The Latvian National Opera marked the completion of the project “Implementation of Energy-Efficiency Measures in the Historic Building of the Latvian National Opera” with an event on 7 September. The project was financed through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The event was attended by Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet; Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis; Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economics; Andris Kužnieks, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia; Anita Krūmiņa, Director of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency; and Jānis Lāčaunieks, Chairman of the Board of Pillar Contractor.
During the project, the electrical wiring, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, as well as the water supply and sewerage systems in the historic Latvian National Opera building were renovated. These systems had not been replaced during the previous reconstruction and had reached the limits of their technical service life.
Windows and doors were also restored and replaced, the roof was insulated, and structural elements and the historic interior were renovated as part of the energy-efficiency improvements. Wall and ceiling surfaces were restored, lighting fixtures matching the historic interior were installed, and the restoration of wallpaper and floor tiles was completed.
“This has been a very extensive and complex project, much of which took place in parts of the building that remain unseen by audiences. Nevertheless, its results are essential for the future of the Opera House. We now have modern and sustainable engineering systems, an improved indoor environment and greater energy efficiency, while the historic interior has been carefully preserved and restored. It is particularly important that we succeeded in completing this work while the Opera continued its activities. I would like to thank everyone involved in implementing the project, as well as our audiences and employees for their patience during the construction work,” said Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.
One of the project’s most significant challenges was combining modern requirements for energy efficiency, safety and engineering systems with the preservation of the historic authenticity of an architectural monument of national importance. The renovation and restoration work respected the original materials, technologies and historic construction methods.
As a result of the project, the building’s indoor environment and working conditions have been improved, while the foundations have been laid for its sustainable operation in the future.
The project was financed through investment measure 1.2.1.4.i, “Improving Energy Efficiency in Public-Sector Buildings, Including Historic Buildings”, under reform and investment area 1.2, “Improving Energy Efficiency”, of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility plan, as well as from the national budget.
The total cost of the Latvian National Opera building development project amounted to €12,505,202.97. Of this amount, €10,330,983.77 was provided through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while €2,174,219.20 came from the national budget.
Source: opera.lv
