Oar’s hush

Rafting timber is a wood transportation system, where logs are tied together as rafts and drift down the river toward sawmills. In Latvia Rafting (floating) of logs was the second cheapest method for transporting cut timber, following the method of driving, where individual logs are floated. Rafts of wood were also used as a means of transportation for people and goods. Wooden rafts can have larger dimensions, sometimes as long as 600 meters. The rafts used to be driven by oars and later by towboats. Raft construction may differ, depending on the waterways. Rocky and winding rivers require rafts of simple, yet clever, construction. For example, the front parts of the logs were joined together by wooden bars, while the rear parts were loosely roped together. The resulting slack allowed for easy adaptation to the narrow, winding waterways. These traditions that have disappeared in the modern world are worthy of remembering and can be used to learn from, and in particular, within a structure with a waterway which actually served as a sawmill.

The structure was built in 1875 and operated as a sawmill until the late 1990s. In addition to the existing structure, which has been preserved and restored (except for the metal roof, which was largely removed) a wooden structure was added whose conceptual design  was inspired by the world of rafting, as well as a greenhouse building that creates an ecological balance, enables temperature control and sustainability, with extensive growth potential. The balance that the two new structures create in the existing structure provides a platform for a meditation camp.

As soon as they entered into the rivers, they put on their boots, pocketed their tobacco purse, and knew that they had a long way past waterfalls and obstacles. Their work was not easy, they should have been able not only to drink two liters of beer in inns and sing hymns in one operation, they would also lift the heavy oars of the rafts. The raft held a crew that consisted of 400 to 500 men, and included shelter, bakeries, ovens, and livestock stables. The dining area is located in the greenhouse at the entrance to the building, and next to it is the open kitchen with a recycled wooden table, which is compatible with the greenhouse. The ecological conditions created by the greenhouse allow for having a meal in a fruit orchard. The chef uses products picked straight from the vegetable garden inside the greenhouse, which ensures freshness and organic growth conditions.

Sometimes the raftsmen would take with them their younger brothers and even their wives and children. Although it was widely believed that a woman on a raft brought bad luck, economic considerations made them take the risk. That is why some of the raftsmen called women “beautiful females” while others called them “ravens”. The main hall is composed of three structures – the sawmill, the greenhouse, and the raft. The roof of the sawmill was mostly removed, creating a high, inspirational space. The optimal balance between these three structures, so different from each other in functionality, illustrates the connection between different worlds and one central essence. The sound of the water flow has great significance in creating an atmosphere for effective meditation. Therefore, the incorporation of nature into the structure is created and heightened.

Sometimes the raftsmen would take with them their younger brothers and even their wives and children. Although it was widely believed that a woman on a raft brought bad luck, economic considerations made them take the risk. That is why some of the raftsmen called women “beautiful females” while others called them “ravens”. The main hall is composed of three structures – the sawmill, the greenhouse, and the raft. The roof of the sawmill was mostly removed, creating a high, inspirational space. The optimal balance between these three structures, so different from each other in functionality, illustrates the connection between different worlds and one central essence. The sound of the water flow has great significance in creating an atmosphere for effective meditation. Therefore, the incorporation of nature into the structure is created and heightened.

Many legends were written about the raftsmen and the homeland fire, songs that were sang by the bonfire to keep warm. When they looked upon the waterfalls, their powerful singing resonated far and wide. There, great poets were brought up, and young people went to sing and hear the harmonica playing. A fireplace is located in the main hall, which heats the three buildings during the cold seasons. The accumulated heat in the greenhouse makes it possible to raise crops even when snow is falling outside.