Entrepreneur Enriko Podnieks is interviewed by Māris Liopa, Chairman of the Forest Certification Council of Latvia, and Pauls Rēvelis, editor of zemeunvalsts.lv
The idea, named 1836, was planned for Latvia's centenary, but, as it seems, it will proudly await our country's 150th and 200th anniversaries as well.
The thought contained in the question—that the state and the centenary will continue, and that our 1836 project will also continue—is pleasant and heart-warming. Yes, project 1836 is a gift for Latvia's centenary! The number is the circumference of Latvia, measured along the border, in kilometres. This idea 'flew' to me and my friends (as ideas usually do) in 2015—that a path for tourists is needed around Latvia. Over 2.5 years, together with friends and other enthusiasts, we walked around Latvia ourselves, exploring not only the beautiful coastline but also enjoying the lovely Latgale, the vibrant 'Leišmalīte' [Lithuanian borderland] covered in grain fields, etc. It was like homework—walking the route ourselves and digging in the first boundary posts. The core idea was a tourist path. For example, on a beautiful day, a person in Latvia might be troubled by the question: “What to do today?”
“I could walk around Latvia.”
“Excellent!”
For this purpose, there is a map, there are path markers, there is a plan. On one hand, the path is ready; from another perspective, that is not entirely the case. We are working on an app because, living in the digital age, one wants to know where I am going, where I will sleep, where I will eat, what I will see. The moment will come when the route will be visible on the phone. Looking into the relatively near future, the issue of infrastructure needs to be solved. There are already hotels and guesthouses on the route, there is the odd hay barn where one can spend the night, but... If we take the Camino de Santiago as a model, which in my opinion is the benchmark for this type of route, there is accommodation every 20-25 km. By walking a set stage of the path during the day, clearly knowing what to see and what is planned, you can plan your night's sleep; walking for, say, 5 hours, you know that here or there there will be a shower and a bed. We are currently working on this issue; we hope that state institutions will one day notice us, realising that this is not just an enthusiast project, but an opportunity to show a tourist from any corner of the world what Latvia is, how beautiful our land is, and that we are happy to show it to others—in 2.5 months of travelling on foot, one can see and get to know our land.
Where would be the best place to start this path?
The thought was simple—everyone starts and finishes the path where they live. For example, if we are from Riga, we start in Riga. The direction, of course, everyone can choose themselves; we recommend walking with the sun—clockwise. I live in Bauska Municipality myself; when the path is ready, I will start from there. Latvia is excellent in its nature.
How many people participated in the research walk?
In our group of friends, we walked on Saturdays and Sundays—the number of participants varied from ten to two hundred. On average, we calculated about a hundred per walk. By the way, when we walk along the sea, this section is the only place where the path leads as close to the border as possible. Elsewhere we use the nearest border roads so that we don't have to cut through thickets...
The border area has its own story—what have you experienced on this path?
Strong people live by the border—they have their own vision, their own outlook, their own opinion on things—it is a joy to meet them. I will add that if you meet the borderlanders, they will kindly treat you to honey, milk, apples, etc. Living on/by the border means exactly that—being on/by the border. You are brave if you live there!
We see that many houses are abandoned, their inhabitants have left in search of a better life. Contrasts are palpable and visible. Speaking of the recent calls for people to return, I must say—thanks to C19—people have realised that living 'away from the city' is better and more harmonious. We in Latvia have the opportunity to both leave and find where to be. There is no overpopulation.
The forests of the Estonian border, the bogs of the Abrene side—does the path wind there, do swamps, thickets, waters have to be bypassed somehow?
Of course, we bypass rivers and lakes, we don't cross them, we don't build rafts. The northern and eastern sides of Latvia's border are truly associated with swampy and wooded areas. In the forest, we mostly see spruce and pine. Sandy and hilly roads are characteristic of Latgale.
The path around Latvia is relatively divided into four sections—the 'Ziemeļmeitas' [North Maiden's] path along the Estonian border, the Seaside path along the sea, the 'Māras' path in Latgale, and 'Leišmalīte'—the Latvian-Lithuanian border.
