A seaside residence on the Baltic
"Looking at the ocean makes me miss people, and hanging out with people makes me miss the ocean."
Hear the Wind Sing, Haruki Murakami
The story
The place and context.
Perched 100 meters from the shoreline, this residence is defined by its powerful dialogue with the Baltic Sea.
The site, once a garden, presented a unique opportunity. Rather than building over it, we chose to honor its history, making one of its mature trees the central, living heart of the project. The entire architecture and layout of the house and its surrounding structures are oriented around this natural element.
The Baltic coast itself—with its stark light, cool winds, and the layered history of the region—became a secondary muse. This influence is subtly woven into the design, from the material palette to the very forms within the home
The Clients.
The clients are a family of entrepreneurs with a 13-year-old son, whose passions became the narrative threads of the design. The father, an avid collector of vinyl records, has a deep appreciation for analog sound and tube amplifiers. This passion is not hidden away but celebrated, with a custom-designed music bar serving as the sculptural and social centerpiece of the main living area.
The family's profound connection to Japanese culture, cultivated through travels, informed their bold embrace of the home's minimalist aesthetic.
They were inspired by the juxtapositions found in Tokyo's architecture—raw concrete modernism softened by wild grasses and blooming trees. Their lifestyle demanded a home capable of hosting two families (with children over ten) simultaneously, requiring multiple distinct living areas and seamless flow for both intimate family life and generous hospitality.
The analog Interior:
The Base: The architectural shell is a study in timeless minimalism, a direct response to the location and the clients' appreciation for Japanese design. It provides a calm, enduring canvas defined by clean lines and a connection to the outdoors.
The Collection: The client's personality animates this foundation. The most significant piece is the bespoke music bar in the main living room. In the teenager's rooms, this layer is expressed through custom-designed beds, whose form is a contemporary nod to the early 20th-century beach chairs iconic to the Baltic coast. Finally, the family's cherished collection of Asian art—paintings and objects gathered on their travels—is thoughtfully curated throughout the home, each piece given its own moment and place of honor, ensuring their personal story is integral to the space.
The Outcome
The result is a residence that transcends the sum of its parts. It is a home where the fixed elements—the architecture, the tree, the raw finishes—provide a strong, enduring connection to the Baltic landscape. Simultaneously, the curated, portable elements—the vinyl collection, the art, the custom furniture—reflect the family's unique soul and can travel with them, fostering a model of responsible consumption.
The house is designed to be lived in fully, year-round. It offers distinct living spaces for quiet contemplation, listening to music, or hosting gatherings, ensuring deep satisfaction and quality of life for its inhabitants.
"Working with this family, their passions reminded me of a Haruki Murakami novel—moments spent on a deserted beach, listening to records, engaging in unhurried conversation. It has been a privilege to create a space where such moments can unfold, bringing happiness to all who inhabit it."
Julia Pererva, author of the project.
The Project details.
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