for Best Interior Design Project, stands as a testimony to this philosophy. This recognition is not only an acknowledgment of design excellence, but also an affirmation of the values at the core of our work: respect for tradition, commitment to innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility toward time and place.

The Old House, Kleka project was far more than a design task; it was both a major challenge and a rare opportunity. Through every layer of this project, we sought to bring together past and present, while revealing the soul of a building with deep historical and cultural significance. Located in the rocky village of Jankovića Krš, the house pays tribute to the national hero Mišo Janković, standard-bearer in the Battle of Vučji Do, and as such carries an even greater responsibility – to serve as a guardian of history while also becoming a bearer of contemporary values.

The design approach prioritizes the preservation of the building’s original form through minimal intervention, allowing it to remain as a monument to the time that was, and the time yet to come. The stone façade, imbued with history, was left largely untouched, preserving the authentic character of the house and maintaining its bond with the rocky surroundings. This natural symbiosis between the building and the landscape establishes the foundation for a deeper exploration of the interior, understood not merely as a physical space, but as a space of memory, narrative, and nostalgia.

Inside, the preserved stone walls stand as silent witnesses to history, their rough textures embodying the solidity and authenticity of another time. These walls are more than architectural elements; they are a tangible connection between generations, a bridge linking past and present. At the same time, they serve as the foundation for a new vision of contemporary living. The design seeks to free the interior from traditional partitions, creating a fluid environment in which light, space, and time can flow unobstructed, bringing the echoes of the past into harmony with the aspirations of the present.

At the very heart of the design lies a 3 x 3 m central cube. As the core spatial element, the cube acts as a link between past and present. It was conceived as a gathering place that reinterprets the traditional hearth, discreetly connecting all elements of the interior. At the same time, the cube becomes the functional center of the house, accommodating the essential living amenities while also forming a lookout point beneath the roof. Through roof windows, daylight is drawn into the space, creating the dynamic, living effect of a gallery. These shifting patterns of light serve as gentle reminders of the natural cycles of time, giving the interior a sense of rhythm and continuity. They transform the house into a dynamic canvas where light and shadow evolve throughout the day.

The open-plan concept, centered around this unified core, fosters a profound sense of multifunctionality. This open layout goes beyond practicality, infusing the space with a quiet fluidity that allows it to adapt effortlessly to the rhythms of everyday life. At one moment, it becomes a gallery displaying the fleeting beauty of projected short films; at another, it is reimagined as a calm living room or a bedroom for rest. This constant transformation invites interaction and reminds us that architecture is never static, but always searching for new forms and new purposes.

The contrast between the exterior and interior of Old House, Kleka creates a moment of surprise for every visitor. On the outside, the house remains solid and unmoving, almost like a monument carved into the rocky landscape of Jankovića Krš. Inside, however, infused with light and openness, it reveals an entirely new dimension that invites interaction, reflection, and connection with the past. This transition becomes a deeply symbolic moment, speaking of the continuous dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity. The house becomes both a witness to and a carrier of new stories, which, like the house itself, weave together past and present, constantly shaping new layers of identity.

This award, therefore, is not only a recognition of design, but also a confirmation that architecture has the power to revive the past while creating space for future stories — stories that will remain etched in the memory of visitors, just as the house itself is etched into stone.