Manor Klaugu-Muizha by Totan Kuzembaev – A Masterpiece of Contemporary Latvian Architecture

Located in the serene town of Madona, Latvia, Manor Klaugu-Muizha is an exceptional estate designed by Totan Kuzembaev, spanning over 4,230 m² within a protected 50-hectare natural landscape of lakes and forests. Completed in 2018 and photographed by Ilya Ivanov, the estate exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern architecture, sustainable design, and cultural heritage.

The manor complex comprises three main buildings: the master’s house, the guest house with a children’s section, and a bath and wellness complex. The architectural layout respects the historical positioning of previous structures, establishing a hierarchy of volumes. The simplest is the guard house—a modest recumbent prism—followed by the guest house with intersecting roofs. The bath and wellness complex, designed as a glass cup, integrates multiple volumes, enhancing spatial diversity and visual interest.

The master’s house occupies the site of a former, smaller residence. To maximize floor space without violating local regulations, cantilevered outriggers were introduced, creating a sculptural, ship-like appearance. Both interior and exterior wooden finishes were meticulously crafted by local artisans, showcasing precise craftsmanship akin to fine furniture-making. The interiors, entrusted to Kuzembaev’s team, highlight art collections and bespoke furniture, harmonizing elegance with functionality.

Bridges connect all three primary structures, eliminating the need for stairs amid the estate’s undulating terrain and lakes, ensuring smooth circulation while maintaining the principle of “do no harm” to the natural environment. The master’s house is strategically raised on stilts, and different wings—guest, children, and exhibition gallery—feature distinct roofing materials: zinc-titanium for exhibition and guest areas, copper for the children’s wing and covered gallery.

The guest house accommodates six bedrooms and a dining area with a fireplace, while the children’s section includes two bedrooms and a living room. A dedicated block houses an extensive porcelain collection, with specially designed display showcases. The wellness complex integrates a swimming pool, gym, sauna, sun terrace, and entrance hall within a transparent glass structure, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape. Environmental restrictions led to strategic repositioning of the complex and bridge supports, ensuring ecological preservation of the lake’s water protection zone.

Materials & Finishes:

• Fireplaces: Filiofocus Central & Gyrofocus
• Panel Surface Finish: prePATINA ECO ZINC – RHEINZINK
• Zinc Roof Systems: Double Lock Standing Seam – RHEINZINK
• Custom interiors and bespoke furniture by Totan Kuzembaev team

All Photographs are works of  Ilya Ivanov