2024
Alvis Rozenbergs
Private Residence
Saraiki
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Constructed on historic foundations of Soviet-era military units to safeguard the Baltic coastal area as one of the world’s most vulnerable marine regions, the project introduces an alternative path of sustainable architecture. Designed as the holiday retreat for a family of three generations, the minimalistic and raw structures seamlessly blend with the untamed wilderness, revealing a modern interpretation of the intricate local history. From afar the property reveals its unique character – the main residence seemingly hovers above the horizon, with the empty space beneath framing a view of the Baltic Sea. Contrastingly, the guest houses appear rooted in the landscape, with their deep-set windows and grass-covered roofs resembling the original bunkers.
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The project explores the role of a shelter within the domestic environment - situated at the doorstep of the ever-approaching sea, the bold constructs lay grounded against the harsh northern winds. The site was discovered with grass-covered and timeworn military bunkers, now transformed into one residential building and two guest houses, preserving the original form while reimagining the function.
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2015
Maris Lapins
SPA
R.evolution
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The ground floor of Villa Hepburn will host a corner for relaxation and health. Training in the gym equipped with a cardio trainer or in the yoga hall is a great way to recharge yourself with life’s energy. The spa complex will be open at any time of the year to help to regain your inner balance and relax. The large swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub and a relaxation room will be accessible only to the residents of LEGEND. and their guests. In two massage rooms you will be able to get a full range of anti-aging and wellness treatments for your face and body, provided by leading Latvian spa specialists.
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2018
Alvis Rozenbergs, Maris Lapins
Private Residence
Andrejs
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Vecāķi is one of Riga’s coastal neighbourhoods once popular as a summer destination but now in demand for year-round living. Nevertheless, 1960s and 70s Soviet-style summer houses or dachas still dot the area. Respect for the surroundings and existing architecture guided our choice of shape for this family home with its single pitch roof and exaggerated eaves. As per the client’s wishes we observed the principles of Vedic architecture in the design and build of the home. This is unusual for a northern climate but can be implemented.
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In-keeping with the Vastu Shastra philosophy, the living quarters face north and the home is entered from one side. Inside are both common areas and separate quarters for the adults and younger generation. They are positioned around a central atrium or metaphorical emptiness. The main entrance and central atrium fit together like a hand in glove. Each continues the other’s story. The external light, for example, reflects off the window to create the illusion that it shines both inside and outside.
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A wooden walkway surrounds the house to ensure uninterrupted access to the garden and encourage spending time outdoors. Historically, people maintained gardens, vegetable plots and small orchards at their dachas in Vecāķi, therefore the landscape architecture nods to the area’s past and complements the house.
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The home in Vecāķi is a partial prefab with a timber and metal structure. Its facade combines wood and Cembrit panels.
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2018
Apartment Building
Lebensbau Development
Sergejs Zarovnijs
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This residential building is located in a historically rich district of Riga. Designed with families in mind, the complex includes a shared playground and offers a thoughtful, community-oriented living environment.
Inspired by the surrounding industrial brick architecture, the new building’s façade is clad in clinker brick tiles - a material that ties the structure back to the area's heritage. Subtle brick patterns run across the elevations: vertical tile bands between floors and around the windows break up the massing and introduce fine detailing.
Where the building meets its neighbour on Sparģeļu Street, a decorative cornice line continues the rhythm of the adjacent structure, blending historic context with a contemporary architectural language.
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2011
Maris Lagzdins, Didzis Grodzs
Office
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The interior story complements those of the McCann and Inspired offices which are all located in the same building. The functional planning is based on the idea of a building with a central courtyard. The “courtyard” contains the workplaces and is separated with walls and windows, behind which are the meetings rooms and studio for media training. Overhead lighting follows this same pattern, marking the borders between the “courtyard” and deeper internal areas.
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We used simple materials like boards, lacquered MDF and straw-coloured carpets. Artificial grass marks the area of a stylised green patch.
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Urban planning was our inspiration for the functional planning of the McCann Riga offices. We designed stylised “streets” with “houses”, podiums, and floor level flowerbeds.
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Considering the limited budget, we made use of simple materials like lacquered MDF, white paint and planks to create pieces of furniture and finishings. We were early adopters of the upcycling idea. See, for example, the counter made of household junk. Every employee contributed an item from their home that they no longer used, so everyone felt like a part of the creative process. The lamps are made of cardboard tubes which were once fabric rolls. Proving that one man’s trash is another man’s gold. The McCann Riga offices won ‘Best foreign interior’ at the Moscow-based Best Office Awards 2011.
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2009
Maris Lapins
Shop & Cafe
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This project marked a cultural turning point in Riga. Long before Miera iela became what it is today, this spot - once home to Piens and then Pērle - helped shape the city’s alternative identity. Led by Žanete and Edijs, it wasn’t about designing an interior, but about creating a place.
The goal? Spend nothing, waste nothing, and keep everything in motion. Furniture was second-hand, constantly changeable, even for sale. A clothing rack was hoisted up in the evenings to reveal the bar. A lightbox without electricity relied on mirrors to glow.
A space in constant transformation. Upcycled. Dynamic. Circular. A place that made culture happen, not by following the rules, but by rewriting them. All for under 2000 lats and a trip to Berlin.
