![House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_11.jpg)
House on Zaru Street by Open AD
These twin residences in Riga, Latvia, mirror one another exactly, except that one is clad in timber and the other in blackened steel.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_1.jpg)
The conjoined two-storey homes are collectively named House on Zaru Street and were designed by Latvian architects Open AD.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_23.jpg)
Two rectangular box-frames surround each house, overhanging to shelter terraces at either end and balconies at the rear.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_2.jpg)
Recessed glass channels wrap around the building to divide it into quarters, providing entrances, windows and additional balconies.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/IMG_9284.jpg)
Both houses contain open-plan living areas on the ground floor and two en-suite bedrooms above.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_22.jpg)
This is the second house by Open AD featured on Dezeen within a week - see also a house and terrace surrounded by metallic grey beams.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_13.jpg)
Photography is by Maris Lagzdins.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_21.jpg)
Here's some more information from the architects:
House on Zaru street
By its structure the house is twin-house, in which lives two different persons, so both facades are developed in different materials- one is made in greyish vetical wood, other- in black metal.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_9.jpg)
The closing terrace components of the house are solved identical- in black wood, which visually is merging the building in one extent.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_12.jpg)
Side facades are dividend by vertical accent which is side entrance and balcony on second floor.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_10.jpg)
Each part of house is about 160 sq.m, which are functionally well- considered.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_7.jpg)
On first floor there is one spacious room with living, dining and kitchen area.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_8.jpg)
In connective part is common entrace hall, facilities, and heating room.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_17.jpg)
On second floor are two bedrooms, each with its own facilites, and wardrobe.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_19.jpg)
Zaru street 12, Riga.
Year: 2007-2009
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_18.jpg)
Project, realization: architect Zane Tetere, Open AD
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_4.jpg)
Interior: architect Zane Tetere, participating M. Petersons
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_24.gif)
Landscape architect: Linda Zala.
![House on Zaru Street by Open AD5 House on Zaru Street by Open AD](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/08/dezeen_House-on-Zaru-Street-by-Open-AD_25.gif)
Sketches: architect Andis Silis "SZK"