Architecture studio Gaiss has completed House Comet, a striking family residence in Riga, Latvia, that combines bold red timber walls with a distinctive white corrugated metal roof. The 175-square-meter home represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Latvian barn architecture, designed to complement its unique suburban location where urban development meets natural forest.
The house derives its name from its location on Komētas Iela, or Comet Street, in Riga's suburbs. According to Gaiss, the neighborhood represents a transitional zone between newly developed apartment districts and an intact green forest area. "Given its distance from the denser parts of the city, bold and distinctive architecture seemed appropriate here," the studio explained.
The design reflects the clients' specific cultural interests and lifestyle preferences. The deep red exterior paint on the timber planks references the traditional red barns commonly found in Sweden, where the clients regularly ski during winter months. This color choice extends to the fence surrounding the home's garden, creating visual continuity throughout the property. The white corrugated metal cladding on the upper section and roof draws inspiration from Japanese architecture, reflecting the clients' appreciation for that design tradition.
Inside, the home fulfills the clients' request for fully wood-lined interiors. Gaiss constructed the house using glue-laminated timber frames and panels, which remain exposed and are stained white for both walls and ceilings. This creates a cohesive natural material palette throughout the interior spaces.
The home's layout centers around a large entrance hall that serves as the primary circulation hub. This central space connects all zones of the house across both floors, linking the front courtyard and garden areas. A bridge-like landing crosses overhead, connecting the children's bedrooms on the first floor while maintaining visual connection between the upper children's area and the ground-floor spaces designated for parents and common activities.
The main level houses the primary bedroom alongside a double-height living, dining, and kitchen area. Full-height windows and sliding glass doors open the living spaces onto a timber terrace that wraps around the home's western end. Additional smaller terraces are positioned next to the entrance hall and main bedroom, extending the living space outdoors.
Architectural details throughout the home reinforce its celestial theme. Large mansard windows project from the steeply pitched gable roof, including a distinctive small circular window on the first-floor landing specifically designed to reference the shape of a comet. These elements add both natural light and symbolic meaning to the interior spaces.
The project joins a growing trend of residential architecture utilizing striking red and white color palettes. Recent similar projects include a home extension in Melbourne by Healy Ryan Architects and the Gate Lodge in Ireland designed by A2 Architects. House Comet demonstrates how contemporary residential design can successfully blend cultural references, bold color choices, and functional family living while respecting both traditional architectural forms and modern lifestyle requirements.
