VILLA T&D

Modern Riverfront Residence

LOCATION

Kaunas, Lithuania

TYPE

Private Villa

SIZE

230 m2

STAGE

Built

YEAR

2019

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

Ignas Vengalis

ARCHITECT

Arūnas Proberkas

PHOTOGRAPHER

Leonas Garbačauskas

STRUCTURL ENG.

LT projektai

PROJECT OVERWIEW

The architecture of the villa takes its clues from the horizontal lines of the landscape: the river with the woods in the background on its both sides. The villa is therefore designed in three long white horizontal planes that almost seem to be floating due to the neutral black wall tiles that blend to the dark woods behind the house. The South facade is designed with vertical timber slates in betwee black wall tiles that blend to the dark woods behind the house. The South facade is designed with vertical timber slates in between the glazing that he South facade

Aerial view of Villa T&D near the Nemunas River showing surrounding forest and residential area
Top-down aerial view of Villa T&D showing flat roof geometry, terrace, and surrounding trees

ARCHITECTURE & MASSING

The architectural concept is based on a clear horizontal hierarchy. A compact upper volume is positioned above a recessed ground floor, creating a sense of lightness and visual depth. This arrangement allows the upper level to extend outward, forming deep overhangs that define covered exterior spaces below.

The contrast between solid and transparent elements reinforces the reading of the building as a composition of planes rather than a single object. Openings are aligned and proportioned to frame views toward the river landscape, while the massing remains restrained when viewed from the street. Geometry is kept precise, ensuring that the architectural idea remains legible from all sides of the site.

Architectural diagram of Villa T&D showing L-shaped massing, upper volume, and terrace relationship

APPROACH & ARRIVAL

Arrival is understated and indirect. The entrance is integrated beneath the projecting upper volume, allowing the approach to unfold gradually. This recessed condition establishes a clear threshold, where movement shifts from open landscape to a more contained architectural space.

Street view of Villa T&D showing solid upper volume above dark recessed ground floor and entrance
Side elevation of Villa T&D with solid upper volume and vertical window openings overlooking landscape
Perspective view of Villa T&D entrance courtyard with overhanging upper volume and landscaped approach

RELATIONSHIP TO LANDSCAPE

The house is placed within the existing landscape rather than imposed upon it. Mature trees are retained and become part of the spatial composition, filtering views and light. The ground floor opens toward the garden, allowing exterior spaces to function as an extension of the interior. The building’s horizontal lines echo the natural layering of the site, reinforcing continuity between architecture and landscape.

Rear view of Villa T&D with cantilevered upper volume and covered terrace opening to garden
Perspective rear view of Villa T&D with cantilevered upper volume and shaded outdoor dining terrace
Perspective view of Villa T&D highlighting the cantilevered upper floor and the covered outdoor terrace beneath it. The extended volume creates a sheltered space for outdoor dining, directly connected to the interior through large glazed openings. Surrounded by greenery, the house opens fully toward the garden, allowing daily life to extend outdoors. The composition emphasizes depth and layering, where structure, shadow, and landscape work together to define a calm and continuous living environment.
Villa T&D with cantilevered upper volume and covered terrace opening to landscaped garden
Villa T&D with cantilevered upper floor and open glazed ground level facing garden
Villa T&D front view with cantilevered upper volume and covered terrace beneath

Covered terraces mediate between interior spaces and the surrounding greenery.

Covered terrace view from Villa T&D looking toward garden and trees with filtered sunlight
Covered terrace dining area at Villa T&D with outdoor table beneath cantilevered volume
Covered terrace at Villa T&D with outdoor dining area and strong light-shadow contrast
Framed garden view from Villa T&D terrace with lawn and surrounding trees

INTERIOR–EXTERIOR CONTINUITY

The ground floor is conceived as a continuous spatial field that extends outward beneath the upper volume. Large glazed openings dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, allowing daily activities to shift naturally between interior rooms and covered terraces. The overhanging upper level provides shade and enclosure, moderating light and climate throughout the day.

Interior spaces remain visually connected to the landscape, with views directed toward the river and garden rather than neighboring buildings. This arrangement supports a calm spatial experience shaped by depth, alignment, and controlled openness rather than decorative elements.

Cantilevered upper volume of Villa T&D forming covered terrace with outdoor dining below
Covered terrace edge of Villa T&D opening to lawn and pine forest landscape
View from beneath the projecting upper volume of Villa T&D, where the covered terrace transitions seamlessly into the surrounding lawn and pine forest. The precise edge between tiled surface and grass defines a clear architectural boundary while maintaining visual continuity with nature. A slender column supports the cantilever above, reinforcing the lightness of the structure. Long shadows from the trees extend across the ground, emphasizing depth and the relationship between built form and landscape. The composition highlights openness, proportion, and the calm integration of architecture within its natural setting

MATERIALITY & DETAIL

Material choices reinforce the clarity of the architectural composition. Light surfaces emphasize the geometry of the upper volume, while darker elements anchor the ground floor to the site. Details are integrated into the overall form, allowing materials to support proportion and shadow rather than attract attention.

Ground floor façade with sliding glass doors opening to covered terrace at Villa T&D
Top view of paved courtyard with tree shadow and entrance path at Villa T&D

PLAN & SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The plan is organized to separate public and private functions across levels. Living spaces occupy the ground floor and open directly to the landscape, while private rooms are placed above, benefiting from extended views and increased privacy. Circulation is direct and legible, reinforcing the building’s clear spatial structure.

Ground floor plan of Villa T&D showing living area, garage, and spatial layout
First floor plan of Villa T&D showing bedrooms, corridor, and private areas
First floor plan of Villa T&D illustrating the arrangement of private spaces. Bedrooms are organized along a clear linear corridor, with the master suite complemented by a walk-in closet and dedicated bathroom. Additional rooms are positioned to ensure privacy while maintaining visual connection to the surrounding landscape. The layout is compact and efficient, with circulation kept direct and legible. This level contrasts with the openness of the ground floor, providing a more enclosed and intimate spatial experience while maintaining the project’s overall clarity and proportional discipline.

EXTERIOR CHARACTER

The architecture of the villa takes its clues from the horizontal lines of the landscape: the river with the woods in the background on its both sides. The villa is therefore designed in three long white horizontal planes that almost seem to be floating due to the neutral black wall tiles that blend to the dark woods behind the house. The South facade is designed with vertical timber slates in betwee black wall tiles that blend to the dark woods behind the house. The South facade is designed with vertical timber slates in between the glazing that he South facade

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