The cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga possess a unique rhythm that narrates the history of the city through every brick and cornice. Located at Mārstaļu Street 28 the Riverside SPA Hotel stands as a testament to this architectural heritage while boldly stepping into the present. Between 2018 and 2020 our team was entrusted with the delicate task of transforming a historical Art Nouveau building into a modern hospitality destination. This project was not merely a renovation. It was an act of translation. We sought to interpret the ornate language of the past into the sleek and functional dialect of contemporary interior design.
The Challenge of the Historical Shell
The property is situated within a complex urban fabric. The historical Art Nouveau building is just one of four sections that make up the Riverside SPA Hotel but it is undoubtedly the one with the most charm and character. Its beige facade with ornate details sets a high expectation for the interior. The primary challenge for our architecture studio was to evaluate and emphasize the historical space and its elements while creating a modern feeling in a historical structure.
We opted for a living and breathing environment where the old and the new coexist in a respectful contrast. The thick masonry walls and unique window shapes provided a rigid container. Our task was to fill this container with a fluid and vibrant energy. This required a meticulous study of the existing spatial qualities. We had to decide which elements to expose, which to cover and how to introduce modern mechanical systems without destroying the integrity of the building.
The Lobby
The arrival experience is designed to be a transition from the public street to a private sanctuary. In the lounge areas we moved away from the heavy ornamentation typical of Art Nouveau interiors. We replaced it with a language of texture and geometry. The stylish lounge features a sophisticated palette of earthy browns and cool greys.
We utilized furniture as sculptural elements. A plush brown sofa sits in conversation with grey armchairs creating a cozy corner for relaxation. The walls are treated as canvases for tactile exploration. We introduced a striking blue geometric wall design that plays with light and shadow. This three dimensional surface adds depth to the room and acts as a modern counterpoint to the flat historical plasterwork. The sleek chrome handles on the glass doors introduce a touch of industrial precision that cuts through the softness of the upholstery. This interplay of hard and soft surfaces is a recurring theme in our hospitality design strategy.
Gastronomy and Social Spaces
The dining areas of the Riverside SPA Hotel are designed to be theatrical yet inviting. We wanted the breakfast experience to feel like an occasion. The modern dining interior features expansive arched windows that flood the space with natural light. These architectural arches are a direct nod to the history of the building. We echoed their curves in the furniture selection and the lighting fixtures.
The floor is finished with a distinctive chevron pattern in dark wood. This classic motif grounds the space and provides a rhythmic base for the contemporary furniture. We selected green velvet booths to line the perimeter of the room. This choice of colour connects the interior to the greenery outside and adds a sense of luxury and warmth. The tables feature marble tops and gold bases introducing a layer of opulence that feels appropriate for the Old Town setting.
We paid special attention to the buffet area. It is designed as a focal point with gold accents and clean lines. The flow of the dining room allows for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. We used open shelving with gold planters holding green plants to act as porous dividers. These green screens offer privacy without blocking the light or the views. The result is an elegant dining room where modern tables and purple or teal chairs create a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
The Guest Rooms
Designing the guest rooms required a different approach. While the public areas are social and energetic the private quarters must be restful and personal. We developed a diverse range of room typologies to fit within the quirky constraints of the historical layout.
The colour palette in the rooms is bold and expressive. We embraced vivid accents. Some rooms feature a deep peach headboard set against a vivid red accent wall. This warm combination creates a cocoon like feeling that is perfect for the cold Latvian winters. Other rooms utilize a green accent wall to promote tranquility and rest.
We designed custom furniture to maximize the utility of the 2000 square meter space. Open wardrobes with black metal frames provide ample storage without visually shrinking the room. The bedside tables are unique pieces that add character. We used gold lamps to introduce a warm and focused light for reading.
The attic rooms presented a specific opportunity. The sloped ceilings create a romantic and bohemian atmosphere. We embraced these irregular volumes by placing the large beds directly beneath the slopes creating a sense of intimacy. The warm lighting highlights the angles of the ceiling turning the architecture itself into a decorative element. Every room feels like a unique discovery rather than a standard product.
Bathrooms and Circulation
The bathrooms are designed to be bright and functional. We utilized white tiles and large mirrors to maximize the sense of space. The modern sinks and glass showers provide a clean and hygienic environment. However we also created some unique washroom experiences in the public areas. One notable washroom features dark green walls paired with bright orange sinks. This unexpected colour clash is a moment of playfulness that surprises and delights the guest.
The hallways are more than just corridors. They are part of the journey. We used green walls and white doors to create a fresh and crisp aesthetic. The floor is covered in a red carpet with a dark geometric pattern. This bold floor treatment hides wear and tear while guiding the guest through the building. The bright lighting ensures that the long corridors never feel gloomy or unsafe.
A Collaborative Achievement
The completion of the Riverside SPA Hotel in 2020 was the result of a close collaboration between Barbara Bula Arhitekti and the Mogotel Hotel Group. Our team, Barbara Bula and Anete Soldāne, worked tirelessly to resolve the conflicts between the historical structure and the modern requirements of a hotel.
We worked with local partners to source materials that meet the high durability standards required for interior design in a public building while maintaining a boutique feel.
The Riverside SPA Hotel is a project that celebrates the complexity of Riga. It is a place where the Art Nouveau past meets the vibrant present. We have created a series of spaces that are distinct in their mood but unified in their quality.
