Regeneration of barn houses in Pāvilosta
Basic information
Project Title
Regeneration of barn houses in Pāvilosta
Full project title
Reconstruction of abadoned technical housing for tourism
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
A customers abandoned living house and technical buildings were put to rejuvenation process to rebuild is a renting place with several units of separate rent rooms in a popular resort by the sea - Pāvilosta
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Pavilosta, Latvia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
This project of three small buildings marks the completion of an ongoing project to improve a plot of land in the Latvian coastal town of Pāvilosta, 15 Lejas Street, which began in 2019 with plans to reconstruct an existing residential building. It is a great example of the reconstruction of previously abandoned buildings and the integration of new volumes. The project was carried out within the constraints of the existing buildings and emphasises the existing character with a stylish twist and a new function. The three small buildings – two short-term rentals and a sauna - and a residential building reconstructed in 2020 create a place with an inviting atmosphere.
The small houses were renovated for rental purposes as they are located in a popular tourist location. The site has become one of the spots available for travellers, that underline the typical features of Pavilosta, a former fishing village.
The project succeeded in redusing the waste generated during construction by reusing existing materials. Local materials and labor were chosen so the surrounding community became part of the process. The residential building even received the award "Appreciation for preserving authenticity while enriching the cultural and historical landscape of the city" ("Atzinība par autentiskuma saglabāšanu bagātinot pilsētas kultūrvēsturisko ainavu") from the association "Pāvilosta cultural and historical environmental centre" (“Pāvilostas kultūrvēsturiskais vides centrs”).
The small houses were renovated for rental purposes as they are located in a popular tourist location. The site has become one of the spots available for travellers, that underline the typical features of Pavilosta, a former fishing village.
The project succeeded in redusing the waste generated during construction by reusing existing materials. Local materials and labor were chosen so the surrounding community became part of the process. The residential building even received the award "Appreciation for preserving authenticity while enriching the cultural and historical landscape of the city" ("Atzinība par autentiskuma saglabāšanu bagātinot pilsētas kultūrvēsturisko ainavu") from the association "Pāvilosta cultural and historical environmental centre" (“Pāvilostas kultūrvēsturiskais vides centrs”).
Key objectives for sustainability
The reuse of materials, the locality and the preservation of local values by keeping almost the entire structure in the case of the residential building and two of the small houses. Most of the materials were reused, the methods of façade design were either copied from existing examples or kept unchanged. Even the strange green color of the existing residential building, which is part of the complex, was kept unchanged.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The key objective is to declare the vernacular with a flourish of style. Since it blends so successfully into the surrounding townscape, the usual comment from locals is - when did it change and who did it? Because of the strict regulations and prevailing town character in Pāvilosta, there should not be much leeway for exotic architecture, but that's not the case. The popularity and real estate value of the town has increased tenfold in the last ten years, so there are a lot of money-driven architectural decisions that are destroying the scale and mood of the town.
Our project is very subservient and tolerant to the centuries-old principles of this beautiful town.
Our project is very subservient and tolerant to the centuries-old principles of this beautiful town.
Key objectives for inclusion
At all levels of the project, there is a high degree of inclusion as opposed to exclusivity. The site is easily accessible for the disabled, and the concept itself encourages the sharing of outdoor space between the different rental units. The travelers have an open, shared backyard as opposed to an exclusive part of the property that is separated by a fence. The design uses this to enhance the atmosphere of the site.
Results in relation to category
Since the size of Pāvilosta is fixed - no new buildings are allowed in its historic centre by the sea - it is a new, more democratic place for travellers.
The house has been noted and accepted by the community, even described as magnificent. The owner reports great interest from prospective tenants, and those who have already visited the houses are impressed by the atmosphere of the place. The houses do not stand out in the residential block, but visitors find them very memorable.
The house has been noted and accepted by the community, even described as magnificent. The owner reports great interest from prospective tenants, and those who have already visited the houses are impressed by the atmosphere of the place. The houses do not stand out in the residential block, but visitors find them very memorable.
How Citizens benefit
The participatory process was carried out with the help of the inhabitants living in the town. As the town is no longer a fishing village by profession, the number of available jobs has decreased. Nevertheless, there are locals who are looking for work and can find it in local construction projects and as staff for rental apartments, as they did in this case.
By combining planning requirements, functional requirements and aesthetic goals, as well as introducing a new function in the historic district, a multi-level engagement was implemented.
Transdisciplinary is a must in all reconstruction projects as you can't always find a perfect solution, but the technical issues (electricity, water supply and sewerage) were a challenge.
By combining planning requirements, functional requirements and aesthetic goals, as well as introducing a new function in the historic district, a multi-level engagement was implemented.
Transdisciplinary is a must in all reconstruction projects as you can't always find a perfect solution, but the technical issues (electricity, water supply and sewerage) were a challenge.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The general approach of preserving the existing materials is preferable to complete demolition. While this requires more resources in terms of time and money, it drastically reduces waste during reconstruction.
Despite their rustic appearance, the houses have everything a modern building needs.
Despite their rustic appearance, the houses have everything a modern building needs.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
There were existing structures that were retained and supplemented with new additions. The chimney of the central small house was reconstructed by a local mason with reused bricks, the necessary roof structure restoration and additions were done by a craftsman and so on.
Methodology used
The complex of three small buildings is our second project in Pāvilosta. We were already familiar with the town planning regulations, the history of the place, the socio-economic situation and the spirit of the town. We often try to start such projects with Sverre Fehn's approach and a very respectful attitude.
How stakeholders are engaged
Every project needs different levels of involvement as well as the general consent and goodwill of local residents. In this case, the local community was very receptive to the solutions chosen and the local municipality granted legal approval without any objections. The support of one of the neighbors in particular was an agreement to accept a few centimeters of roof overhang on his property. The atmosphere is unifying and both the owner and the house is becoming an integral part of the community.
Global challenges
Even if this work does not have a huge impact, it shows a viable and practical way for the average homeowner to avoid contributing to global warming and excessive waste production - vague but large problems that call into question the sustainability of our way of life. We created as little waste as possible - almost none by reusing materials on site. By using local labor and materials, the potential carbon emissions that would have been generated in the construction of this project were reduced.
Learning transferred to other parties
There are currently no similar projects in Pāvilosta, but the way the process was carried out can be exemplary for the neighbors. The project is characterized by the involvement of the local population and the extensive use of local and natural materials.
Keywords
Reconstruction
Design
Modern and bright
style
Complete use of existing substance
