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Proving that the power lies in the idea. Venue 54 exemplifies that a feeling of luxury is possible even on a low budget through applying techniques like upcycling.
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Chef Inars Birmanis aims to make his patrons feel like guests. It made sense to choose an apartment for his pop up restaurant in Riga. We knew of free apartments in the Philosophers Residence and turned to the developers. While they welcomed the idea, a buyer could show up at any time. This unknown future and instability made it the perfect match for a pop up dining experience.
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That sense of incompleteness and the unknown inspired our design concept. The solutions are affordable, adaptable and easy to transport, rooted in the ideas of responsible reuse. Every piece has the chance at another life after the restaurant shuts its doors for the last time.

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We had acquired a collection of offcuts and leftover construction materials, which served as both inspiration and source material for the interior. Most of the furniture is handmade, the result of informal on-site workshops under the guidance of Zane Tetere-Sulce. For weeks, the design team, chef Birmanis himself, his friends, craftsmen Aldis Buss and Agnese Landrate worked side by side, piecing together the now-furniture and accessories.

The scaffolding acts as both a room divider and vertical garden space. As part of the brief, Birmanis specified that he wanted to grow ingredients on site.

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At the table, guests will notice the contrast between its setting and the creative “chaos” of the space. The setting is deliberately elegant to put focus on and complement the beauty of the food.
A project characterised by creativity, a collaborative spirit and shared responsibility towards our environment.

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The Skolas Street 17 project in Riga exemplifies the integration of modern, minimalist architecture within the historical context of the city center. Rather than merely coexisting, our approach is to harmonize with the surroundings and enhance the distinctive character of Riga’s city center by attentively aligning with the rhythm, proportions, and cornice heights of the neighboring buildings.

The design philosophy centers on tektonism, where the facade’s character is shaped by its structure rather than ornate details or layering.

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The building features three-layer concrete panels that are prefabricated, ensuring not only a quick construction process but also controlled quality. These panels serve a dual purpose, forming both the exterior and interior, resulting in a seamless, ascetic, and dynamic façade without reliance on decorative elements. At the rooftop, the design transitions to glass structures, while at the ground level, the focus is on highlighting the entrance node and the motif of the gateway.

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The interior echoes the exterior’s language, offering a slightly softer and more detailed finish, yet retaining the elegant, monochrome theme.

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Once a glass and ceramics factory, the modernist building in Barcelona is up for a transformation. Its new identity – 22 Palms – will see us turn it into an office complex. The original structure will be preserved.In honour of the building’s past, the two additional floors are fitted with glass, which bathes the interiors in a natural light. The resulting ambience conjures references to the Sagrada Familia where some of the former factory’s creations were installed.

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Inside, we divided the interior into zones to cater to the changing requirements of today’s workforce. It’s designed to respond to universal human needs like a sense of belonging and community. The different zones help transition from deep work mode to collaborative team meetings and informal moments. A respect for ergonomics is visible in the floor plan, as well as solutions like the acoustic panels, furniture, and air-purifying plants.

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Considering the favourable climate, outdoor spaces are not an afterthought. We designed the inner courtyard and rooftop terrace to encourage the building’s users to shift some of their activities outside. Individual workspaces and meeting areas will be placed throughout.22 Palms illustrates the significant part architects and designers play in today’s workplace and human resource management. It demonstrates the role architects may have in shaping the future of the office.

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The main element of the lobby is its library – a 12-metre-high bookshelf, accented by huge “book pages” which hide the countless bookshelves of the residents’ communal library. The room is furnished with a variety of lounge furniture to encourage its use as a reading space or area for holding brief meetings. The concierge’s counter is made of wood playing on the theme of bookcase design. Light coloured finishing gives a sense of endlessness to the already huge space and accentuates the bookshelf. The second floor of the shelf’s construction is made of glass so that the giant book’s opening does not steal the space effect. The view out towards the Philosophers’ Alley with its centuries-old maples opens through the glass walls, giving extra effect to the three-storied lobby space.

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The land on which the residence is built has a rich history related to philosophy. Both buildings are named after famous German philosophers – J.G.Hamann and J.G.Herder – and not without reason. Both of these Renaissance philosophers have lived here with a few years’ difference at the end of the 18th century.

