From left to right in the photo: Kaspars Ratkevičs, LNK Industries; Aleksandra Strode, LNK Properties; Linda Zaļā, ZALA Landscape Architects; Klāvs Galenieks and Juris Mitenbergs, AB3D Arhitekti.
Latvian real estate developer LNK Properties is investing more than half a million euros in the landscaping and territory development of the Heart of Hanza residential complex. The project’s concept is unique, reflecting modern European urban trends where outdoor space is designed as a green and peaceful city garden within an apartment building’s courtyard. The territory is being developed as a safe, car-free environment featuring relaxation areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and a specially designated zone for pets.
To mark the beginning of the garden’s creation, all project partners gathered for a ceremonial moment to plant the first magnolia shrubs on the Heart of Hanza grounds. The foundations of this green oasis were co-laid by Aleksandra Strode (Board Member, LNK Properties), Kaspars Ratkevičs (Board Member, LNK Industries), Juris Mitenbergs and Klāvs Galenieks (Architects, AB3D), and landscape architect Linda Zaļā (ZALA Landscape Architects).
“In the concept of Heart of Hanza, the relationship between people and the city in the living environment of the future plays a vital role. The project reflects a new lifestyle where, alongside quality and aesthetics, there is a special emphasis on well-being, movement, and a sense of community. The courtyard becomes a place where children can play safely, adults can exercise or simply meet their neighbors, and nature helps restore energy after a dynamic day,” says Aleksandra Strode, Board Member of LNK Properties.
For children, a two-level activity zone with swings and slides has been created. For more active pursuits, a sports wall called “Vingrotava,” designed by Latvian designer Rihards Funts, has been installed, along with a dedicated area for yoga and gymnastics. Meanwhile, pets have their own dog activity zone featuring an obstacle course and a social meeting area.
“The courtyard of Heart of Hanza is designed according to the latest European urban trends. It is a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment that bridges the gap between home privacy and the city’s public space. We have created extensive, scenic plantings of trees and shrubs—a solution rarely found in perimeter block developments, which significantly enriches the quality of the urban environment,” notes project architect Klāvs Galenieks.
The territory features 60 trees, 480 shrubs, and nearly 5,000 flowers and ornamental grasses, including fruit trees and berry bushes that attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Landscape architect Linda Zaļā emphasizes: “We wanted people to see and feel the cyclical nature of the environment even within the city—here, nature and people coexist in harmony. The courtyard’s landscape solution was created with biodiversity and a sustainable urban environment in mind.”
“Such a living and balanced ecosystem helps improve the microclimate and brings a natural rhythm of life into the urban setting. We have implemented sustainable rainwater management solutions in the garden, ensuring efficient use of resources and enhancing the environmental quality of the project,” continues L. Zaļā.
“This is one of our largest and most technically complex civil engineering projects, further distinguished by its location within a UNESCO World Heritage protection zone. The landscaping is being carried out on two levels – on the ground floor level above the underground parking lot and partially on the second-floor level above the commercial premises. The first and second levels of the territory are connected by a slope with artificial turf and a children’s playground. Nearly 1,000 m² of concrete pathways with an integrated rainwater drainage system have been constructed, along with sports zones, bicycle parking, and a dedicated active area for dog walking. Approximately 450 m³ of soil were used for landscaping, and a modern, automatic irrigation system has been installed. All landscaping work is performed with high technical precision, adhering to sustainable environmental principles and creating a functional, aesthetic urban environment,” states Kaspars Ratkevičs, Board Member of LNK Industries.
The project developer is SIA LNK Properties; architecture and interior design were authored by AB3D; construction is carried out by AS LNK Industries, one of Latvia’s leading construction companies; and the landscaping project was designed by ZALA Landscape Architects. The building’s commissioning is scheduled for the spring of 2026.
