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Latvian legislation protects the coastline from excessive building practices. Newbuilds are not permitted, however, it is possible to build atop existing foundations. Our clients purchased a coastal property with the intent of transforming it. We agreed to the challenge.

The property consisted of four standalone buildings – the main house, a garage, shed and garden house – each with its own character and style. We found a way to keep all structures and unify them stylistically. The two dominant materials – larch and galvanized steel – are inspired by the colours of the sea and sky. The shape of the buildings and their gable roofs echo the vernacular architecture of the historical fishermen’s dwellings, which the Latvian coastline is known for.

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While once home to active fishing communities, today’s coastal towns have a mixed identity. Holidaymakers are a big part of the local tapestry. This home is also designed as a family getaway, but liveable throughout the year. Considering its main purpose, our design facilitates flowing freely between the indoors and outdoors. Solutions like the covered second floor balcony provide outdoor access no matter the weather and wind conditions. A sheltered outdoor dining area encourages shared meals with a view across the Gulf of Riga. The positioning of windows across all buildings ensures that the presence of the sea is always felt. Residents can also just watch the sea from a comfortable position on the terrace.

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Exuberance-free, the coastal holiday home in Latvia reflects northerners’ reserved and modest nature. No element is purely decorative, in order not to take away from the rugged beauty of the coastal landscape. Even pragmatic elements like the gutters are hidden. The shelving systems built into the façade of the garage and outdoor dining area assist in keeping the exterior tidy. They also allow expanding on the garden, which is designed by Galantus landscape architecture firm.

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Ziedlejas is a wellness estate with a vision. From day one this has not been a project with a clear start and end, but rather an ongoing process based on rational decision making in light of changing trends, the social and economic climate. It’s characterised by a very high level of trust between the owners, OAD and team of landscape architects.

With a secluded location in rural Latvia, Ziedlejas offers natural retreats away from the crowds. Latvian tradition and heritage is at the heart of what it stands for. Two saunas have already been completed and a third is underway. Number 1 or the ‘baltā pirts’ (white sauna) is a concrete structure built into the hillside to avoid interfering with the view from the guest cabins. It benefits from natural light and the proximity of the pond for jumping into. The design concept is based around locally sourced natural materials like wood, herbs and linen.

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The more primeval ‘melnā pirts’ (smoke sauna) is built from spruce and fittingly tucked into the woods. While the sauna buildings remain traditional in terms of their purpose, we made sure to enhance functionality and overall aesthetics from a contemporary design perspective.

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To indulge in a private spiritual ritual. The Wool Sauna is the latest addition to Ziedlejas – a wellness resort centred around the Latvian sauna culture. With wool-clad interior walls, the sauna experience here benefits from the healing presence of lanolin, which evaporates in the heat. The Wool Sauna’s material palette of wood, concrete and natural fabrics ties it in with the resort, yet it also has its own unique energy and identity.

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The architecture and design contribute, starting from the meditative approach. A wooden walkway leads saunagoers to the sauna building. Not merely a practical means to get from A to B, the weaving path prepares the mind for what’s to come, encouraging introspection.

Every detail contributes to the sensory and spiritual process. We identified opportunities to add new dimensions to the classic sauna experience. During breaks from the heat, one can lie back on a net among the trees to feel the closeness of nature.

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There’s no need to walk far to cool down in water, too – Wool Sauna guests have access to a private plunge pool. The positioning of the building affords impressive views across the woods and Ziedlejas as a whole. Bespoke furniture and select design pieces make it is easy for guests to prepare for and emerge from the experience. We also considered the role of the sauna master and how the design may help them in their work.As seen at prior buildings at Ziedlejas, we placed an emphasis on craftsmanship and custom solutions.

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A timely addition in 2020 were the four guest cabins in corten steel and glass. Tea houses by day and bedrooms by night, they are designed to be multifunctional. The glass front affords unspoilt views of the landscape and stars at night. Thanks to the neighbouring herb patches, guests can literally pick and mix their own herbal tea blend. Staff will happily explain the properties of each plant.

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Nestled into a natural slope, the house seamlessly merges with the surrounding pine forest and coastal dunes. From the outside, it harmonizes effortlessly with its environment, while inside, it offers a modern, almost futuristic experience.

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Staying true to tradition, the heart of this home—the kitchen—draws inspiration from the mantle chimney design. Though this ancient chimney system has become less common over time due to practicality, it remains a powerful source of inspiration. In Latvian tradition, the pavards (hearth) was located in the kitchen, with chimneys often as large as the room to gather all the smoke. The room’s unique shape allows for a two-story layout, evoking a penthouse feel, while the hidden lounge extends the central living space and provides the perfect spot for stargazing. This design not only gives the house its distinct shape but also bathes it in beautiful overhead light. The central area naturally becomes a gathering hub, while the rest of the home flows in a circular layout, creating a dynamic space for movement.

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The walls, crafted from CLT panels that also serve as the primary structure, are left exposed without any additional finishes. This sustainable and efficient solution enhances the home’s aesthetic while cleverly concealing storage areas and providing a perfect backdrop for the family’s art collection.

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The natural, light-filled interior, with seamlessly blending walls and ceilings, creates an airy and serene atmosphere. Combined with the gentle sea breezes, it becomes the ultimate recreational retreat. With the windows open, the sound of the sea serves as a soothing backdrop, while the acoustic panels on the ceilings ensure an oasis of tranquility.

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Nestled in Pāvilosta, a town with roots in fishing, this residence subtly blends into its vibrant surroundings, drawing inspiration from the area’s traditional wooden homes. Designed as a family retreat, the structure reflects the calm and resilience of the Baltic Sea. Key features include a dual-sloped roof compliant with local architectural norms and expansive windows that connect the interior with the seaside ambiance. The design thoughtfully integrates window shutters, ensuring privacy and protection, particularly during off-seasons. The interior, characterized by its use of natural materials like wood and concrete, mirrors the external simplicity and coastal context. Sustainable practices are embedded in the design, with a recirculation system for energy efficiency. This Pāvilosta home, with its minimalist yet functional approach, harmonizes with its seaside setting while embracing modern living standards.

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Inside, the residence thrives on authentic simplicity, with a focus on natural materials that tell a story of Latvian coastal living. The kitchen, marked by its harmonious blend of location-inspired design and minimalism, uses materials like plywood and wooden planks to emphasize purity and functionality.

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Inside, the residence thrives on authentic simplicity, with a focus on natural materials that tell a story of Latvian coastal living. The kitchen, marked by its harmonious blend of location-inspired design and minimalism, uses materials like plywood and wooden planks to emphasize purity and functionality.

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Pāvilosta’s charm as a historic fishing village deeply influences the residence’s design. The building regulations of the town are meticulously adhered to, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly into the existing coastal environment. The residence’s strategic positioning parallel to the sea enhances its transparency and connection to the surrounding natural beauty.

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