The UZV house by Open Architecture Design blends tradition with a modern character in Uzava Parish, Latvia. Built on existing foundations from the Soviet era, this beachside home features a gray wooden finish with Japanese-inspired accents and a roof with wave-like detailing.
During the Soviet era, the entire seaside was a restricted zone dominated by military facilities. Today, construction in the dune area is prohibited, except on existing building foundations—an approach we have implemented in the UZV project. The site contains five foundations; a residential house has already been built on one, with plans for a guest house, pavilion, and sauna to follow.
This home masterfully blends tradition with distinctive character. The gray wooden finish, accented by Japanese-inspired corners, contrasts beautifully with the roof’s subtle wave-like detailing. The shifting facade design adds dynamic levels, breaking any monotony and injecting a touch of wild elegance. Large windows create a sense of transparency, while strategically placed vent windows maximize the openness.
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True to tradition, the heart of the home—the kitchen—draws inspiration from the mantle chimney design. Although this ancient chimney system has faded from use, it remains a powerful source of inspiration. In Latvian tradition, the pavards (hearth) was the soul of the kitchen, with chimneys large enough to gather all the smoke.
The room’s unique shape allows for a two-story layout, with walls clad in hot-rolled steel coated with a 5% matte polyurethane varnish to prevent rusting. The mezzanine floor extends the central living space, offering the perfect spot for stargazing. This design not only shapes the house’s distinctive look but also floods the interior with beautiful natural light. The central area becomes a natural gathering hub, while the rest of the home flows in a circular layout, creating a dynamic space for movement.
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The exposed CLT panels, which also serve as the primary structure, give the walls a natural, unfinished aesthetic. Glued pine veneer is used to craft doors and built-in furniture, maintaining the wood’s continuity and creating seamless transitions throughout the space.
Photography by Alvis Rozenbergs
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– by Matt Watts
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