Estonia’s contemporary architecture scene is not only feverishly fertile at the moment - even in the current downturn - but, in terms of diversity of design, many of its recent achievements are quite remarkable.
This is perhaps due in no small part to the rise of a young (and dynamic) generation of architects since Estonian Independence in 1991, when the country emerged from a protracted period of occupation - most notably by the Soviet Union.
A sense of freedom in terms of architectural expression is palpable and, as a result, a whole slew of buildings, embracing experimentation and innovation, have formed an intrinsic part of the rapid program of economic, social and cultural reform that followed the country’s independence.
Key contemporary buildings - including Head’s Tartu Kindergarten and Museum of Occupations in Tallinn; SALTO’s recently unveiled Sportshall for the Estonian University of Life Sciences; and the remarkable AIA housing development in Tallinn by Kosmos - evince a sensitivity to site and tradition, yet formally and intellectually, they respond with an energy bordering on bravura.
Elsewhere, Muru and Pere’s Suurupi House and Koko’s Roseni 7 development acknowledge that a nod to the avant-garde can work in both private and public realms. And Emil Urbel’s bespoke contemporary villas, as domestic dwelling exemplars, could feature on any global design stage.
Estonia has, for the best part of 20 years, been able to nurture a unique and dynamic architectural culture. Hopefully, this wave of achievements will continue to flourish.
Architect: Muru & Pere OÜ
Project: Suurupi House, Suurupi, Estonia
Client: Mait Rõõmusaar
Website: www.vamp.ee
Muru and Pere have taken what was essentially a simple wooden ’matchbox’, one-storey private house, and added a series of unusual spatial augmentations to create a large bespoke family home, ultimately better suited to the growing needs of a young family. Initially, the original living space was extended out to a newly created terrace, yet more recently an outside pool, as well as another floor with sauna and relaxation room, have been created. This new first floor, which has been pulled out of the matchbox and placed crosswise, has been covered with ’tangled matches’ which resembles an angular bird’s nest, or ball of pressed hay - an effect that’s heightened when it glows in the dark.
Photography: Tarvo Varres.
Site Area: 1264m²
Built Area: 303m²
Project: Suurupi House, Suurupi, Estonia
Client: Mait Rõõmusaar
Website: www.vamp.ee
Muru and Pere have taken what was essentially a simple wooden ’matchbox’, one-storey private house, and added a series of unusual spatial augmentations to create a large bespoke family home, ultimately better suited to the growing needs of a young family. Initially, the original living space was extended out to a newly created terrace, yet more recently an outside pool, as well as another floor with sauna and relaxation room, have been created. This new first floor, which has been pulled out of the matchbox and placed crosswise, has been covered with ’tangled matches’ which resembles an angular bird’s nest, or ball of pressed hay - an effect that’s heightened when it glows in the dark.
Photography: Tarvo Varres.
Site Area: 1264m²
Built Area: 303m²
