Magdelēnas kvartāls Second Phase Buildings Receive Award at Sustainable Construction Competition

In the category “Most Sustainable Project – New Public Building,” first place was awarded to the new office buildings at 17 and 21 Antonijas Street, Riga, part of the Magdelēnas kvartāls development.

The buildings were designed by architect Pēteris Bajārs (OUTOFBOX), who also presented the project to the jury. The project was recognised for its quality and sustainability in architecture and the urban environment.

Magdelēna Quarter is a mixed-use development in Riga’s historic centre. The first-phase residential buildings were completed in 2018. As part of the second phase, two Class A office buildings with a total area of over 10,000 m² were commissioned in spring 2025. These new buildings form the quarter’s entrance from Antonijas Street and define a new area of the Quiet Centre that has already become popular with residents of the quarter and the surrounding neighbourhood. The development prioritises public open space — a pedestrian street with high-quality landscaping and abundant greenery — freely accessible to all, promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment.

The buildings comply with nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) requirements, exceeding them by 10%, thereby meeting EU Taxonomy criteria, and are designed in accordance with Vastint’s quality standards. They are fitted with chilled beams, LED lighting (4 W/m²), and state-of-the-art building management systems (BMS) to ensure efficient air exchange and high thermal comfort while reducing overall energy consumption. The buildings are powered by 100% renewable electricity. Both are designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

The competition is organised by the Building Design and Construction Council (BDCC) in cooperation with Riga City Council, the State Construction Control Bureau, and the Zaļās Mājas Association. It aims to identify and recognise projects delivered in line with sustainability principles at every stage — from design and construction to operation, as well as the building’s contribution to the urban environment. This year, 37 entries from across the Baltics were submitted.