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​​This two-story structure at the junction of Brivibas and Dzirnavu Street will fill the landscape of Riga while the permanent development plans of the building that matches the surrounding skyline are in the making.

BR44 is set to house restaurants and luxury car showrooms. Its sleek facade, designed using metal composites, black shading, and expansive glass vitrines, stands as an embodiment of urban minimalism. An exciting addition to the city center, this project illustrates the transformational power of thoughtful architecture.

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The interior of the 4Finance office accents and emphasises the structure of the building. The office is located across three levels, each of which has a separate function. The mid level reveals a panoramic view of the upper and lower levels. The design creates a mini world of its own with streets and buildings. The monochrome colour scheme accents the composition and zoning. Details and furniture are made of white oiled veneer which make the room cozier and warmer.

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On the eastern side of the Urals when it snows, it snows. When it’s hot, it’s really hot. Nature makes herself felt, seen and heard through the seasons. There, amid the towering pines and beeches of a park is our client’s private residence. The two geometrically sharp houses create the impression of levitating. Their presence is felt, but subtle.

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Ivanka Concrete panels, perforated metal and reflective glass complete the facade. The details continue the patterns visible in the surrounding landscape. Perforations in the metal resemble trees. And the pines and birches reflecting in the windows look just like the real thing. Since the homes sit within the grounds of a park, people walk past. These features perform well visually, as well as afford privacy to residents, so that they can see the landscape, but passers-by can’t see inside. The overhangs and screens also protect from the glare of the sun.

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An enclosed courtyard at the heart of the house gives residents their very own, private outdoor area, as well as floods the home in natural light. A gallery encircles the courtyard. Living quarters are spaced around it. Below ground – a private spa, garage and maintenance rooms. The floor plan is designed to make the most of the natural surroundings, while maintaining residents’ privacy. The landscape performs like a live painting to complement the interior of the home.

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“Magnetic Latvia” business information centre is a place for visitors of Latvia to meet and discover the magnificence and potential of the country. A space where to make connections with potential business partners, organize seminars and presentations, learn about the opportunities provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, take a break between connecting flights or productively indulge into work.

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Playing upon the Latvian landscape and the richness of nature, the interior design and decorations are finished in wood, symbolising its significance both in the local environment and everyday life. Wood has become the ultimate backdrop for the exhibited local design products – furniture, ceramics, lighting, glass, linen and leather goods, fashion accessories, bicycles and balance bikes. In the depth of the space a screen is to be found, displaying videos of Latvian scenery, tourism and business opportunities, creative and cultural environment, and traditions.

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The endowment, success and the yet undiscovered Latvia, comes to light in an aesthetic, enigmatic, adaptable space.

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Adjacent to the Koknese Castle ruins,  is a tribute to harmonizing contemporary architectural design with the profound historical and natural landscape of the area. Inspired by the ruins of Koknese Castle, our project involves the construction of a building that not only complements the landscape but also emphasizes its historical significance.

The structure, comprised of two parallel volumes integrated into the terrain, is carefully oriented towards the ruins. When viewed from the river or the castle itself, it was crucial for us to present the narrow end of the building to the observer, creating an appearance of lightness and minimal footprint, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct or disrupt the natural slope on which it sits.

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Complementing the primary residence, we’re also crafting a modular sauna structure that aligns with the narrative of the main house, right down to the central stair positioning. This sauna features a clear glass wall that provides a direct view of the Koknese Castle ruins. The structure also includes an outdoor kitchen and a space for relaxation to allow its’ residents to take the full advantage of the scenery, and the presence of nature and history.

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The use of reflective glass at the ends of the structure aids in blending the building into its natural surroundings. Functionally, one volume is dedicated to residential quarters, while the other facilitates active communal living and services. A connecting central section serves as both a transit and visual axis, directing views towards the castle ruins. This section not only separates the two main volumes but also leads down to the lower level, integrating the entire structure into a cohesive unit that respects its historic context and the natural landscape. Landscaping around the building further integrates it with the environment, creating a seamless transition between the structure and the natural beauty of the Koknese area.

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