It's not the kind of mansion you'd expect in the Rocky Mountains.

In the heart of the Goriška Brda region, two holiday villas have emerged that defy expectations, offering a striking departure from the traditional rustic image often associated with this area. The interiors, designed by interior architect Eva Nedeljko of EVAVOI studio, were conceived as two distinct spatial narratives, yet bound together by a shared material foundation, relationship to the landscape, and contemporary design language. This approach marks a deliberate shift from conventional interpretations of rural architecture in the region. The project began during the construction phase, allowing Nedeljko to integrate her work beyond just selecting furniture and materials. She was able to influence the internal layout, spatial volumes, and even key architectural elements. This early involvement enabled her to treat the interior as an integral part of the overall structure rather than a superficial addition applied after the building was completed. The exteriors captivate with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These vistas are not merely framed through windows but actively integrated into the living experience of the spaces. From the main bedroom's window to terraces, rooftop wellness areas, and Jacuzzis, the interiors consciously open up to the outside world. This integration avoids reducing the landscape to mere scenery, instead capturing its essence, warmth, texture, and a calm rhythm, through a more modern and authorial expression. Traditional elements such as rustic parquet flooring, ceramic tiles, visible wooden beams, and brickwork on the underside of the roof contribute warmth and tactile qualities to the space without making the interiors explicitly rustic. According to Nedeljko, these traditional features serve as one layer within the space, complemented by distinctly modern pieces, materials, and details. The goal was not to avoid rustic aesthetics altogether but to prevent them from becoming the sole theme of the interiors. Instead, traditional elements function as one of several layers, creating a dynamic tension between the old and the new. Both houses share a common material palette, including parquet, ceramics, wall finishes, visible wooden beams, and brickwork beneath the roof. This continuity was intentional, ensuring that visitors transitioning from one house to another still feel they are experiencing part of the same project. The warmth introduced by wood, ceramics, bricks, and visible beams contrasts with the more pronounced character given by modern elements, resulting in a balanced and distinctive atmosphere. Within this shared framework, each villa develops its identity independently. The character of individual homes is shaped by furniture choices, color accents, wallpapers, textiles, artistic and decorative elements, and how specific items are placed within the space. While both houses are interpretations of the same design language, they are not exact replicas of each other. Each has its own story and personality, emphasizing diversity within unity. The design philosophy behind these villas reflects a broader trend in contemporary architecture, where historical influences are reinterpreted through modern sensibilities. By avoiding a purely nostalgic approach, the architects aim to create spaces that resonate with the present while acknowledging their roots. This balance allows the interiors to evolve with each visit, offering different experiences depending on which room is chosen and how it is perceived. Guests returning for multiple visits can encounter the same space anew, influenced by varying color schemes, compositions, textures, and details.