Which season is the most suitable?
We have also walked in autumns and winters, but then it is very important to understand and calculate in time where to spend the night. We covered 80% of the path in the summer when people are on holiday, and there are many flowers and sun in nature...
Animals—what did you encounter?
We didn't encounter many. I think if a sizeable group of people is walking together, who are not exactly very quiet, every self-respecting forest animal will scurry away, so to speak: 'Right, time to move on!'
As for animals, I was surprised by Ventspils Municipality; perhaps because of the vast forests, there are a lot of animals there. I will add that we spotted many forest and field inhabitants on the way there.
The second thing you are involved in is the 'cell house', which immediately makes one think of folk songs and knowledge about bees.
The journey from 1836 to the cell house is a logical progression. When you have walked around Latvia, your feelings and awareness change. I didn't want to return to city life. My thoughts revolved around the question of which part of Latvia to settle in, where to build a family, where we would like to live. My home region is Bauska; I chose to build our family nest in the Brukna area (25 km from Bauska). If you are thinking about a family, you need a house! The ideas were various; I watched, studied, thought—what and how to build, where I would like to live. I realised that the costs would be high, and I didn't want to take classic loans just to live close to nature.
The idea, as it tends to be and as I mentioned in the story about 1836, was hovering in the air, so I took it and sketched it out. What would it be like to live in a hexagonal building with a 'straight' roof? After our 'walk' around Latvia, we built the first 36 m2 large hexagonal hut in Brukna, where we started living. When we finished the construction work and invited friends over, we were surprised to find—our friends said: 'You have a very interesting house concept, with wide windows, compact, very bright. Offer this idea to someone else!' ... Right now, our conversation is taking place in a show house, where we invite potential clients interested in this type of house. We produce them as well.
Do you have any experience in architecture and construction issues yourself?
None. 'Absolutely zero knowledge' about both planning and construction. Until then, I don't think I had seen filler or any tools. I will add that my first thought, when building my own house, was to do everything myself, but... then I doubt we would be talking here. A good cooperation was formed with a factory that manufactured the building's frame (skeleton), and we did the finishing ourselves. So to speak—together with my friend and spouse, we finished the house.
It is clear that a cell house can be expanded, and we are the first ones to have added a second unit to one hut. The family has doubled and larger premises are needed.
The most important thing is the shape of the house. Everything found in nature has some meaning and purpose, and if one of the oldest civilisations—bees—has deemed the hexagonal shape to be good, there is sense in it. I know that living in a hexagonal house is very pleasant; despite the 36m2, which looks like a little in numbers, one feels the spaciousness in the house. The 120° angles of the room corners create a feeling of openness.
The flat roof and snow—is this an issue and how is it addressed?
The roof has a 2° slope—the minimum allowed in construction. Snow and rainwater run off it without problems; the roof is covered with double-layered roofing felt. One is intended to walk on the building's roof—if you want, take a deck chair or lounger and head up—the roof is designed for a certain load. If you are at home, of course, you can climb up and clear the roof during a snow-rich winter. In Brukna, however, the wind blows the snow off the roof—it is a sufficiently windy place.
How quickly is a hexagonal dwelling made?
From the moment of 'I want' to the house key, there are two stages. One—sorting out the documents; if, for example, the hut is intended without a large terrace, only an explanatory note is needed, and the paperwork is simpler. If there is a desire for a larger house—a building project is already needed. The house is made (manufactured) in about two months, during which time one can deal with the documents.
We can carry out the finishing of the house with our own craftsmen; it will take two months. But—I know that a great many people are influenced by my family's story—that is—you can do a lot yourself. I should note—I advertise this story very, very much. If a young family wants a house and is ready to put their hands and work into it, it is great, it is cheaper, and that is how experience is gained! Yes, we often inspire people to work themselves—that is—we produce the frame and the finished roof, providing an instruction on what to do next. We teach what it means to build a house. Many want to learn; on the one hand, it is even better if our masters are not involved.
