A Modern Timber House by the Baltic Sea | Nordic Prefab Architecture

#timberhouse #homedesign #architecture
A Modern Timber House by the Baltic Sea | Nordic Prefab Architecture

This house replaces an aging structure while honoring the architectural language of its coastal setting in Pāvilosta, Latvia. Inspired by local building traditions and strict planning regulations, the new home retains the familiar triangular form, timber cladding, narrow street-facing windows, and a classic wood shingle roof.

The façade is clad in Siberian larch, a material chosen for its durability and ability to weather naturally over time. As it ages, the timber will take on a soft grey tone that echoes the choppy Baltic Sea and the muted northern skies—a color palette that has become emblematic of contemporary Pāvilosta.

Designed with the region’s climate in mind, the house is filled with natural light. Tall west-facing windows and skylights above the kitchen and living areas capture daylight throughout the day, creating warm and inviting interiors despite the coastal weather conditions.

Interior details subtly reference local culture. The living room lighting, for instance, is inspired by traditional clotheslines, adding a playful yet meaningful layer to the design. The house is a custom prefabricated structure, with its timber frame built off-site to minimize disruption during construction and preserve the existing garden and orchard.

The landscape design carefully integrates new perennials and grasses with the original apple trees. A patio acts as both a connector and a threshold between house and garden, while a pergola divides the outdoor space into two distinct zones. At the rear, a discreet storage shed with an integrated firewood nook completes the composition.

Sustainability and year-round comfort are key priorities. Underfloor heating and natural, foam-free insulation ensure the home remains comfortable in all seasons. Unified by a single design language, the architecture, landscape, and auxiliary structures come together as a cohesive whole—rooted in place, climate, and tradition.

Architects: Open Architecture Design - https://oad.archi/
Architect: Ansis Kempelis
Architects: Zane Tetere
Photo: Alvis Rozenbergs - http://https//www.instagram.com/alchsh
Lighting: IKEA
Fridge: Gorenje
Stone wool insulation: PAROC
Facade cladding: Siberian Larch Cladding
Windows: Viking Window
Location: Pāvilosta, Latvia
Project Year: 2019
Category: Private Houses

#woodenhouse #housedesign #prefabhouse #latvia