The Etno Hut is a 14-square-meter tiny house designed by architect Ema Butrimaviciute of the Vilnius-based firm Utopium. Completed in 2018, the hut was conceived as a rentable retreat to provide an escape from city life, offering a comfortable and uncomplicated experience in a small space. It is situated on a wild 50-acre property in Pakalniškės, Lithuania, on a slope that backs onto a dense, old-growth forest while opening up to sweeping views of the landscape. The hut's dark exterior allows it to blend subtly with its woodland surroundings, while a large south-facing window brings warmth and natural scenery inside. A guiding principle for the project was minimizing its environmental impact. The hut was built on a steel foundation that was screwed into the ground by hand, and the entire structure, made from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), was prefabricated and assembled on-site in just three days. The space beneath the hut is used for storage, with piping and cables concealed for a clean look. Inside, the layout was designed for comfort and practicality, avoiding the need for complex, transformative furniture often found in tiny homes. The 14-square-meter space includes a fully equipped kitchenette, a king-size bed (with an extra pull-out bed), and a bathroom with a spacious shower. A wood-burning stove adds warmth and coziness. An outdoor deck extends the living space, creating a strong connection between the hut and the natural environment. Credits Architects: Utopium Lead Architect: Ema Butrimaviciute Photography: Leonas Garbacauskas Contractors: Sluoksnis and Trustus

The Poolhouse in Vilnius, designed by HEIMA architects and completed in 2022, is a 150-square-meter building that serves as a recreational space in a recreational complex. Located in a hilly valley near an existing basin, the triangular building's position was chosen to optimize the views of the surrounding natural landscape. The architectural design is notable for its heavy, archetypal, and steeply pitched roof, which creates a strong visual contrast with the extensive glazing that encircles the building. This transparency makes the roof appear to hover in the air, blurring the distinction between the interior and exterior and allowing the building and its surroundings to be enjoyed throughout the year. The design also subtly references ethnic Lithuanian house-building traditions through its wooden roof structure, with its repetitive trusses and 120-centimeter-high beams. A central skylight is integrated into the roof to provide additional natural light. Inside, the interior is modern and follows the same grey-brown color and material palette as the exterior, reinforcing the connection to nature. The space is organized around three central elements: a fireplace, a kitchen island, and a core volume that contains the utility rooms. This arrangement keeps the perimeter free, emphasizing the open floor plan and the unimpeded views offered by the wide-opening windows. Outside, the project includes an outdoor swimming pool, a small sand beach, and a BBQ area. The entire structure is designed to function as a seamless part of its natural setting. Credits Architects: HEIMA architects Lead Architect: Povilas Žakauskas Photography: Norbert Tukaj Manufacturers: Focus, Wastberg Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Completion Year: 2022

The Studio-Garage, an initiative by Indrė Mylytė-Sinkevičienė of IM Interior, is a 21-square-meter micro-home created by renovating a derelict garage in the medieval old town of Vilnius, Lithuania. The project was envisioned to demonstrate an alternative, minimalist way of life, proving that a person needs very little space to live, work, and sleep comfortably. The design is characterized by a stark contrast between its industrial exterior and its warm, inviting interior. The original structure was reclad in weathering steel, known as Corten, which gives the exterior a striking, robust appearance that blends into the industrial character of its surroundings. Inside, the walls and built-in furniture are lined with birch plywood, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Recessed lighting further enhances the sense of warmth and space within the compact dwelling. The small living space is intelligently designed to be highly functional, with clever storage solutions and a versatile layout. The main area combines a living, dining, and sleeping space, featuring a bed surrounded by concealed storage. Narrow picture windows were strategically placed to offer glimpses of the surrounding greenery and the block opposite. A small, contrasting bathroom is included, and a workspace is integrated into the design. Credits Designer: Indrė Mylytė-Sinkevičienė (IM Interior) Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Photography: IM Interior