NRJA shared with us their proposal for the reconstruction of a former police station to an apartment building in Riga, Latvia. Their design concept respects the architectural heritage, partly renovating the existing volume and adding a new modern architecture. Reinhold Schmaeling buildings, especially schools, hospitals and public buildings created in early 20th century are very unique architectural works and important part of the rich and diverse heritage of Riga. More images and architects’ description after the break.
For the first decade of the 20th century solid position in different formal versions maintained “brick style”. It was characteristic for industrial and public buildings, such as the police station building in Kugu Street, 15/17 (around 1900). Low value additions and extension (inner walls, roof etc.) from different times will be dismantled, old brick walls cleaned up.
Inside the existing brick walls a new concrete wall will be built, to provide structural stability for existing wall and new part. Above the existing walls a new concrete frame construction is planned, exposing concrete grid that symbolically relates to the brick pattern. Visual ease is achieved using glazed facade system with translucent and frosted parts. Facade system is connected to the concrete frame that is also visible in the interior. Each apartment has balconies.
Parking space (18 cars), sports clubs and technical premises are planned in the ground floor. Above new additional space is situated public terrace overlooking the Daugava River. Offices, restaurant as well as entrance lobby for apartments is planned in 1st floor; other floors are planned for 24 apartments. On the roof is a terrace for the inhabitants.
Architects: NRJA Location: Kugu street 15/17, Riga, Latvia Team: Uldis Luksevics, Ieva Lace, Linda Leitane, Martins Rusins, Oskars Kotello Type: Competition entry Land Plot Area: 1471sqm Floors: 5 Building Intensity: 219.8% Total Area: 2123.3sqm
