Nominee for the annual award of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects 2024
Architecture, Interior architecture
Margit Aule, Laura Ojala (LUMIA)
Margit Argus, Katariina Teigar (studio ARGUS)
Liis Tarbe, Karina Krestinov-Priddle
Patterns
Kristiina Ribelus
Engineering
Projekt O2
Commissioned by
Riigi Kinnisvara, Rahandusministeerium
Construction
Tartu Ehitus
Photos
Terje Ugandi
Location
Kesk tn 12, Valga

Näita kaardil
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TAGASI

The government building and courthouse in Valga, originally completed in the early 20th century and renovated in 2023, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful architectural gems in Southern Estonia. The interiors of this heritage-protected building have been designed to be comfortable, cosy, and spacious, offering diverse workspaces and pleasant relaxation areas. The renovation followed an innovative spatial program that pays deep homage to Jugendstil, seamlessly intertwining it with a bright, modern design. At the heart of the building, taking pride of place, are the historical wall patterns and ornaments that were uncovered from layers of history and restored and painted by Kristiina Ribelius. This outstanding work invites admiration for hours. Praise is well-deserved for the architects, interior architects and all contributors involved in the project. The renovation of the building serves as a textbook example of an exemplary result and collaboration, even for a project full of challenges. Everyone has put their heart into their work!
Annely Jõgeva, Communications Manager at State Real Estate

All over Estonia, government buildings are being built in cooperation between State Real Estate and the Ministry of Finance. They’re hubs for various public services and are shared by different agencies. In late 2023, one such government building was opened in the southern town of Valga and the community’s former county government building was renovated for that purpose. For visitors, government service centres have to be convenient and logically structured places to conduct affairs with government agencies. Valga’s government building is an exemplary success as 17 agencies operate in the building.

The architects and interior architects of the Valga government building were no strangers to working with historical buildings and have plenty of prestigious experience: the Art Nouveau style Valga County government building, designed by Riga architect Wilhelm Rössler and Estonian Herbert Johanson and built in 1917, has been given an attractive and elegant redesign to suit it to today’s needs. The building, which is under heritage protection, was treated with respect and the architects preserved as much of the existing structures and details as they could. The building gives off ambience and refinement of historical architecture, yet the interior also has up to date, comfortable furniture and modern wiring and communication lines.

Developing the floor plans proved quite complicated since the architect team had to find a compromise between the requests from many agencies. Very few of the walls were changed or doorways plugged up, nearly everything is the way it was historically. Some of the tenants, though, had special requests. For example, the Tartu County Court’s Valga courthouse is also seated here, so special movement routes for police convoys directly into the courtroom had to be designed, these being subject to strict security requirements. The most striking features of the courtrooms are wooden coats of arms, crafted by hand in Estonia.

The result is distinguished and tasteful – the county government building has become a contemporary, functional and energy-efficient office building with modern and convenient work conditions and most important, pleasant for visitors.