PUPA revitalizes historic red-brick manor in lithuania as contemporary art center

from homestead to art residency and creativity center

PUPA / Life Over Space has revitalized a historic manor in Panevėžys, Lithuania, as an art residency and creativity center. The red-brick homestead, a protected heritage site, was carefully renovated with original details restored. A new, modern, spacious extension was also built to harmonize with the natural terrain of the surrounding city park, inviting its greenery to become part of the interior experience through expansive windows.

all images by Aistė Rakauskaitė

pUPA’s intervention in lithuania engages with nature

Built in the 1930s, the manor was once home to local poet Juozas Čerkesas Besparnis, who hosted cultural gatherings for Panevėžys intellectuals. However, it fell into ruin during the Soviet occupation. In 2017, the city prioritized transforming the manor into an art center as part of a broader strategy to promote creative industries, utilizing EU funds for the project. Lithuanian architects PUPA / Life Over Space won the competition to restore the homestead and add a contemporary extension.

The intervention involved two phases: restoring the original structure with attention to historical accuracy and adding a new extension with workshops and gallery spaces. This extension, nestled beneath the orchard, makes use of the site’s natural slopes. Inside, the scheme uses natural materials, like concrete and wood, to complement the outdoor environment.

PUPA / Life Over Space has revitalized a historic manor in Panevėžys, Lithuania

the red-brick homestead, a protected heritage site, was carefully renovated with original details restored

it now sits as a contemporary art residency and creativity center

inside, the scheme uses natural materials, like concrete and wood, to complement the outdoor environment

built in the 1930s, the manor was once home to local poet Juozas Čerkesas Besparnis

the extension, nestled beneath the orchard, makes use of the site’s natural slopes

greenery becomes part of the interior experience through expansive windows

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project info:

name: Historic Homestead Transformed into Art Center
architect: PUPA / Life Over Space | @pupa_life_over_space

design team: Tadas Jonauskis, Ignas Račkauskas, Lukas Kulikauskas, Augustas Makrickas, Justina Muliuolytė

project management: MUTUUS

landscape architect: Terra Firma LT

heritage experts: Projektavimo ir restauravimo institutas  

interior design: Hus Studio

location: Panevėžys, Lithuania

photographer: Aistė Rakauskaitė | @aiste.rakauskaite

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom