Private residence, Vilnius | Lithuania

The historical centre of Vilnius, recognised as a UNESCO-World Heritage Site, represents a striking example of an urban structure where the influences of old and new merge into each other in a fascinating way. The city impresses not only with its cultural significance, but also with its architectural variety. Alongside the baroque, classical and neo-classical buildings, numerous sights enrich the look of the old city.

In one of these existing buildings, the architect Laura Bagdonaité has created a new living space that connects the past and the future. The backbone of the apartment is the existing, solid brick wall, that has consciously been left in its rawness. From this element, the uses develop in two directions: a cooking area and the living room stretch to one facade, while the private areas are arranged in the direction of the other street side. The dining room serves as the centre of the apartment and connects the entrance to the apartment and the public and private areas with each other. Alongside a reduced colour and material palette for the interior design, the existing proportions and the differing room heights and openings play an important role for the concept of inherited spaces. A special spatial experience extends from them which, through different views and perspectives make the historic layers visible or consciously conceals them.

Reflective surfaces in interiors accentuate the wall and its importance for the interior and at the same time create visual extensions of space. The heritage of the old city of Vilnius is immortalised in the reflections of the glass, metal and mirrored surfaces. Fitting to the colourfulness of the history or the present, the classic LS 990 was selected for the switches and sockets. In the colours white and Les Couleurs® Le Corbusier 32110 l’ocre rouge 232, the desired effect of contrast or dazzling colour is achieved.