House of the Flying Trees | Open Architecture Design

HOFT combines a respect for Riga’s built heritage with an appreciation for contemporary architecture, and a wish to bring more nature back to the city. The seven-storey apartment complex in the historical centre of Riga comprises a 19th century Art Nouveau building with a brand new volume. Every apartment has its own balcony of no less than 1.80 m in width, most of them overlook the shared, temple-like courtyard. Attached to the facade are planter boxes with bonsai trees, which give the complex its name. The trees are both a contemporary interpretation of Art Nouveau’s nature-inspired themes, and a smart way to add greenery to the city. They provide not just a sense of identity, but also calm.

HOFT illustrates that city centres can still be very liveable in the 21st century and that living in an urban apartment can be combined with having access to the outdoors and community.

DETAILS

HOFT comprises 42 apartments varying in size from 76 m2 to 232 m2.

The facade of the new volume is clad in travertine. Planter boxes and balcony partitions are made of glass.

The original, street-facing facade building has been restored to its former glory, including the authentic door. Two levels have been added, finished in glass, which lift the building to the same height as its neighbours.

Public interiors – the lobbies, stairs and common rooms - are an homage to and interpretation of Art Nouveau. Where possible, original features have been preserved. As per Open AD’s philosophy, the building is full of individually crafted details and furniture. Even elements like the brass door plaques are special orders. Artworks are original pieces by local artist Klavs Loris. 

Creative architecture: Open AD (Zane Tetere-Sulce, Kristaps Sulcs, Dins Vecans, Undine Linde, Zane Legzdina) 

Technical architecture and management: KROKS (Dita Lapina, Edmunds Slavinskis, Ilze Rudzate, Ritvars Krastins)

Development: R.Evolution City 

Construction supervisor: P.M.G.

Tree installation: Labie Koki

Engineering: Būve un forma