A bright and spacious home designed for comfort
In their search for a new home, the Milković family explored numerous options in the bustling real estate market. Eventually, they decided to consider a newly built development outside the wider centre of Zagreb. While the initial apartment they were shown didn't meet their expectations, they stumbled upon another unit in the same neighbourhood that instantly won them over.
"The new complex of buildings immediately reminded me of home. It features properties with pitched roofs and plenty of roof windows, which is what won us over right away," says Iva, the homeowner, expressing her satisfaction with their choice.
A home that feels like living under the open sky
The apartment is significantly more spacious than their previous one - not only due to its larger square footage but also thanks to the sloped ceilings, which create a unique sense of openness. Since space under sloped ceilings isn't calculated in the same way as traditional floor space, they were able to secure a larger home at a more affordable price.
A multi-level living space
Key rooms, including the children's bedrooms and the dining area, are located on the first floor, while the master bedroom and a spa-style bathroom occupy the upper level. One of the home's standout features is a gallery space with an impressive 7-metre-high ceiling. This area serves as both a workspace and a cosy reading nook, offering a panoramic view of the entire household, which is bathed in natural daylight.
"The new home is significantly larger than our previous one, and as a two-storey apartment, it offers multiple living areas. I particularly love how each of us has our own space and comfort. The children have their own separate area with bedrooms and a bathroom, where they can play freely and enjoy their daily activities," shares Iva.
Open-plan living at the heart of the home
A central hub for family life
The apartment is designed with a spacious open-plan living area that serves as the heart of family life. This 45-square-metre space seamlessly integrates the kitchen, dining area, and living room, making it the primary hub for daily activities.
Here, Iva enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and entertaining friends. The airy atmosphere, filled with natural light, enhances every moment.
"My first time stepping into the apartment was a real 'wow' moment. I instantly imagined where my reading corner would be," she recalls.
A life under the blue sky
Living in this new home truly feels like living under the open sky. Thanks to the numerous roof windows, the family can enjoy natural light throughout the day, even when the weather is gloomy. A particularly cherished moment is when the morning sun gently illuminates their dining table - just in time for breakfast.
A perfect space for greenery
The abundance of daylight has also brought new life to their plants. Iva, a plant enthusiast, is delighted to see her greenery thriving, something that wasn't possible in their previous, darker home.
"Living here has so many benefits - it genuinely feels like a house. I can truly say it's a life under the open sky because just looking at it brings a sense of calm. I've always loved plants, but they struggled in my old apartment. Now, thanks to the natural light from the roof windows, they are flourishing," she explains.
A home prepared for the future
The decision to move was motivated by the family's growing needs. With a new baby on the way, they required more space to accommodate their expanding household. Their search for a new home led them through a variety of apartments, but in the end, it was this bright and airy space that captured their hearts.
"The new complex of buildings immediately felt like home to us. The pitched roofs and abundance of roof windows were exactly what we were looking for," says Iva.
Lower energy costs, bigger savings
At first, the family was concerned that a larger apartment would mean higher energy costs. However, their worries quickly faded after their first winter in the new home. Despite being twice the size of their previous apartment, their heating and cooling costs turned out to be 50% lower.
This impressive efficiency is thanks to the building's excellent insulation, as well as the high-quality installation of roof windows and other openings. During winter, the sun's warmth naturally heats the space, while in summer, external blinds reduce solar heat penetration by up to 90%, keeping the apartment cool.
Smart home comfort with VELUX
Iva, who loves cooking and spending time at home, appreciates the pleasant indoor atmosphere, which is further enhanced by smart features. The gallery roof window, equipped with VELUX ACTIVEindoor climate sensors, automatically opens when CO2 levels rise, ensuring a fresh and healthy environment.
"When we bought this apartment, my husband thoroughly researched the features of VELUX roof windows. He equipped them with additional accessories like external blinds and mosquito nets, as well as rain sensors. This brings us great peace of mind - especially as parents with small children. If we forget to close a window before leaving, the rain sensors take care of it, closing them automatically at the first sign of raindrops," explains Iva.
A home designed for everyday enjoyment
In today's fast-paced world, few people have the luxury of spending much time at home. But for Iva and her family, creating a space that feels like a true sanctuary was essential.
"The pace of life today is such that we rarely have time to slow down and appreciate the little things," she reflects. "That's why I make an effort to spend as much time as possible with my family on weekends, fully enjoying the beautiful space and atmosphere of our home."