The shape represents history. Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD
23/03/2022.
[Ziemeļi] Latvia
metalocus, CARLOS RUBIO
metalocus, CARLOS RUBIO
Ziemeļi holiday home designed by the Open AD architecture studio is located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, overlooking the Baltic Sea, in the northern European country of Latvia. Due to national legislation, if new buildings are not built near the coast, the project is built on existing foundations.
The design is a holiday house and keeping in mind this main idea, the Ziemeļi house facilitates the life between inside and outside. Make use of elements such as a covered balcony on the second floor that protects against adverse weather factors.
The design is a holiday house and keeping in mind this main idea, the Ziemeļi house facilitates the life between inside and outside. Make use of elements such as a covered balcony on the second floor that protects against adverse weather factors.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD. Photograph by Alvis Rozenbergs.
Site plan. Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD.
Ground floor plan. Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD.
First floor plan. Ziemeļi holiday home by Open AD.
Ziemeļi holiday home consists of four pre-existing volumes that did not coincide, which is why Open AD was established to keep all the structures, link them and unify them. The gabled roofs represent the vernacular architecture of the historic fishermen's dwellings.
The two dominant materials in building cladding are galvanized steel and larch wood. And the colors used are inspired by the environment, representing the tones of the sky and the sea.
The two dominant materials in building cladding are galvanized steel and larch wood. And the colors used are inspired by the environment, representing the tones of the sky and the sea.
Description of project by Open AD
Latvian legislation does not permit newbuilds within the proximity of the coastline, however, it is allowed to build on existing foundations. So, Open AD’s clients purchased a coastal property with the intent of transforming it.
The property consisted of four mismatched buildings – the main house, a garage, shed and garden house. Open AD established how to keep all the structures, unify them stylistically and tie them in with the location. The two dominant cladding materials – larch and galvanized steel – are inspired by the colours of the sea and sky. The shape of the buildings and their gable roofs echo the vernacular architecture of the historical fishermen’s dwellings, which the area is known for.
While once home to active fishing communities, today’s coastal towns have a mixed identity. Holidaymakers are a big part of the local tapestry. This home is also designed as a family getaway, but liveable throughout the year. Considering its main purpose, Open AD’s design facilitates living between the indoors and outdoors. Solutions like the covered second floor balcony provide outdoor access no matter the weather and wind conditions. A sheltered outdoor dining area encourages shared meals with a view across the Gulf of Riga. The positioning of windows across all buildings ensures that the presence of the sea is always felt. Residents can also just watch the sea from a comfortable position on the terrace.
Exuberance-free, the home reflects Latvians’ reserved and modest nature. No element is purely decorative, so as not to take away from the rugged beauty of the landscape. Even elements like drains and gutters are hidden or replaced with a rain chain.
More information
Architects
Project team
Zane Tetere Sulce, Dace Bula, Eva Heidingere Jukama.
Collaborators
Landscape architecture.- GalantusGardens.
Builder
JK Flooring.
Dates
2020.
Location
Ziemeļi, Latvia.
Suppliers
Flora (windows), Brikers (paving), LAT MET (metal details), Ruuki (roof), Kates Plates (glulam).
Photography
Alvis Rozenbergs.
Zane Tetere – Sulce. Open AD architecture
Open AD is an architecture and design firm based in Riga, Latvia. The studio has worked with private and commercial clients from various cities around the world, including Berlin, Barcelona, Riga, Moscow...
Open AD's principal architect is Zane Tetere – Sulce and she founded the architecture firm in 2006. Her sister, designer Elina Teter, and architect Kristaps Sulcs are on the management team.
Open AD's principal architect is Zane Tetere – Sulce and she founded the architecture firm in 2006. Her sister, designer Elina Teter, and architect Kristaps Sulcs are on the management team.
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