The Pavilosta Poet Huts are located in Latvia, designed to provide a space for writers that fosters creativity and reflection. These structures take on a unique concept, likening the huts to boats floating on a sea of natural landscape. The overall approach emphasizes both isolation and the ability to move, giving poets an environment suited for contemplation and artistic expression.

Design Concept

Each hut features a thoughtful layout spread over three levels. The lower level is comprised of a living area that includes a sleeping space, kitchen, bathroom, and storage. This configuration allows for comfort while prioritizing the needs of the user. Above this, the middle level serves as a dedicated writing area, furnished with a desk and chair to facilitate focus and productivity. At the top, an open-air deck encourages interaction with the environment, allowing poets to connect with the landscape around them.

Construction Method

Cold-molded plywood is used in the construction of the huts. This method involves layering sheets of plywood and bonding them with epoxy to create a strong and coherent structure. The lack of internal framing allows the huts to take on distinctive curved shapes, enhancing their visual appeal. This construction choice aligns with the goal of connecting the huts with their natural surroundings, promoting a cohesive relationship between the built and natural environments.

Site Management

The site itself is designed to resemble a meadow, populated with native grasses to maintain its ecological balance and aesthetic appeal. Annual bush-hogging is conducted in early spring to control tree growth, preserving an open and inviting landscape. This management practice ensures that the huts blend well with the surroundings, creating an atmosphere conducive to peaceful reflection and creativity.

Mobility and Functionality

The mobility of the huts is an important aspect of the design. They can be relocated throughout the site according to the preferences of the users. This flexibility encourages poets to explore different settings, enhancing their connection to the environment. The accompanying buildings, such as the Host Accommodations and Dining Room & Kitchen, provide communal spaces while remaining fixed at the dock, allowing for collaboration and shared experiences among users.

The combination of curved forms, careful material choices, and the natural setting creates a backdrop that supports creative thinking, illustrating a harmonious relationship with the Latvian landscape.