An apartment in one of the world’s first “garden cities”. Riga’s neighbourhood of Mezaparks flourished with the development of Art Nouveau villas in the early 20th century, followed by Functionalism style gems in the interwar period. Luckily, still today Mezaparks retains its unique feel and flair, and is one of the city’s most desirable residential neighbourhoods.

Our clients’ family home is in a Functionalist building. In respect of the local context and heritage, the apartment continues the style but also considers today’s standards, the client’s needs and desires. Open AD was tasked with delivering a complete design project from devising floor plans through to overseeing the construction process.

The clients – a family of five – required a master bedroom, a second bedroom for the teenage son and a third for their two young daughters and overnight nannies, a living area, kitchen and two bathrooms, all with ample storage. They lead an active lifestyle and have quite a collection of outdoor gear and sports equipment, only some of which can be stored in the basement. The apartment needed to be baby and toddler proof, considering how young their daughters are.

The design is informed and inspired by Functionalism as seen in the rounded corners, colour scheme, patterns and two-tone walls. The furniture is a combination of bespoke designs by Open AD and designer pieces influenced by Danish design classics. The bathtub is a sentimental heirloom from the clients’ former home, and Open AD integrated it in the new apartment.