Historic Kretinga Wooden House to Become Modern Duplex Residence

A century-old wooden house in Kretinga, Lithuania, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation, moving from its current state to become a modern duplex residence with integrated commercial space.

Project proposals detail plans to convert the 1927-built structure into a two-family home, incorporating commercial premises on the ground floor. The adjacent utility building will also be repurposed, with living accommodations planned for the second floor above a garage and workshop area. This comprehensive renovation will nearly double the total living area from approximately 200 square meters to 400 square meters.

The building's appearance and height will also change significantly, increasing from 8 to 12 meters. However, designers emphasize that the updated structure will maintain a cohesive visual connection with the surrounding historic city center. The exterior will feature a tin roof extending onto parts of the facade, complemented by vertically installed wooden siding and light plaster inserts. The color palette will draw from natural tones, including brick-red hues, natural wood textures, and light gray plaster, designed to blend harmoniously with the existing historical context.

The utility building's footprint will expand by 3.5 times, reaching 110 square meters, with its height adjusted from 4 to 11.5 meters. Ancillary structures like woodsheds, an outdoor toilet, and an old fence are slated for demolition. The property's location on Vilniaus Street places it near significant landmarks, including the Annunciation Church and Monastery complex, and overlooks a scenic slope leading down to the Akmena River valley.