The Pavilosta Poet Huts retreat center pays tribute to the Latvian Jani day, particularly the summer solstice. Located in a natural landscape, the center serves as a space for creativity and reflection. Its design features a line of huts that align with the sun’s path, creating a connection between architecture and the natural world, allowing users to engage with light and time throughout the day.

Architectural Alignment

The arrangement of the Poet Huts is intentional, designed to follow the sun’s movement from noon until sunset on June 24th. Each hut is positioned to capture varying light, making the experience different at various times of day. These individual spaces offer solitude for writers and artists, aiming to foster a reflective atmosphere that can inspire creativity.

Community and Interaction

In addition to private spaces, the design incorporates shared areas that encourage interaction among visitors. The Dining Room and Common Kitchen provide opportunities for communal meals, fostering a sense of togetherness. The Outdoor Forum is adaptable for group activities, while the Outdoor Terrace connects indoor comfort with the outdoor environment, allowing an easy flow between activities.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key element of the design, highlighted by a wind turbine that captures wind energy for the entire retreat. This feature underscores an approach that respects the environment. The inclusion of Gardening Storage and Greywater Treatment systems also promotes responsible use of resources, reflecting a commitment to ecological practices.

Cultural Connection

An important aspect of the Poet Huts is the use of local plant materials to create symbolic head wreaths, connecting the project to cultural traditions of the summer solstice. This practice enhances ties to the environment while honoring local customs that contribute to community identity.

Above each poet's writing table, a window frames the changing sky, allowing for a constant connection with nature. The light that pours through not only brightens the interior but also offers inspiration as it shifts over time, seamlessly blending the experience of the hut with the rhythms of the natural world.