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Industrial silhouette of the house as seen from the intercity railway line
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The house amid its immediate industrial backdrop
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The south side of the house opening onto the regenerating river valley
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Open-ended gutters directing rainwater into the rain garden. Reflections of the railway
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Solid concrete shell exhibiting shadows and reflections of nature
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Rooms opening toward the lush greenery. Sliding doors connecting the adjacent rooms
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Site plan
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Ground floor plan
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Second floor plan
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East elevation, rain garden
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Section
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Solid walnut handle detail
Industrial Street Villa
Case Studio for Architecture. Vilnius, Lithuania
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Name of work in English
Industrial Street Villa
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Name of work in original language
Pramonės gatvės vila
Prize year
EUmies Awards 2026
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Work Location
Vilnius, Lithuania
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Studio
Case Studio for Architecture
EUmies Awards 2026 Nominees
The family house in Naujoji Vilnia - a former industrial district of Vilnius (LT), recently known for its neglected environment and challenging social climate - restoring, integrating, and rediscovering the beauty of a once-torn urban landscape.
Program
Single house
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Labels
Isolated · Family
Site area
626 m²
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Client
Family of five
Total gross floor
119 m²
The house is situated in a contrasting area where the green valley of Vilnia River meets a harsh streetscape and railway and homes squeezed next to large industrial buildings awaiting conversion. Given this unique setting, the design of the house had to engage with two distinct natures: the industrial and the natural.
It was chosen to assemble the house from prefabricated concrete - the decision closely tied to the surrounding context - where most nearby industrial structures were built from prefabricated concrete panels during the Soviet times. Rather than denying the setting, we adopted the local “dress code” - an industrial, prefabricated concrete aesthetic - while aiming to create a new quality of life, expressing the potential for transformation. The solid concrete shell contributes to the characteristic industrial skyline, provides an emotional “hard shell” against the harsh environment and stands out boldly within the cluttered surroundings.
Moreover, the prefabricated concrete elements could be manufactured just 30 km from the site, making it not only contextually appropriate but also a sustainable and local option. Prefabrication also minimized on-site energy use, enabled quick assembly, and reduced construction waste. From a domestic point of view, as a home for a family with three active children, the physical durability of concrete eases the stress of daily life. It’s a material that’s highly resistant to wear, significantly reducing the need for repairs, conserving energy and resources over time. In contrast, everything up close is delicate and human-oriented. All surfaces frequently touched by residents are made of wood, introducing warmth and tactility. The house opens toward the valley with minimal intervention, allowing the natural regeneration of local plants and habitats. The natural hydrological regime is preserved by directing roof runoff to fall freely on the blind side of the house into a dry riverbed, enabling on-site infiltration. Altogether, these elements evoke a villa-like sense of leisure and calm.