How do you build a guesthouse in the Danube Delta (a protected area with freshly approved building regulations) that will abide by values that are if not entirely opposing, still vastly different – severe urban restrictions, the spirit of the place, contemporary comfort, the requirements of a touristic endeavour (commercial functions, number of rooms etc.) In this case, the answer can only be … a hybrid!
In this case, the contemporary becomes a massive white screen onto which we project a house that is traditional in image, proportions and details. Thus, on the street side, the traditional architecture of the Delta village remains intact, alive, functional, while towards the yard, on private space, touristic functions employ a contemporary language in the development of their necessary spaces. The ensemble comprises of two building volumes, disposed in an L shape, sheltering 10 rooms (the maximum number allowed), on the ground and top floors. The volume perpendicular on the street side is in turn split in two by an exterior staircase, with the ground floor destined for common functions – reception, restaurant and technical annexes. The restaurant extends into the garden with a terrace covered in wood and canvas. Each room is equipped with its own bathroom, and the interior decoration draws from the interior of the traditional house with an obviously contemporary interpretation. The white walls with blue drawings, the light-coloured limestone, the painted furniture and the brash colours of the textiles, especially the “lijanca” (a low-rise soft-edged stone construction), the base for the matrasses, all of these attempt to create a calm atmosphere of timeless serenity.
