Set within a small clearing in dense woodland near Vilnius, Lithuania, Namai Miške — literally “Houses in the Forest” — comprises two contemporary family dwellings. In shaping the sculptural volumes, Vilnius-based practice Architektūros linija sought to create harmony between the natural landscape and human habitation.
Volumes shaped by their environment
The project’s striking natural environment inspired a fluid arrangement of the two building volumes. Designed simultaneously on adjacent plots, the houses differ in form yet share a common architectural language, creating a sense of cohesion and depth. The central design idea lies in the contrast between the closed outer facades of each house and the more intimate, sheltered courtyards within.
Rising vertically, the distinctive texture of the wall surfaces, together with the pronounced window lines, echo the slender trunks of the surrounding pine forest. This impression is reinforced by the treatment of the facades: on the street side, a finer vertical rhythm is articulated in cool, rough natural ceramic brick, while in the courtyards, warmer tones are introduced through strips of acetylated New Zealand pine. The roofline, with its dynamic, sculptural form, evokes the irregularity, freshness, and vitality of nature.
Terraces, views, and privacy
Each home emphasises a lively dialogue between interior spaces and the natural forest setting. On the ground floor, living, kitchen, and work areas open onto outdoor terraces through expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing. In the first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, where privacy is key, tall, slender windows echo the upright rhythm of tree trunks.
Particular attention is given to the covered outdoor terraces. Their inner surfaces are clad in natural acetylated New Zealand pine, adding warmth and comfort, while the outer faces are clad in natural copper sheeting, providing a pleasing contrast. An integrated LED strip traces the underside of the roof, accentuating its form.
Sustainability beyond certification
Though not formally certified, Namai Miške was designed to rigorous environmental standards. Low-carbon timber construction, passive house strategies, and a high-efficiency heat pump minimise both embodied and operational emissions, while adaptable layouts and repairable details extend the lifespan of both homes. The result is a pair of contemporary dwellings that balance architectural expression with long-term sustainability.
