The residential building “Heart of Hanza,” built in the protection zone of Riga’s historic center, has received recognition in the international competition “Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, and Design 2026” under the category “Most Sustainable Landscape Design.”
The award was granted for the thoughtful transformation of the urban environment, creating a functional, climate-resilient, and resident-friendly courtyard ecosystem.
The project’s architectural and landscape solutions are based on the historical hortus conclusus (enclosed garden) typology, adapted to modern urban requirements. Sheltered from the city’s intense traffic flow, the inner courtyard features a multi-layered green area planted with 72 trees, 630 shrubs, and over 5,000 perennials and ornamental grasses. These plantings promote biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and create a high-quality environment for residents’ daily lives.
Sustainable resource management in the project is provided by innovative engineering systems, including underground rainwater storage tanks and automated drip irrigation. The courtyard area is entirely car-free, prioritizing resident comfort and active recreation. High-quality landscaping elements are integrated into the yard, including a two-level activity slope for children, the “Vingrotava” sports wall created by designer Rihard Funt, a covered workout and yoga area beneath the building overhang, and an activity area for pets.
The developer of the project is SIA “LNK Properties”, the garden and outdoor space concept was developed by landscape architect Linda Zaļā (“Zala Landscape Architects”), the architecture was designed by the firm “AB3D”, and the constructor is AS “LNK Industries”.
