SAR

Private Residence

Latvia

SAR

Private Residence

Latvia

Location: 

Saraiki, Latvia

Year and status:

2024

Team:

Zane Tetere-Sulce

Dace Bula

Alvis Petrovskis

Eva Heidingere-Jukama

Developer:

3D:

Landscape:

Photo:

Alvis Rozenbergs

LAYOUT1

Constructed on historic foundations of Soviet-era military units to safeguard the Baltic coastal area as one of the world’s most vulnerable marine regions, this seaside home introduces an alternative path of sustainable architecture. Designed as the holiday retreat for a family of three generations, the minimalistic and raw structures seamlessly blend with the untamed wilderness, revealing a modern interpretation of the intricate local history.

LAYOUT3

The project explores the role of a shelter within the domestic environment. Situated at the doorstep of the ever-approaching sea, the bold structures lay grounded against the harsh northern winds. The site was discovered with grass-covered and timeworn military bunkers, now transformed into one residential building and two guest houses.

LAYOUT1

LAYOUT2

LAYOUT3

The essence of the main family house lies within its pronounced dual-sloped roof. While compliant with the local architectural regulations, it is redefined through a contemporary expression of fibre-cement panels, drawing a link to the Soviet-era architecture.

LAYOUT2

On the south side, the roof features deep upward-sloping overhangs designed to shield from summer heat while simultaneously filling the interior with natural warmth and light. Faced with the technical challenge of anchoring the massive roof over a glass facade, we developed a tailored metal frame that serves both as a structural and design element.

LAYOUT1

LAYOUT3

Life in the main house begins on the second floor, with the entrance tucked below the grand structure. Living spaces open toward the horizon of the Baltic sea, filling the family’s shared area with a sense of openness and purpose. Hovering above the ground like a cast-aside sailing ship, this is a home that does not conquer the land, but lives lightlyuponit.

LAYOUT2

LAYOUT3

LAYOUT2

Inside, the architectural language is restrained, ascetic, and raw. Here, nature leads and architecture follows. The layout is designed to encourage residents to follow natural rhythms of life - the terrace and main living space are filled with morning light, while windows in the master bedroom capture sunset views of the Baltic sea. Transparent glass façade reinforces the connection to the land below, dissolving the boundary between the natural environment and man-made space.

LAYOUT1

LAYOUT3

This project is a poetic gesture.
A human instinct to get closer and closer and closer. Here, we touch the sea with our fingertips, bowing to the ancient dunes and pines, seeking safety in familiar hands. Here, we embrace the aura of the Northern skies, standing above the horizon so vast, surrendering to the beauty of poetry.

LAYOUT3