The Cedar House

The first time we visited the area with its owners,
we were greeted by “the real owner of the area” – a
confident, calm, brown-colored dog. Some time
ago, this dog was lost and found shelter at the
former owner’s house. It took a little amount of care
to him to stay here. The owners sold their house,
moved away, but the dog stayed loyal to the place.
He stayed here during the period of construction,
patiently waited for the inconvenience to end… Not
only the owners changed, but the all site as well.
Although, he stayed loyal. Nowadays, he still greets
visitors to the site. Holding his head up he takes
care and protects the place. It seems that the new
place fits him as well as the former one. Today, he
is named Brownie – a beloved and well-known dog
in the area. A true story that inspired not only us.
We fell in love not only with this place, but it’s
spirit as well. It was a start point where the
sensitive designing of architecture started.

The site is located in the area of Regional
Park, Vilnius city county. The project is a
reconstruction of the old building, maintaining its
former site, bearing in mind all of the former
building parameters. The main aim is to revive the
abandoned building by creating a new quality and
aesthetics of architecture. The former buildings
were located in an astounding and picturesque
landscape, on the top of the park’s hill. In such a
context, the decision of subtle integration of
architecture to the unique landscape seemed like the
only proper option. Regulations of the park protect
and preserves the forms of traditional architecture,
so it is clear that buildings attribute to this as well.

The silhouettes and materials of buildings are
traditional. Two separated volumes of buildings are
being designed. The main residential house is
located in the upper area of the site while the
storehouse sits on the lower part. The building is
surrounded by granite pavement combined with a
lawn in order to integrate into such a natural
context. The storehouse is connected to the main
residence with pavement made of stone rubble. A
low wooden fence acts as a subtle boundary of the
site. There are no man-designed greenery and
plants’ compositions, only some newly planted
pines, which continues the undergrowth of former
pines.

The buildings reflect the calm, steady culture of
architectural design. The main building volume
integrates into the hill and is being partly
undercovered by it. It has no aim to dominate after
nature. All of the dynamic and natural landscapes
are being preserved. Such a relationship gives a
feeling of sensitivity and plastic. A human scale is
also being evaluated. A cut in volume is made for
the terrace and it adds additional elegance to the
architectural silhouette. This terrace gives the
ability to observe the valley and surrounding
nature. The warehouse is even more solid. It also
reassembles the silhouette of traditional form.
Although here, in contrast to the main building, all
of the windows and glazing are being hidden. By
using the same materials and aesthetics to both of
the buildings, the interaction between them is
created. The facades are made from natural cedar
wood. This material is traditional and reliable – not
only it gives long-lasting protection, but it is
sustainable as well. The detailing of the windows
and doors are made from copper. To conclude, only
exceptionally ecological and sustainable materials
are being used in the whole project. The
construction of buildings is made from pine wood.
For heat isolation, natural wood wool is used. The
inner walls are covered with clay plaster. Clay
plaster is a local material that is great for preserving
a certain microclimate needed. Proper ventilation is
being implemented by the natural ventilation
system.

Minimal interventions to an existing structure, high
quality of architecture, and innovative design create
the high value of the building while maintaining
neutrality to the natural context. The architecture
invites us to feel, see, hear, smell, and touch the
beauty and greatness of nature. Architects do have a
lot of belief and faith for their visions to come true.
We are glad that it seems to have happened this
time. A story of the site continues – this time the
buildings act like birds who stopped on the hill to
take a look while the guard dog – Brownie – is
protecting and keeping an eye on them.

Fotografijų autorius: Norbert Tukaj