Seaside Garden House in Palanga by Laurynas Žakevičius Architects

Nestled in the coastal resort town of Palanga, Lithuania, the Seaside Garden House designed by Laurynas Žakevičius Architects reflects a harmonious dialogue between contemporary minimalism and traditional architectural forms. Completed in 2022, this residential project combines sustainable design, natural materials, and family-centered living spaces within a vibrant seaside community.

Context and Vision

Situated near the Baltic Sea shoreline in Kunigiškiai, the project was envisioned as part of the Seaside Garden residential complex—a collection of duplex houses designed for year-round living. The natural environment shaped the project’s architectural identity, emphasizing harmony with the forested landscape, coastal light, and seasonal adaptability.

Unlike seasonal resorts, the complex aims to foster a lively community throughout the year, blending comfort, privacy, and social interaction within carefully planned outdoor and indoor spaces.

Architecture and Design

Each duplex unit, measuring 65 m², is carefully crafted to maximize space efficiency without compromising comfort. The homes include:

• Two bedrooms
• Two bathrooms
• A large open-plan kitchen and dining area for six
• A storage room
• Private wooden terraces with intimate green courtyards

The design philosophy embraces the idea that “good quality architecture is essential for small houses”, ensuring that every detail—from niches to storage solutions—enhances daily life.

Form and Materials

The architecture draws inspiration from traditional gable-roof silhouettes, ensuring that the houses blend naturally into the coastal landscape. Vertical wooden panels in white or black accentuate the facades, doubling as both sunshades and privacy screens. This “blinds effect” not only maintains the visual solidity of the building but also creates an engaging play of light, shadow, and intimacy within the interiors.

High-quality materials—brick, concrete, natural wood, and modern finishes—are carefully selected to balance durability, elegance, and ecological responsibility.

Spatial Atmosphere

Large windows frame views of the surrounding greenery, ensuring that residents are always connected to the seasonal rhythms of nature. Inside, interiors are warm, functional, and filled with natural light, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both relaxation and social gatherings.

Every resident enjoys access to a private courtyard garden, creating a strong sense of ownership while preserving collective harmony within the neighborhood.

Community and Future Development

The masterplan envisions a total of 15 duplex houses, forming a closed yet harmonious residential block. The values guiding the development—integrity, material authenticity, functional design, and aesthetic balance—ensure long-term sustainability and community well-being.

By combining minimalist architecture, human-scale design, and local traditions, Laurynas Žakevičius Architects have crafted a residential environment that feels equally suited to summer retreats and year-round living.

The Seaside Garden House in Palanga is more than a family residence—it is a thoughtful experiment in residential architecture, community planning, and coastal living. With its timeless silhouette, sustainable materials, and intimate human scale, it reflects a modern way of living rooted in connection to nature and architectural integrity.

All photographs are works of Leonas Garbacauskas