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Interior and exterior homes in Lithuania: 20 projects with oversized windows that invite nature
Interior and exterior homes in Lithuania: 20 projects with oversized windows that invite nature
Lithuania’s architectural narrative is a mosaic of diverse influences and styles, representing its historical development, cultural heritage and resilience during changing times. Despite the emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, functional simplicity, and sustainable materials, the country’s design language has been deeply influenced by its geopolitical location and historical events, resulting in a mixture of styles from different periods. However, the main factor that encompasses all expressions is the seamless connection of Lithuanian architecture with its natural surroundings.
Historically, wood has been one of the primary materials used in Lithuanian architecture. The ubiquity of the material led to the construction of traditional wooden houses and churches during the prehistoric and medieval periods, but the trend still holds significance; Especially in rural areas, where traditional wooden structures with intricate carvings and details remain a symbol of cultural heritage. But the twentieth century in particular brought about notable changes in Lithuanian architecture: after the Soviet occupation, the construction of Soviet-style utilitarian buildings in cities was crucial, along with attempts to preserve historical heritage and a gradual move towards modern architectural trends after Lithuanian independence in the early 1990s.
Contemporary Lithuanian architecture reflects a mix of traditional, modern and minimalist designs, with sustainable and functional elements blending into a seamless blend of traditional materials with contemporary elements. Concrete, glass, steel and innovative sustainable materials are increasingly being incorporated into new construction by local architecture firms, reflecting emerging design trends and technological advances while maintaining a connection to the country’s architectural heritage.
The concept of indoor-outdoor living converges with this rich cultural heritage and natural landscape, calling for a harmonious blend of the built environment with the outdoors. Despite the variety of climatic seasons, Lithuanians have embraced a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates interior spaces with the surrounding natural beauty. From historic urban residences in Vilnius to modern country residences, the design ethos often includes spacious balconies and thoughtful architectural elements that facilitate the connection between indoor and outdoor worlds.
Windows play a particularly pivotal role in facilitating the indoor-outdoor living philosophy in Lithuanian interior design and serve as visual and physical conduits that seamlessly integrate interior spaces with their natural surroundings. Taking into account changing weather conditions throughout the year, well-insulated window elements are strategically designed to maximize natural light absorption and optimize temperature while still offering unobstructed views of the stunning landscape.
Large, expansive windows, skylights, or floor-to-ceiling glass panels are common features, calling for adequate daylight and interior spaces that are visually extended to include the outdoor landscape. Furthermore, these windows often come with functions that allow them to open wide, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas to promote an increased sense of continuity and allowing residents to effortlessly embrace the beauty of nature from within their homes.
We take a look at 20 residential projects from our ArchDaily database that exemplify the prevailing indoor-outdoor aesthetic with oversized windows.
Sign among the pine trees / ARCHISPEKTRAS
Guest House / HEIMA Architects
Lake Villa / Nine Architects
Jungle House / Inblum Architects
Cedar House / Arches
Meadow House / ArchLAB Studio
Etno Hut/Emma Putrimaficiute
Pt smiliness/cubic meter
Family house in Pavlnice / Do Architects
House in Trakai / AKETURI Architects
Family house in Vilnius / 4PLIUS Architects
Villa G / Audrius Ambrasas Architects
Family house in Pavlnyai Regional Park / Architectural office G.Natkevicius & Partners
Houses in the forest line / architecture
Sun Bath House/Lunarch
Smilgu House / Plasma Architecture Studio
The Black House on the slope of the Nevezis/Nebrau River
House in Vilnius / Laurynas Žakevičius Architects
Black Box House/PAO Architects
Sounding space/prostate
You can find more neutral-colored interiors in the My ArchDaily folder created by the author.
This article is part of an ArchDaily series exploring the features of interior architecture, from our database of projects. Each month we will highlight how architects and designers are using new elements, new characteristics and new signatures in interior spaces around the world. As always, at ArchDaily, we greatly value our readers’ input. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please provide your suggestions.
(tags for translation) Architecture
