Pragiedruliai - Creativity Centre

The adaptation of the homestead involved two phases. The first phase focused on the restoration of the old brick building. The second phase - introduced a new extension with a contrasting identity. The design features a winding corridor that leads to workshops and gallery spaces built beneath the orchard. The extension takes full advantage of the terrain differences. The interior is characterized by solid, natural materials, including concrete floors and walls, wood-paneled ceilings, and monochrome-colored furniture. The curved glass structure blends with the landscape of the city park.

The creativity centre project addressed the challenge of reviving a long-abandoned 1930s red-brick manor — once a cultural gathering place — into a functional, inspiring art center. Decades of neglect had left the building structurally decayed and its surroundings disconnected from city life. The revitalization strategy focused on restoring the homestead’s authenticity while giving it new life through a contemporary extension. Extensive historical research guided the repair of original materials—brickwork, plaster, and decorative details—preserving the manor’s cultural essence. The new glass and concrete addition, partially embedded into the terrain beneath the orchard, houses flexible studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces that follow the park’s natural slope. The result is an adaptive, community-oriented cultural venue that reconnects people with both history and place. The center has become the beating heart of Skaistakalnis Park, attracting artists, locals, and visitors alike.

The Pragiedruliai creativity Centre combines traditional craftsmanship with sustainable contemporary construction. The historic building was restored using authentic materials—hand-cleaned brickwork, lime plaster, wooden windows, and a repaired tiled roof—ensuring structural stability and preserving its original character. The new extension, embedded into the sloping terrain, is built of reinforced concrete with large glass façades framed in wood and metal, allowing natural light to flood the interior and reducing energy use. The green roof improves insulation and visually merges the structure with the park landscape. Environmentally conscious choices guided the design: durable, low-maintenance materials, passive ventilation, and high thermal efficiency ensure longevity and low operational costs. Natural finishes such as wood paneling and polished concrete create a timeless, robust aesthetic.