Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Stone Benches in the Shape of Fish for a Children’s Park in Dračevica

We participated in another inspiring public space design project – the construction of a children’s park in Dračevica on the island of Brač. This carefully designed space combines functionality, aesthetics, and local identity, and we are especially proud to have contributed through the creation of unique stone benches.

The entire project was designed by Ivana Salopek, mag.ing.prosp.arch., together with her company Greenarto j.d.o.o., specialised in landscape architecture and the design of public spaces. Their approach is based on creating sustainable, aesthetically valuable, and socially beneficial environments that encourage interaction, outdoor living, and a connection with nature. This vision formed the foundation of the project – a children’s park that is not only a place for play, but also a space for experience.

Our role was the design and production of park benches made from white Brač stone, one of the most valued natural materials in the region. What makes these benches unique is their design – fish-inspired forms with soft, flowing lines that evoke the sea and the local fishing tradition.

The benches are not intended solely for sitting. Their form allows children to use them in multiple ways – for climbing, lying down, or playing. This multifunctionality was key in the design process. Smooth, rounded lines and carefully finished stone surfaces ensure safety and a pleasant tactile experience, while the sculptural quality adds additional value to the space.

The project was funded by FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group), an organisation that supports the sustainable development of fishing communities and coastal areas through investment in local initiatives. FLAG actively promotes projects that connect tradition, local resources, and contemporary design, thereby strengthening community identity. The project was implemented by the Municipality of Nerežišća, which continuously invests in the quality of public spaces and amenities for its residents.

This is not our first collaboration with FLAG, nor our first public space project. Through years of experience, we have developed a wide range of stone solutions – from benches, paving, and walls to sculptural and functional elements tailored to different environments. Our workshop specialises in working with natural stone, with a particular focus on white Brač stone, which we process with a high level of precision and deep material understanding.

Each project is an opportunity for us to combine the tradition of stonemasonry with a contemporary approach to spatial design. The children’s park in Dračevica is another example of how stone, as a durable and authentic material, can become a key element in creating high-quality and inspiring public spaces.