On the outskirts of Kaunas, where modern architecture harmonises with the natural surroundings, a single-family house has been built, picturesquely located by a large pond. The contemporary volume was designed by the Architectural Bureau G.Natkevicius & Partners studio and is distinguished above all by its form and strong character, taking full advantage of the beauty offered by the local nature.
Despite the aesthetic consistency of the neighbourhood, the house clearly emphasises its individuality. Solid walls of natural concrete juxtaposed with dark metal cladding create the image of a modern fortress. The austere façade, seemingly closed off, conceals interiors open to light and space. With this concept, the architects have achieved a balance between privacy and openness. The composition of the building is based on four rectangular volumes connected by corridors. These form a polygonal arrangement that encompasses the inner courtyard, which is the centre of family life. This is where the terrace is located for meetings and relaxation on warm days. The courtyard, although sheltered from the surroundings, remains open to the sky and the sun.
From an interior perspective, the house reveals its duality. On the street side, it presents a reserved and introverted face, while the facades facing the courtyard and the pond open up with wide glazings. Floor-to-ceiling aluminium window frames blur the boundary between the interior and the landscape and frame the beautiful views like picture frames. The space of the living room, dining room and kitchen merges with the terrace, and the changing view of the pond becomes an integral part of the homeowners’ lives. Natural and raw materials dominate the design. In addition to its structural role, concrete has an aesthetic function, emphasising the durability and massiveness of the block. The contrasting dark metal elements add lightness and dynamics to the composition. The same principle was applied to the interiors, where the exposed reinforced concrete ceilings are an important design element, consistently confirming the durability of the structure.
The functional programme of the 298sq m building has been clearly designed. The ground floor accommodates a 54sq m common area, providing a central place for family life. Next to it are the private areas, including the master suite with dressing room and bathroom, and the children’s and guest rooms. The garage and the entrance area act as a buffer separating the house from the street. An additional asset of the project is the basement, where a recreational area is planned. A gym, sauna and shower have been placed there, which gives the house the character of a place additionally conducive to regeneration and relaxation.
The Kaunas Pond House is an example of mature architecture, firmly rooted in its context, yet expressive and individual. The project shows that even in a setting with common aesthetic standards, it is possible to create a building with distinctive character, where modern design meets the needs of the residents.
Design: Architectural Bureau G.Natkevicius & Partners
Lead architects: E. Samuolis, A. Rimšelis, G. Natkevičius
Year of completion: 2024
Project location: Kaunas, Lithuania
Photographer: Lukas Mykolaitis
Also read: single-family house | Lithuania | Minimalism | Concrete | Glass | whiteMAD on Instagram
