Description
The project is aimed at preserving valuable wooden cultural heritage object in the village of Preila (municipality of Neringa). The building is a characteristic architectural example of the Curonian Spit wooden residential houses. It is the oldest building in the area built in the beginning of the twentieth century which played a significant role in the urban development of the village. Currently, condition of the building is very poor as foundations of the building are fractured and wet, walls are cracked, some of the parts are replaced with non-genuine ones and the wooden constructions are detoriating. It is foreseen to solve these problems during the project by carrying out works of conservation, restoration, repair and development of utility networks. The value of the project is not limited to preserving unique cultural heritage though. The project will create social and economic benefits for the local community, as the building will be perform educational and recreational functions. Within the framework of the project, trainings on cultural heritage protection, restoration and adaptation for public needs will be organized in cooperation with project partners from Iceland and Norway. Afterwards, an exposition about the traditional architecture of the Curonian Spit is planned to be established in the premises which will raise awareness of local cultural heritage and attract tourists to the area. The restored building will also host activities of the the local community members, as well as activities promoting crafts.
Summary of project results
Living house at Preilos g. 85, which was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century, is characteristic example of the architecture of wooden living houses in the Curonian Spit. This house started the representational built-up of the central street in Preila village, which marks gradual transition of the locals from fishing to tourism and construction of holiday villas. The house was built by the method particular to this land – the house is easy to disassemble and move to any other location, which helped the locals to protect themselves against sliding dunes. Due to environmental impact, humidity, pests, the condition of the vacated building became very poor. Water was leaking through the roof, the foundation was rotten, the walls and chimneys decayed. Restoration works carried out during the project implementation were aimed at preservation of as many authentic elements as possible. The exposition on the ground floor presents characterists of the traditional architecture of the Curonian Spit. Cultural events and educational activities for local community are planned to be held in the villa, which will invigorate the life of the small town and attract more tourists.
Summary of bilateral results
Together with the partners from Norway and Iceland, two training courses were organised about wooden cultural heritage restoration.