DZINTARS

Dzintars Cosmetics Factory Renovation, Riga, Latvia

Client: Dzintars Cosmetics
Design Completion Year: 2021
Site Area / Building Footprint: ~65,300 m² site; ~48,000 m² of buildings

Project Description:
CO2 ZERO's architecture and project management team led a comprehensive renovation of the Dzintars Cosmetics complex, encompassing production, R&D, laboratory, packaging and storage, administrative, and retail facilities. The project transformed an aging heritage site into a high-performing, flexible industrial campus.

Key architectural interventions included:

  • Reconfiguration of production, R&D, lab, and quality control areas to optimize workflow and minimize internal transport distances.

  • Refurbished exhibition hall, store, and e-sales pick-up facilities to integrate the brand image with customer experience.

  • Adaptive, multifunctional design elements built with circular economy principles, including reuse of existing structures, flexible interiors, and provisions for future reinterpretation.

Performance, Efficiency & Lifecycle Value:

  • Upgraded building envelope and service systems (heating, ventilation, lighting) reduced energy demand across production, lab, and office zones.

  • Flexible spatial layouts decrease downtime during process changeovers, enabling more efficient scaling of production.

  • Durable finishes and accessible building systems lower maintenance and renewal costs.

  • Central courtyard reclamation removed vehicular circulation, creating a public-accessible green space, improving microclimate and comfort while reducing cooling loads, and enhancing corporate social value.

Strategic & ROI Impact:

  • Preserved and elevated brand presence, combining heritage and modern science/image, strengthening customer trust and market positioning.

  • Capital expenditure focused on renovation and upgrades rather than new construction, resulting in lower upfront costs and faster return on investment.

  • Improved staff environment and operational efficiencies accelerate R&D and QC processes, speeding the time-to-market for new cosmetic lines while supporting regulatory compliance and innovation cycles.

The renovation exemplifies how heritage industrial sites can be transformed into flexible, energy-efficient, and socially valuable production campuses, balancing sustainability, performance, and brand identity.