Brivibas street 89, Riga

Project aim: The goal of the project, was to create interconnected-buildings as maximally logical filling he site "gaps" in between existing buildings, creating courtyards and volumes in accordance with the neighboring territory. Site actually consists of two joint plots. Both plots border several multi-apartment buildings, including one designed by Janis Alksnis (recally renounced Architect) at Miera street 10. However, all that's visible from the site are approximately 20-meter high firewalls. The aim was to link the existing building with the plots bounding firewalls, and develop architecture that resonates with the surrounding context.

Work done: The sites total area is approximately 1 800m2, split in two seprate plots of approx. 900m2. This was simultaneously the biggest challenge of this project, and at the same time the biggest opportunity. During the development of the concept, the existing situation and the boundaries of the land plot were used to form the building layouts. Jointly, the layouts were design such that they meet the boundary walls, with a fluid architectural design, whilst still meeting the fire safety requirements. When planning the internal layouts, the planning requirements were prioritized, whilst peculiarities of the site layout integrated in a way that enhances the internal layout design. Finally, the internal spaces was adjusted to highlight the best internal views for the most commonly used spaces.

End result: The new volumes adhere to the existing firewalls as much as possible, while providing daylight in all living spaces. The buildings in the courtyard are stylistically designed as a single volume, almost imperceptibly forming a single ensemble, which, while respecting the historical land plots, is divided by a fire wall on the middle border. The middle border serves as an axis that determines the proportions and composition of the building, while at the same time the border does not create any issues with the local regulations requirements, because glazed facades were offset from the boundaries enough to bring in natural light simultaneously leaving the centre of the plot more open for the green area. On the west side of the courtyard, the opportunity naturally arose to place larger and several types of apartments, providing daylight to the living spaces from as many sides as possible. The two new buildings, together with the existing volumes, create a wide and open courtyard square, which opens up opportunities to create an outdoor space as a public recreation area and a place for social events. The ensemble of buildings consists of sloping roofs, widely used balconies and terraces on the upper floors.