This commemorative two-story building, featuring a basement, is situated in the picturesque old villa district of Kaunas, dating between the two World Wars. The design preserves the spirit of Kaunas modernism, highlighted by circular windows integrated into the concrete surface, lending the building a distinctly modernist character. The reinforced concrete residence, composed of two volumes, nestles into a dramatically descending terrain, emphasizing the natural slope of the site.
The rectangular plot is enriched by its landscaping, while a vertical hollow concrete fence introduces a more human scale to the sidewalk bordering the property.
The architecture shines with its natural beauty through striking concrete facades. The rough industrial texture is softened by expansive glass surfaces, creating a compelling contrast between the solidity of concrete and the delicate transparency of glass. The building’s clean, primitive forms leave a lasting impression.
The structure is organized into three levels. The ground floor serves as a passage to the basement, which houses a spacious garage accommodating up to eight cars—an efficient solution given the limited parking space on the plot.
The partially open basement staircase leads up to the first floor and the inner courtyard of the plot. The first floor divides into two parts: a glass section and an independent unit. A cantilevered third-floor volume projects over the glass section, giving the impression of floating due to the transparent facade below.
The first floor includes a spacious lobby with wardrobes, stairs, and elevators, alongside the kitchen, dining room, and living area.
Upon entering through the glass section, the interior space opens to reveal a visible inner courtyard and terrace. The glass surfaces accentuate the impression of the cantilevered volume above. The terrace features rectangular concrete supports and repeating circular openings on the facade, echoing the building’s modernist motifs.
The second floor extends as a cantilever above the inner terrace, with the first floor below occupied solely by the lobby space. This upper level houses two luxurious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and walk-in closet.
Unique vertical concrete fins, referred to as “Flat noodles,” shade the bedroom windows. These elements soften the building’s sculptural appearance, reduce its perceived scale, and add texture and dynamism to the facade. Additionally, the roof features a solar power generation system.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Architectural Bureau G. Natkevicius & Partners
Area: 564 m²
Year of Completion: 2021
Photographer: Lukas Mykolaitis
Architects: A. Rimselis, G. Natkevicius
Interior Designers: E. Riaukaite, V. Giedra, I. Kinduryte, E. Mamedovaite
Landscape Designer: A. Grabau Skiene
Structural Engineer: S. Milisauskas
Location: Kaunas, Lithuania
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