A convivial space

Completed in 1964, the Koteks skyscraper has been an icon of the Split skyline for decades. Designed by the architect Lovro Perković, its thirteen storeys and 50-metre height ensure it remains one of the tallest buildings in Croatia. Over its sixty-year history, the tower has undergone significant redevelopment work that has redefined its architecture and expanded its functions. Today, the tower houses commercial activities and hospitality spaces alongside a new hotspot on the local social scene: the Koteks Restaurant & Bar. The venue was conceived as a natural extension of the building’s dynamic daily life, serving as a hub for residents, workers and visitors attracted by its lively atmosphere.

Occupying the ground floor, the space combines the appeal of a historic architectural landmark with the allure of a clearly defined identity. This character is achieved through a perfect balance of design, a welcoming ambience and a fresh, dynamic mood. The experience is elevated by a dramatic terrace, a fashionable meeting place where guests can relax over drinks or dinner with friends.

For the interior design, overseen by Mijic Haklicka Studio, the choice of surfaces was instrumental in creating the venue’s refined, inviting feel. The flooring features the prestigious I Ciottoli collection from Fioranese, specifically the Sassi and Sabbia variants. This choice harmoniously blends contemporary aesthetics with the high-performance functionality required for contract design spaces.

The I Ciottoli porcelain stoneware collection is inspired by a unique limestone defined by material inclusions of varying grain sizes. This gives the surfaces a sense of depth and dynamism, a subtle movement in the Sabbia version and a more pronounced texture in the Sassi variant. The allure of ancient Italian stone is reinterpreted through modern textures available in five colours, suitable for versatile, stylish floor and wall applications. The surfaces possess a deep tactile quality, with a production process that accentuates their three-dimensional, variegated effects while remaining soft and pleasant to the touch.

Employed here for the flooring throughout, as well as on the bar counter and in the bathrooms, the I Ciottoli collection creates a visual narrative that serves as the common thread running through the entire customer experience. With their natural colour variations and material textures, these elements evoke the spirit of Italian tradition, blending perfectly with the venue’s personality. The result is a warm, hospitable environment where every detail enhances the overall experience. Two finishes were used: Polished and Natural for the Sassi version, and Polished for the Sabbia variant, both in a 60×120 cm format.