Strēlnieku 4C Residential Building
In the quiet centre of Riga, Strēlnieku 4C adds a new element to the Magdelēna Quarter: a multi-storey residential building with commercial spaces on the ground floor. The project was designed by the Latvian architecture firm AB3D, led by Juris Mitenbergs, together with architects Pēteris Spuriņš, Uģis Tučs, Guna Priede and Madara Kulitāne. Developed by Vastint Latvia, the building was completed in 2025.
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ProjectStrēlnieku 4C Residential Building
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LocationRiga, Latvia
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Application
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ArchitectAB3D
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Construction CompanyDEPROM
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PhotosKrista Blūma
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Category
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Product
Two textures, one façade language
For the façade of the residential building, the architects at AB3D chose a deliberate interplay of two RECKLI formliners, while each remains clearly distinguishable within the streetscape.
Across around 640 m², the RECKLI formliner 2/141 Dachstein was used: a finely detailed, staggered relief pattern made up of small, pyramid-like concrete cubes. With its cubist design, the texture creates a continuous, three-dimensional accent with a strong sense of depth.
On the significantly larger areas of around 2,600 m², the RECKLI formliner 2/90 Travertin defines the calmer wall surfaces. Its fine texture, with irregular air pockets, is reminiscent of natural stone.
A Multi-Layered Façade
Both textures share the same colour palette: an earthy grey on the plinth level and a warm cream tone on the upper floors. The result is a multi-layered façade that gives the building structure and recognisability across all storeys.
The concrete surfaces enter into a dialogue with the dark window frames, door elements and balcony railings. The projecting balcony slabs and the generously glazed ground-floor commercial areas contrast the textured exposed concrete with warm, clearly defined lines.
The successful implementation of the precast concrete façade elements was supported by DEPROM, which was responsible for the engineering, production planning, installation supervision and structural design coordination.
From 3D design to finished façade
To ensure that the façade pattern aligned across building edges, openings and connections, the formliners were extensively custom-cut and prepared for the individual wall elements. Careful production planning was essential, as the façade elements had to be manufactured in the opposite sequence to their installation on site.
Mārtiņš Stoļaronoks of REfero, who assisted with the implementation of the RECKLI formliners for the project, describes the special aspect of the process:
More than 80 custom-cut Travertin pieces and more than 30 custom-cut Dachstein pieces were used. The design was developed entirely in 3D, and RECKLI supplied the formliners pre-cut and ready for use, allowing them to be assembled directly in the moulds at the precast concrete factory.
Strēlnieku 4C is a clear example of how two different RECKLI formliners can be combined to give a building a distinctive appearance, both across large façade areas and down to the finest architectural detail.
