October the 3rd, 2024 – A brand new Mljet mountain lodge situated on the very highest point of this truly stunning national park promises fulfilment for nature lovers.
As Morski writes, plenty of people find their zen on the most densely forested island in the entire the Adriatic, Mljet. This incredible national park in southern Dalmatia now has the new Mljet mountain lodge to boast of, situated right at the very top of Veliki Planjak.
In the heart of Mljet National Park, this new mountain lodge offers an absolutely spectacular view of the surrounding islands and the wide open Adriatic Sea which appears horizon-less from this perspective. It’s reached by following an equally beautiful hiking trail which will fill up the cups of all those who crave nature and peace. From a former entirely neglected military facility which had been left abandoned and half-demolished for years, something completely new has been born – a gathering place for nature seekers and new opportunities for enjoyment.
The old barracks, originally a half-demolished stone building, were remodelled while completely retaining their existing dimensions. The significant change was the opening of the terraces with a beautiful view of the nearby Pelješac peninsula. This alteration transformed the facility from a forgotten old military base into an open and welcoming Mljet mountain lodge. The project has been based on the combination of the sea and the mountains, reflecting the unique nature of Veliki Planjak. All of the materials, locality and durability were naturally the key concepts in the facility’s design.
The new Mljet mountain lodge’s name is Planka, alluding to a mountain, a clearing and a piece of wood, while its visual identity has been designed through original typography and illustrations that include the indigenous animals from Mljet, transformed into comic book heroes.
energy independence at the new mljet mountain lodge
One of the main design concepts is the “strip” – a multi-functional element that stretches across the entire space, serving as a bench, shelf, bar, information board or bed. By using local materials such as driftwood and stone, the home integrates effortlessly into its woody natural environment, creating an authentic atmosphere.
Despite the challenges posed not so long ago by the coronavirus pandemic, construction work began in 2020. That included the renovation of the roof, cleaning up the surrounding environment and ensuring the supply of water and electricity. The old barn was renovated, and thanks to the solar power plant, the lodge became completely energy independent and functional.
Planka then received a license for use, and the mo:re team, which had been working on the project for five years, completed the decoration of the dining room and living room. That included the creation of benches and platforms in the bedrooms. The Mljet mountain lodge is now finally ready to receive visitors, offering a unique experience of staying on the very “roof” of this beautiful island, known for its jaw-dropping sunsets.
Engaging in a more sustainable way of life enjoying this national park coincides with mountaineering on Mljet, especially when we know that the greatest lovers of nature are mountaineers. The “Planka” project, which is currently being completed, is the result of love for Mljet.
According to the director of the Mljet National Park, Ivan Sršen, that love comes both from the enthusiastic “mo:re” team under the leadership of designer Nikola Radeljković, and from the employees and residents of the national park themselves.
