OUTOFBOX Architecture

2 weeks ago

Inspired by midcentury modernists, this house in Jurmala aspires to timelessness. Located between existing trees, the site utilises its topography: half of the house is sunken beneath the ground, while the other half features exceptionally high ceilings.

The modernist approach stretches from the facade to materials, interiors, and furniture. Dark wood, rough concrete, iconic furniture, delicate artworks. All blend together in a timeless experience.

The functions of the house follow the topography and the pathway of the sun. From bedrooms facing the first rays of sun in the morning to the daily life exposed to the south direction, and all recreational facilities facing the last rays of the setting sun.

Private House in Jurmala, 2025 ... See MoreSee Less

OUTOFBOX Architecture

1 month ago

Since 2025, according to its schedule, is reaching its happy ending, we thought we needed to settle with even older events from our creative past. Finally, we’re allowed to share our proposal for New Hansa development. Invited competition that never really got to its full speed - it was stopped in the middle without a chance to even share our vision, but, hey, here it is - our concept for a green island in an otherwise paved world.

Two office buildings represent the values in which we believe - pedestrian access, lots of greenery, the prefab as the most environmentally friendly construction method. The views, the meeting point, and the central staircase as the heart of the building - we believe it’s necessary to meet your colleagues on your way to work.

The narrow site asked for intense green pockets - that’s all in the hands of NEMORALIS - our landscaping friends. The space between the exhisting Hanzas perons and the newly built volume serves as a calm space protected from winds and noises, creating a perfect breakfest spot for people visiting the nearby foodcourt.

Under the concrete skin - the CLT / Glulam structure - another step closer to green thinking. And of course, state-of-the-art engineering. Not quite happy that this project didn’t spin off, but you know - what doesn't kill you makes you stranger. We’re ready to take our acquired knowledge to the next project. In green we trust! ... See MoreSee Less

OUTOFBOX Architecture

2 months ago

Hooray! Our office is currently playing 'What a Feeling' by Irene Cara in our heads. The competition for Radošā rūpnīca Veldze has concluded. And OUTOFBOX Architecture won one of the two buildings. As always - we love complexity - this ain't the easy one. There will be a lot to discuss. But as always, we love the good challenge. So sharpen your pencils, dear team - Juta, Ieva, Vilnis, Ivars and Pēteris

Shoutout to NEMORALIS - our landscape partner - and shoutout to ĒTER for winning Building A! ... See MoreSee Less

OUTOFBOX Architecture

2 months ago

IT'S A PRESS ATTACK!
We ended up occupying most of the magazine rack — there are 5 different magazines to read this month.
db.lv with Pēteris Bajārs on the cover - the truth about the simple things, placemaking and affordable architecture.
Žurnāls Deko is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and there's an article about Copenhagenization and the reuse of existing structures.
žurnāls "Būvinženieris" and Mūsmājas focus on our project in Cēsis - the finished Pastor's and Spīdalas Houses.
And Latvijas Architektūra - the blast from the past - it's our competition for Līvu Square in Old Town.

So, head out to grab your copy! We promise a good read! ... See MoreSee Less

OUTOFBOX Architecture

4 months ago

ARCHITECTURE AWARD FINALIST
&
Most Sustainable Project in Baltics 2025

YIN-YANG – CONSTRUCTION OF TWO OFFICE BUILDINGS
Two buildings, one structure. Two finishes, one façade rhythm. Light and dark. Sloping roofs facing flat ones. An opening onto Antonijas Street and a view of the newly created courtyard. The buildings are so different, but at the same time, similar. Like Antonijas Street itself.

VOLUMES AND ROOFSCAPE
In contrast to the Antonijas 17 building, which connects to the existing building and continues its historical twin-sloped roofscape, the free-standing Antonijas 21 building is designed in contemporary formal language, avoiding the use of angled planes and creating the final floor with a recess from the building line. The bay tradition of the buildings opposite, where the volumes rise above the eave line, is continued in both buildings.

NEW CONNECTIONS
Accented entrance corners have been created in both buildings to emphasise the connection between the Magdalēna houses on Antonijas street and the new pedestrian connection to Strēlnieku Street. The new green corridor has already been nicknamed the Antonijas Gate.

MATERIALITY
Riffing on art nouveau trends and colour combinations typical of the period, dominated by contrasting golden and dark tones that heighten the element of artistic expressiveness, contrasting materials have been chosen for the office building façades made of prefabricated concrete sandwich panels – orange-brown Terracota for Antonijas 17 building vs dark grey Anthracite for Antonijas 21 building.

FLEXIBLE SPACE
The position of the central vertical communications network at the heart of the building makes it possible to make free use of the building’s plan, ensuring the possibility to use a floor of the building as a single open-type office, as well as to divide it into two, three or four similar offices. The use of a 1.35 metre module, and accordingly standard systems, reduces construction costs and makes it easier to revise the planning of offices in the event of a change in the potential tenant.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS
The advantage of prefabricated concrete elements is the relatively high speed of the building process, which reduces building costs and causes less disturbance to neighbours.

LEED PLATINUM AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The compact and effective engineering systems, prudent fire safety solutions and improved insulation parameters constituted a guarantee to reach LEED PLATINUM valuation level and Energy efficiency class compliant to NZEB standards.

Photos: Madara Kuplā ... See MoreSee Less