UZV Design Offers Harmonious Coastal Retreat in Latvia








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.


A modern cabin nestled in a dense pine forest, with a covered porch and large windows for enjoying the natural surroundings.


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.


The image showcases a modern, minimalist interior design with a prominent fireplace surrounded by wooden paneling and built-in shelves.




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Nestled into a natural slope, the house merges seamlessly with the surrounding pine forest and coastal dunes. Located at the edge of the rocky beach, stone emerges as the standout landscape feature, with the natural flora carefully preserved. From the outside, the house harmonizes effortlessly with its environment, while inside, it offers a modern, almost futuristic experience.

Warm-toned interior with wooden paneled walls, built-in shelving, and modern dining furniture.


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.


A spacious, modern dining area with a long wooden table, metal chairs, and a large window overlooking a forested landscape.


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.


Striking modern kitchen with sleek black cabinetry, high ceilings, and panoramic view.




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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.


Modern kitchen with sleek dark cabinets, high ceilings, and expansive windows.


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.

A cozy bedroom with a rustic wooden ceiling, a plush bed, and minimalist furniture.



Cozy bathroom with wooden panels, freestanding tub, and scenic forest view through window.



A modern, wooden cabin nestled in a lush pine forest, with a covered porch and steps leading to the entrance.


Photography by Alvis Rozenbergs
Visit Open Architecture Design


– by Matt Watts



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