Rezevici Sundial
MONTENEGRO
COMPLETED 2017
DESIGN
PHOTO CREDITS - VICTOR HADJIKYRIACOU
Our long-standing relationship with the client on the Villa Monte project—spanning over a decade—has been grounded in shared values and a mutual appreciation for architecture’s role in bringing families together. In early design conversations, a casual discussion over drinks revealed the client’s interest in astrology. This small detail became a meaningful thread in the development of a unique garden feature.
A visit to the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur, India, provided further inspiration. The precision and artistry of its astronomical instruments, particularly the large-scale sundials, left a lasting impression. Drawing from this, we designed a sculptural solar clock as the centrepiece of the villa’s garden.
Crafted from carefully selected materials—marble, bronze, and burned stainless steel—the sundial serves not only as a precise instrument for timekeeping but also as a serene focal point inviting reflection and engagement with the natural world. The marble base is intricately laser-etched with finely calibrated time divisions, providing a clear framework for the passage of hours. Above this, a gracefully arched stainless steel track carries delicately fashioned bronze indicators that follow the sun’s journey across the sky. The entire structure is meticulously aligned with the exact geographic coordinates of the villa’s location, ensuring accurate time measurement throughout the changing seasons.
Thoughtfully integrated into the design are small bronze birds, which act as subtle invitations to local wildlife, enriching the garden’s ecosystem and reinforcing a harmonious dialogue between the built environment and nature. This quiet yet meaningful feature thoughtfully reflects the client’s fascination with astrology and time, embodying a poetic synthesis of craftsmanship, astronomical tradition, and landscape that complements the villa’s overall architectural narrative.
