Topping out Ceremony of the New Student Hostel

The topping out ceremony of the new RSU student hostel at 5 Dārza Street was held on Wednesday, 7 June.

The topping out ceremony is a builders’ rite traditionally marking an important stage of the construction process when the shape of the building can already be seen and the roof framing structure has been installed. According to Latvian tradition, a topping-out wreath is placed on the topmost beam of the constructed building to symbolise a good mutual relationship between owners and builders and to bless the future of the building. This is a moment when all persons involved in the construction process can come together to celebrate the first fruits of their common efforts.

The event was attended by prof. Jānis Gardovskis, Rector of Rīga Stradiņš University, Anda Čakša, Minister for Health, Andris Ameriks, Deputy Chair of Rīga City Council, Natālija Šilova, Chair of RSU Student Union, and Ainārs Leitēns, SIA Velve, Chair of the Board.

The main construction works on the site have been completed, likewise the external wall blockwork and insulation at the basement level are almost finished. The external low intensity current and electrical power networks have been installed; external water supply, sewage and rainwater collection systems are already in place, whereby the construction of the heating main is still in process. Currently work is underway on the  window installation and installation of aluminium façade elements, the construction of inner ventilation, sewerage and heating networks and work on the installation of inner low intensity current network and other interior finishing works are ongoing.

This will be the first student hostel constructed from the ground up in the restored Republic of Latvia. The new student hostel will be a three-storey building with a basement floor covering the area of 5401.4 sqm and will offer 135 rooms, two of which will be adjusted to the needs of people in wheelchairs. The new building will also have study and recreation facilities, underground parking, a parking lot and a special bicycle parking facility. SIA Velve is responsible for the development of the construction project, construction of the building, author supervision and provision of the construction guarantee.