Development project of Molunat waterfront

01_Concept
We present to you the project for the development of the Molunat waterfront in the Municipality of Konavle. The development is based on the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and the improvement of infrastructure in order to improve the quality of life of the local population and increase the attractiveness of the place. The key part of the project consists of public spaces – the arrangement of the waterfront and the square, which will stimulate the development of the settlement, the economy and the offer of content. The transport infrastructure will receive new solutions – new traffic regulations, a coastal promenade, and the expansion of the port and the construction of a breakwater. This project integrates heritage, nature and infrastructure by creating appropriate public spaces for the settlement and making Molunat a sustainable and pleasant place to live and visit.

02_Identity
Located in the far south of Croatia in the Municipality of Konavle, Molunat is a small coastal village known for its untouched nature, crystal clear sea and authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. In addition to tourism, its residents are engaged in fishing, agriculture and olive growing. The history of Molunat dates back to Illyrian times, and there are remains of ancient Roman buildings nearby. The development project plans to develop a promenade, valorize cultural and natural heritage and create a recognizable identity for the village. The goal is to improve the quality of life of the local population and provide an authentic experience for all visitors. The branding vision of Molunat is based on preserving its fishing tradition, natural beauty and peaceful vacation. The goal is to attract tourists looking for authentic experiences, away from mass tourism.

03_History and development
The Illyrian Maluntum (mal = hill) was historically a key natural port between Prevlaka and Cavtat. The settlement developed in the late 19th century, while the Molunat peninsula served as a refuge for the Dubrovnik Republic, which built a 400 m long defensive wall. Under French rule, a fortress was built, while Austria built a financial barracks, the Austrian waterfront and a coastal road. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Šeparović waterfront was created, and the end of the 20th century brought the development of tourism and coastal construction. Today, Molunat combines a rich history and natural beauty in a unique Mediterranean environment.

04_Problem analysis
Molunat is a coastal settlement with great potential, but also challenges that require careful planning. Its strengths include diverse beaches, a rich underwater world, fishing tradition and cultural heritage. Weaknesses are the lack of public spaces, unresolved property relations, poor pedestrian infrastructure and the concreting of the coast. Opportunities lie in spatial planning, the development of nautical and active tourism, and the preservation of natural resources. The threats are environmental degradation, loss of authenticity, infrastructure overload and demographic problems. Through sustainable development, Molunat can preserve its uniqueness.

05_Traffic
Molunat has two entrances, the western (Metale) and the eastern (Austrian waterfront). The aim is to shift transit traffic from coastal roads and widen the road from the centre to the county road. The coastal road would be one-way in summer, and transit traffic would be redirected via a bypass. Parking lots are planned at the entrances to the settlement and a traffic-free zone in the centre. A bypass road along the Smokvica Bay is proposed and the plan for the construction of a nautical tourism port is retained.

06_Intervention 1 – Metale
A public parking lot P-1 is planned within the construction area (M2), at the entrance to the settlement at Metale, which would provide much-needed parking spaces for bathing areas and public facilities and reduce congestion on the coastal road. The archaeology and underwater visitor center would be located in the Z2 – zone of the archaeological park, near the site of the Villa Rustica and the Molunat Walls, providing information on history and cultural heritage. The planned promenade along the two-way road would extend along the south side of the road, enabling safe pedestrian movement.

07_Intervention 2 – Puč Beach
Beach replenishment is a procedure that increases the surface area of the beach, improves its appearance and functionality, and protects the coast from erosion. For the replenishment, the material is carefully selected, such as sand or gravel, which must be similar to the existing one in order to preserve the natural aesthetics and prevent integration problems. In addition, a walkway is being installed along the retaining wall, which improves the accessibility of the beach. The walkway is made of concrete, and an avenue of palm trees is planted between it and the retaining wall. An art installation on the theme of fishing and the sea is also planned on the beach, which includes elements such as sculptures of fish and ships and allows for interactive play.

08_Intervention 3 – Roadside Extensions
The roadside extensions aim to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the space. The extensions connect to the planned sidewalk, making it safer for pedestrians. Undeveloped areas along the road will be transformed into landscaped stopping and resting points. Each extension includes a plateau with a green island planted with tall vegetation, with benches for sitting. Materials, such as polished concrete, are resistant to weather conditions. The green island has an ecological function, and the tall vegetation can include indigenous species. Wooden and metal benches are placed around the green island, and information boards with information on local flora, fauna and history can be added. On the sea side, shrubby vegetation will be planted, which provides safety but does not obscure the view of the sea.

09_Intervention 4 – Lungomare
The Lungomare promenade, planned along the seashore from Puč beach to the center of the settlement, aims to improve access to the beaches and enrich the walking experience. The promenade will connect the existing concrete interventions to the sea via pontoons, creating a continuous pedestrian path. This project will provide public access to the maritime domain, especially in areas where it is currently not accessible from land. Public staircases will be installed at locations that are publicly owned or that the Municipality will assume as public for the continuity of the promenade. The promenade will be constructed by anchoring or leaning on rocks, and access will be provided through public stairs, renovation of existing ones or construction of new ones. Materials such as microcement concrete and laminated wood will ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing appearance. Construction will take place in phases, allowing for adaptation to financial possibilities and minimizing environmental impact. The project will provide a safe space for pedestrians, while preserving the natural environment.

10_Intervention 5 – Riva
The existing road is planned to be widened towards the coast, with a 3.5 m wide roadway and a 2.4 m wide promenade, which will increase safety and comfort for pedestrians. This intervention will enable the creation of a pedestrian zone on part of the waterfront, which will improve the space for walking and enjoying the environment. Smokvica Beach will be replenished with sand, making it suitable for swimming and recreation. Additional construction of a breakwater and port will ensure the long-term preservation and attractiveness of the beach.

11_Intervention 6 – Square
The square in Smokvica Bay will be built on the existing plateau, with a regular shape of the edge that follows the dimensions of the plateau. The northern part of the square will be wider and will serve as a central place for events and public activities, while the southern part will be narrower. The square will be divided into three zones: the western end will be a promenade by the sea, the central area will be flexible for various events, and the eastern part will be dedicated to service facilities, which will give the area a cultural identity. The construction of a port with pontoon piers for walking, resting and staying is planned next to the southern part of the square. Sports fields in the sea could be organized between the square and the pier. The elevation of the square will be set at a height that protects against flooding, and the height difference will be overcome by an accessibility ramp. The existing boat slip will be retained, and the natural cliffs will give the area a recognizable character.

12_Intervention 7 – Port
According to the plan, the port in Molunat will be built with a capacity of about 30 utility berths for vessels with an average length of 10 meters and 10 commercial berths, with additional development in accordance with regulations. A nautical tourism port of the anchorage category with a capacity of about 20 berths is also planned. The planned port, located in the coastal part of the Gornji Molunat bay, will also include areas for dry berthing, using public parking lots outside the tourist season. The port’s layout includes pontoon piers, the northern one of which will be adapted for walking and resting, while the southern one will have a dual function: boat berths and a relaxation area with a view of the sea. A viewing point with a lighthouse is planned at the top of the pontoon, as well as an artistic accent related to fishing. The analysis will determine the optimal capacity of the port, and the existing boat slipway will be retained due to its practical connection to the road.