The New Riga Theatre

SB UN PARTNERI equips the windows and doors of the New Riga Theatre building with fittings that combine historic design with modern safety requirements.

Address Lāčplēša iela 25, Rīga
Architects: SIA Zaigas Gailes birojs, SIA SARMA & NORDE arhitekti
Builder: Skonto Būve
Client: State Real Estate
Function: theatre
Commissioned: 2024
Photo: Oskars Kalniņš, Līva AB Nord SIA publicity photo / SB UN PARTNERI SIA

After seven years of reconstruction, the New Riga Theatre returned to its restored and modernly equipped building in March 2024. Audiences can now enjoy performances in three halls, while the staff benefit from workshops located in the underground level. The historic theatre building has been complemented by a new five-storey structure housing two “black box” halls, several rehearsal rooms, and comfortable spaces for actors. For convenience, the two buildings are connected by a glazed passageway.

In 2024, the reconstruction project of the New Riga Theatre building was awarded the Latvian Architecture Grand Prix. The reconstruction and redevelopment of the building complex were carried out in line with the vision and design of architect Zaiga Gaile.

The New Riga Theatre is one of the largest and most technically challenging projects implemented by SB UN PARTNERI — we supplied and partially installed equipment for windows, aluminium façade doors, as well as wooden and metal interior doors.

Technical project task

The main challenge of the project was to implement the high-quality design vision created by the architects across the different areas of the site, while ensuring compliance with technical and functional requirements as well as construction standards. Depending on the project’s zoning, the visible hardware finishes vary from matte silver tones (matte stainless steel, natural aluminium, silver-tone coating, and matte chrome) to black, and even polished chrome designs.

Solutions Used:

FSB 1076 design lever handle series in stainless steel and black finish, with various backplates;
HEWI 162 series panic bars in a stainless steel and black combination for the public areas of the theatre;
GEZE door closers in silver, anthracite, or black, depending on the zoning — including for double-leaf doors with a door coordinator integrated into the closer rail and/or a 24V-controlled Hold-Open device for holding the doors open;
SIMONSWERK VN 2929/100 object hinges with decorative elements in polished stainless steel, harmonising with the Anna MFR handles manufactured in Latvia by KURZEMES ATSLĒGA;
In the restored doors, concealed hardware solutions were used wherever possiblei – concealed door closers GEZE Boxer, concealed hinges Simonswerk TECTUS TE 340