Floating Barn Inspired by Sea Shacks
Minimalist meets regional vernacular in this straightforward floating home designed for Latvian winters and summers by NRJA.
Thick side walls transition smoothly into a traditional A-frame roof shape providing privacy along the long sides of the structure, and leading to a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and deck pointing out into the water.
The inspiration for the simple shape and heavy materiality comes from local fishing shanty architecture as well as a hearty respect for harsh weather and commiserate need to both be and feel sheltered on the open water.
A loft over the land-side half of the houseboat makes the entry small and experience of moving through the space as one of increased openness as one heads toward the glazed far side and deck beyond.
“For inspiration we looked at old fishing shacks that used to line the riverbanks in the Baltic Sea port of Pavilosta, Latvia. Rather than building on the land directly, however, the modern buildings would be tied to piers on the water. This would allow the homes to be easily towed to other docks, if needed, or grouped together in a floating community.”
About the architects:
“NRJA is a young Riga based architectural practice established in 2005 by Uldis Luksevics (37). The average age of eleven architects working in the office is 25. Our approach is active and we get inspired by creativity and competence of the world around us. Most of our work we get through invited competitions where we always try to propose more than is allowed or required. That is what NRJA stands for – No Rules Just Architecture. NRJA is currently involved in more than 15 different design proposals starting with a high-rise Z Towers in Riga, several large scale multifunctional housing and mixed-use projects, as well as development of a new town square and wharf in a seaside town Pavilosta, W5, a giant block of flats, which includes marinas and boathouses, situated on the waterfront of the lake Ķīšezers.””
