The Ambar is a small sustainable, off-grid executive retreat in a rural region of Croatia, designed for a couple with strong connections to the area. Their old grain store building ('Ambar' in Croatian) is repurposed as an office and housed within a new weathertight shell containing living accommodation. The old timber structure of the grain store is set on a pedestal with a loft area suspended above. The space opens to sunny terraces to east, south and west, overlooking the natural landscape from a hilltop. This craftful house-in-a-house is the result of a close relationship with the clients, ensuring their detailed brief is enshrined into architecture.