paleko + plazma nestles wooden housing development in a lithuanian nature reserve

architects at paleko + plazma nestles wooden housing development in a lithuanian nature reserve
all images by norbert tukaj

based by the ribiskes valley surrounded by abundant woodland, the architects at plazma collaborated with paleko architecture studio to design a series of timber-cladded residences for a housing development in vilnuis, lithuania.

there are two types of houses differentiated by their orientation belonging to development project

following the site’s natural topography, eight residences have been distributed on the southern side closest to the hill. the buildings have been raised to sit between or above the cornices of what previous were ammunition vaults and at the same time, to allow more sunlight into the interior. this balance between old and new enables access to the historical ruins but also retains their visibility from street level.

meanwhile on the north side, the rest of the homes are settled on the lower gradient next to the creek bank. defined by their pitched roofs, each pair of structures share a connected terrace. due to the sunken terrain, from street level, they appear to be just one storey high, but they are in fact composed of two levels.

four historical ammunition vaults exist on the site

formed with a traditional, archetypal silhouette and complemented with contemporary detailing, the houses are harmonized by a consistent material palette of textural wooden planking and the use of recessed windows and skylights. this homogenous, wooden cabin aesthetic is reminiscent of the local architecture found in the area. 

the scheme took two years to complete

the two sets of residences have been created on the valley

from street level, the north orientated houses appear to be only one storey

the close proximity and the consistent character of the buildings form a community

supported by slender columns, they sit above the vaults allowing access and visibility from the street

a terrace and shared staircase connects two houses together

balconies and large glass windows bring the inhabitants closer to nature

the scheme is based on the pavilniai regional park

an architectural balance between new and existing structures has been established

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