How long has the cell house project been going on?
In 2018 we were still building our own house, then we started doing it—it will be three full years, the fourth is underway. It seems like the very, very beginning, but seeing that people like the 'cells' and Latvians specifically like them... I will add that we are mostly supporters of log-type buildings. It is good that there are people who feel the non-standard shape and see freshness and interest in it.
Who is more interested—city dwellers or rural people?
Both... There is quite a lot of interest from foreigners living in Latvia or those who have married into the country. The houses are usually built in rural areas. We also offer saunas and so-called lighthouse [units].
Hexagonal saunas?
No, but it could be! Various combinations are possible.
Lighthouse – a lighthouse, a light house...
The word has several meanings and, in my opinion, it is nice if everyone sees their own. Lighthouse is a project (idea) that has arisen or resulted from the cell house. I have been told quite a lot: 'You make huts, make a normal house!' 'What is a normal house?' 'With a gable roof!' Fine! I listened, but for a long time I did not develop this thought further, because I didn't at all want, and don't want, to compete with manufacturers of classic houses. And... one day, going to cooperation partners who produce glued timber, I walked into the production facility and... I realised what I had been looking for! We have agreed that they will produce the so-called ribs; again, we offer two directions—small ribs and large ones—the person determines and chooses the length of the house themselves. There is an option to choose—whether the person does the finishing themselves or we do it. We plan to 'launch' the Lighthouse project to the general public soon. This is the already well-known barn-style building (barnhouse) direction, which people find pleasant because there is space and lots of light. The ceilings are high—5.8 m at the ridge.
A topical issue — heating.
In Brukna, we use a Jøtul stove. It is very good because in case of a power outage, there is still warmth, food, and cheap heating. As is known, these days fantastic things can happen with gas and electricity, if one has their own forest and a saw, it is good. The stove heats one hut without any problems.
In another hut, we use an air-to-air heat pump, which provides heat in winter and coolness in summer. There are no restrictions on the types of heating to use.
Playing music is your hobby...
About the song 'There are such people...' I had never composed anything before; I played the guitar for my own pleasure. What happened? I once said that if I had my own lyrics or music, I would gladly give it to others. I said it, and music was created to the lyrics of Imants Ziedonis. At some celebration, a girl recited a poem by I. Ziedonis, I asked her to send it to me because I liked the words. I sat down, thought about it, and the melody 'came'. While walking around Latvia (1836), I happened to play—once, twice... until friends said: 'Maybe it's worth recording...' That's what happened! Singing is only for my own pleasure. I have always been on the side of the spectators at the Song Festival, and that is enough for me—goosebumps run down my spine—that is something!
Houses and construction, similar to music, are also a great creative expression—it's the same story—there was nothing there... Creativity is very present in my life; it happens that the shovel hasn't even been stuck in the ground for the house foundations yet, but in my mind, it is clear what will be built here and what we are aiming for! Technology and the ability to imagine create a good result.
A house with a story is in the making.
Meeting people and talking about the house, I understand and explain to them how it started—from a family, an idea, a place (Brukna), and how it developed. I have two life goals—creativity and joy. If I see them in some matter or activity—I grab hold and do it; if they are not there—let it be for others. Life is too short to do what you don't like. Of course, you have to do things you don't like too, but...
Is the mentioned forest, firewood, and saw related to ancestral properties?
No, I have no family roots in Brukna and I don't own any forest either! Near my place of residence is the Brukna Manor and church; roads have led me there. There are things we plan, there are things someone helps to plan. A person feels most harmonious in a 50 km radius from where they were born. I live 25 km away from my native Bauska.
As I mentioned, Brukna is located in a windy and open place, which I like very much; I would also like living by the sea. My wife is an artist; the forest is closer to her: 'Say, if there were a small forest where a little house could be built...' I think that as time goes by, we will eventually come to this issue.
1836.lv – Fly around, travel around, cuddle Latvia!
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Photographs by Enriko Podnieks, 1836.lv and suuna.lv used