The construction of external engineering networks and monolithic reinforced concrete structures has been completed. Construction of the load-bearing timber structures and roofing for the warehouse-cooler building is well underway. The assembly of the timber structures for the other buildings of the complex has also started.
The construction of all buildings is expected to be fully completed by winter, with interior works and internal communications then being started.

Aigars Veitmans, Member of the Management Board of AS Latvijas Finieris:

“The construction of the new complex in Zābaki is progressing according to the planned schedule, and it is a pleasure to watch how, with the cooperation of such a wide range of stakeholders, the wooden buildings are being built day by day, with the new view and layout of the area already being marked in the territory and landscape.”

Despite the fact that the construction of individual wooden buildings in Latvia is gradually increasing, there are not many such projects in the industrial category in Latvia.

Jānis Gertmanis, architect at Mark Arhitekti, says:

“Wood is used in the Zābaki project, not only in the structures but also in the interior and exterior finishes of the building. The exterior wood finishes attempt to learn from the perhaps forgotten knowledge of Latvian rural architecture, allowing them to be natural and breathable.

The functionality and internal logistics of the complex, the orderly environment, the layout of the buildings and their design, the interrelation of buildings and spaces and the landscaping of the site were all very important considerations in the design to make the planned use more comfortable and suitable for the end user.

We are delighted with the client’s desire and courage to create an environmentally responsible complex that uses renewable resources both in construction and in the life cycle of the building. We appreciate the fact that Latvijas Finieris, which has a long history of using wood in construction, was interested in developing and finding the best solutions, involving experts and sharing knowledge and experience.”

The design and construction of the wooden building complex at Zābaki is being carried out in close cooperation with Latvian scientists as it introduces new wood construction solutions for non-traditional uses. One of the project partners is the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute (MeKA).

Andrejs Domkins, its director, says:

“Although there is a perception that we know how to work with wood, it is a new and unfamiliar material in modern construction, which creates many unknowns and even fears for designers and builders. We appreciate the courage of Latvijas Finieris to not only carry out such a project but to do it together with researchers. Wood is used in unusual environments and conditions in Zābaki, so the research during this project will contribute significantly to the future use of wood in construction projects in Latvia and beyond.

This site is unique – in that wood is also used in an aggressive environment – cold. We are also investigating how wood will react in inverse building physics and how it will ‘behave’ with other materials in this environment.”

The new tree nursery building complex is scheduled for completion in 2025 and is being built by UPB in cooperation with subcontractors.

“We are delighted to be a partner in this unique timber building complex, providing both the necessary CLT (cross-laminated timber) solid wood panels and their assembly. This project is definitely an important step in the development of the Latvian construction industry, and we believe that it will not only show the potential of wood but will also become an example for the whole world,”

says Andris Dlohi, Member of the Management Board and owner of CLT Profi.

It has already been reported that in order to ensure the storage of saplings during the winter period and to improve the overall infrastructure, Latvijas Finieris has started an ambitious development project for the Zābaki tree nursery in Sigulda Municipality. The new wood building complex will combine several functionalities: it will be a warehouse-cooler for birch saplings, which will reduce the loss of finished products and ensure that customers receive the saplings at their preferred time in spring, as well as create a modern working environment for the tree nursery’s employees. But most importantly, the new cooler building will be the first example of this type of cooler solution in the form of a wooden building.