PROJECTS
The building is fitted in its specific context in a way that the 5-story volume of the building facing Sõpruse avenue starts to recede with terraces towards the residential area behind the building. As a result the big apartment building has on its morning/south side a private area with roof gardens that are open to the sun.
The rooms facing the gardens have sliding doors and one war day one can connect the two to fully enjoy the terraces. The terraces are covered with clay stone which in comparison with concrete does not accumulate the cold and is warmer and friendlier. The façade is also covered with red clay stone with brown and black “dots” (stones) to add character.
The project is based on the placement set in the zoning plan. Perimetric alignment of the houses along sidewalks on the borders of the lot is common in the Pelgulinna area in Tallinn. But as cardinal points are very important when designing apartment buildings we had to make an exception in this case. While the alignment is followed in the corners of the plot the buildings between have been moved inside as much as possible. This enables to capture more sun on the south side. Additionally, it opened up room for parking spaces on the north side.
From early stages the design took into account an old oak tree which had grown on the previously unused lot into a beautiful tree with a rounded crown. The tree became the accent of the courtyard being surrounded by all the glass-walled balconies of the buildings.
While the comprehensive planning of the historical Kadriorg area in Tallinn is aimed at retaining the cultural and environmental value of wooden architecture surroundings, this building was located in one of the few places where the main architectural type is instead a four story stone building with high floors.
The owner of the building had planned the top floor as the residence and thus a brooch-style stainless steel ornament formed of the person’s initials was placed on the facade of the building.