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2011
Maris Lagzdins
Restaurant
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The interior concept for Cydonia gastropub is focused around the planned functionality of the space. The existing advantages of the space, namely brick walls and concrete floors are embraced. A slightly ethnic feel permeates.
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An arched wall serves as the compositional centre and is clad in timber planks. A free-standing bar “grows” from the wall in both directions and is finished in the same timber material. Both bar and table surfaces are made of a wet-proof veneer. In the back of the space a floor-to-ceiling bottle rack is both practical and a striking visual element.
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We painted the ceiling a dark grey-blue, which is fully matte, so it looks velvety deep. The brick walls are painted in a light colour which resembles the natural colour of yellow bricks.
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The furniture is bespoke. The lamps are handmade from wholesale sugar sacks. The wall tapestries are a stylised element of Latvian ethnography.A timeless interior.
2012
Restaurant
Aivars Tauberts
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Concept proposal for a restaurant space defined by warmth, natural textures, and soft curvature. The palette is light and sunny, leaning into gentle, almost nostalgic tones.
Circular forms guide the spatial language, from curved furniture lines to rounded architectural gestures, creating a sense of fluidity and comfort. Trees planted indoors blur the line between outside and in, enhancing the calming, grounded atmosphere. What came first: Minhauzens or the idea of Minhauzens?
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2008
Maris Lapins
Restaurant
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The clients – three doctors – had long dreamt of opening their own restaurant. Its concept was based on a hospital with very obvious references throughout. Every visitor felt a strong reaction – some were instant fans while others had to overcome the initial shock.
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Walls were painted in a clinical white shade with a thin red line as an accent. Glossy white tiles added to the sterile hospital feel. We were able to source genuine, Soviet-era medical furniture and equipment which we combined with metal, MDF and tiles to create unique design pieces.
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We divided the space into zones. The bar area was themed around a pharmacy. The large dining table was inspired by operating tables, made of steel and lit from above by a real old operating theatre lamp. Other areas included a sanatorium, dental studio, gynaecologist’s office complete with chair, an academic library and even a morgue. One of the washrooms was decorated from top to bottom in mirrors, creating quite the optical effect.
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Hospitalis restaurant gained major publicity in local and international media winning attention for Open AD and our daring creative spirit.
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Location:
Riga, Latvia
Year and status:
2024
Team:
Zane Tetere-Sulce
Kristaps Sulcs
Roberts Abolins
Beatrise Dzerve
Kaspars Broks
Eva Heidingere-Jukama
Girts Kula
Developer:
3D:
Landscape:
In collaboration with Galantus
Photo:
Alvis Rozenbergs
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The owners envisioned a home that is both discreet and bold, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings while making a strong architectural statement. Nestled within a historic manor park, the landscape plays an integral role in the project - an element OAD saw as inseparable from the overall vision.
In collaboration with Galantus, the landscape was meticulously designed to complement and enhance the architecture. From the street, the house remains nearly invisible, tucked behind a grassy embankment, while on the canal side, expansive windows and a rustic facade create a striking contrast. The design gradually reveals itself, beginning with a wild meadow garden where narrow, trimmed paths echo the organic flow of the architecture.
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As the building extends deeper into the property, its form evolves - what starts as a grounded volume rises into a more geometric composition, with the master bedroom appearing to float above the terrain in a futuristic, hovering design.
The architecture masterfully balances contrasting materials - concrete, corten steel, glass, and wood - to create a structure that is both sustainable and timeless. Large glass panels reflect the surrounding landscape, while clean, modern lines establish a sense of order and clarity.
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Ventilation windows are seamlessly concealed behind perforated trim panels, integrating function into form. The house is oriented south and designed without extended eaves, yet the holistic approach prevents overheating in summer.
The layout ensures that the master bedroom is bathed in morning light, while the spacious west-facing terrace offers sunset views, shaded by a deep overhang that prevents excessive heat penetration. Skylights allow low winter sun to enter, optimizing natural warmth and illumination. Traditional window placement is reimagined, with unconventional openings becoming architectural focal points - treetops visually extend into corridors, and a low-set window frames water reflections, creating a calming, dynamic experience.
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The interior continues this harmony with nature while maintaining a sense of restraint and privacy. The elevated master bedroom provides sweeping views, while natural materials echo the surrounding landscape.
The home's two levels clearly define a functional hierarchy: the living areas sit lower, while the master suite is elevated with a lower ceiling height to enhance energy efficiency.
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The minimalist approach extends to the finishes - predominantly wooden paneling, with exposed concrete surfaces left visible where they serve as structural elements.
Every detail directs focus toward the landscape, with transparency reinforcing the connection to nature and curated art pieces adding personal significance. Strategically placed openings enhance the interplay of light throughout the day, while the refined material palette ensures a serene, timeless atmosphere.
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The interior embraces minimalist detailing, where privacy and human-centered design take precedence. This philosophy is also reflected in the hidden Japanese garden and the carefully positioned low window, drawing attention to the seamless symbiosis of architecture and natural elements.
This house stands as a bold dialogue between modernism and nature, where thoughtful design and craftsmanship create a lasting connection between architecture, landscape, and the lives within.
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