Lakeside Villa

A simple wood clad house inspired by rural architecture and nature.

Designed by the Vilnius-based Aketuri Architektai firm, Lakeside Villa features a simple, archetypal rural form that looks at home in a beautiful natural landscape. To design this dwelling, the architects have drawn inspiration from nature and the site’s picturesque location: the Lithuanian Zarasai region with rivers, lakes, and forests. The house stands on a flat plot of land near a lake. Tall trees shelter the site on three sides, embracing the house into the landscape. Clad in wood and designed with a simple form, the dwelling blends into the scenery with its understated architecture.

The rectangular footprint and pitched roof give the building a traditional look. However, the large ground floor windows and elongated openings on the first floor highlight its contemporary character. For Lakeside Villa, the architecture studio used carefully chosen elements to enhance both the functionality and comfort of the weekend and vacation retreat. Wooden blinds protect the windows and close off the exterior when the house sits empty. They open completely when the clients visit, bringing the entire house to life. In the interior, the team maintained the same minimalist design approach. Wooden floors, wooden furniture, and brick walls enhance the rustic warmth of the place further. Photographs© Norbert Tukaj.