Transparency and materiality, solid and void, nature and urbanity become architecture in the project by architect Tommaso Monutti for JM House, set in the Croatian city of Opatija. It’s a design composed by contrasting suggestions that harmoniously interact, based on the idea of creating a visual fulcrum between the infinite horizon of the Adriatic Sea, with its coastline, and the historic center of the Istrian village, located respectively in front and behind the villa. The simple, contemporary volume synthesizes these conceptual themes and accommodates the site’s elevation, which offers a commanding view over the Gulf of Kvarner, while it incorporates nautical references — professional field of the client.
The envelope is white and rigorous, with strong horizontal elements on the main façade: a terrace on the first level, featuring a pool, protrudes outward, accompanied by a flat roof, punctuated by a rhythmic sequence of openings designed to filter the light and illuminate the pool. Vertical light strips, running along the entire perimeter of the house, generate visual breaks: they define the structure and reappear indoors, where teak wood predominates, reflecting the owners’ desire for a reference to boats. Flooring, paneling, and furniture are realized of this wood essence, alternated with travertine surfaces, white plaster portions, and black accents — a material palette that underlines the interiors of the home’s two floors — curated as well by Tommaso Monutti — organizes the living and sleeping areas, wardrobes, study and service spaces.
In line with the design concept, the master bathroom maintains the same color and finish choices. It is a spacious and elongated room, where the purity of form is highlighted by Saturn radiator of Antrax IT, in a matte black finish. Designed by Peter Rankin, circular and compact, with a diameter of 73 cm, is built from 100% recyclable cast aluminum, crafted with a three-dimensional effect: the radiating surface has a soft curvature that increases thermal efficiency and conceals the fittings, while the wall-mounting system allows the radiator to be lifted for maintenance. Equipped with a towel bar, Saturn is installed in JM House on a concrete-effect wall adjacent to the large freestanding bathtub and also serves the wall-mounted washbasin area, becoming a functional and aesthetic object, perfectly integrated with the villa’s architecture.
On the cover: JM House
Saturn radiator in the JM House’s bathroom
