Nominee for the annual award of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects 2024
Architecture
Sten Ader (SKAD Arhitektid)
Interior architecture
Marita Mätas, Kätlin Ölluk (Aeris)
Landscape architecture
Kivisilla
Engineering
Triin Sigus (Kavern)
Commissioned by
Eraisik
Construction
Lahever Ehitus
Photos
Tõnu Tunnel
Location
Tallinn

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I am very pleased with the work done and the results achieved. In particular, I would highlight the consistently excellent choice of finishing materials and the cohesive lighting design. If I had to choose one standout space, my favorite would be the kitchen. The interior architects deserve nothing but praise. The collaboration went seamlessly, and more time and effort were dedicated to achieving the desired outcome than I, as the client, could have expected. Nothing that might have caused dissatisfaction was allowed to slip through during construction – they were fully committed to the project. This kind of dedication benefits both the final result and the client.
House owner

This home built under the pine trees of an urban forest has an airy, soft interior that makes indoor life inviting in every season and in all weather. The interior architecture offers plentiful light, shadow and views, fostering ideal conditions for a quiet retreat.

The interior architecture is based on the principle of circular motion: all of the living zones can be walked through on a circuitous trajectory, doing away with little alcoves and numerous doors, creating clearly defined spaces that facilitate movement. As a result, the house has separate blocks of space that fill a larger interior.

Entering through the front door and walking through the foyer, one reaches a spacious kitchen that offers an expansive area for the family or friends to gather. The cosy living room on the lower level is set off from the kitchen by a stair that is the heart of the house. It was not easy to design it – the interior architects had to put plenty of effort into getting the form of the stair to meld with the overall appearance of the building and be more than just a functional element. The stair had to embody the same fluid identity as the rest of the interior. Spaciousness was added by glass barriers that enhance visibility and allow the living room and kitchen to be organically integrated.

The yard side of the house culminates in a home spa, and here, too, the circular motion principle applies: there are no separate rooms or designs for each. The spa is located in a separate wing that can be connected to the living areas in a straight line or, if necessary, separated. The pool and sauna afford nice views of the surroundings.

The carefully arranged and framed views are indeed the keywords of this home. Both from the ground floor and the more private area upstairs, the surrounding urban nature can be seen and one’s mind can wander.The carefully designed views extend far into the distance and in places also run lengthwise along the house, complemented by tastefully designed lighting. The lighting is oriented in two directions: soft lighting upward from the cornices, and also top-down, emphasizing specific areas and features.

The overall challenge level of the project was increased by the fact that some of the materials proved difficult to source, so alternatives had to be found. The close cooperation and productive communication with the commissioner proved key. The knowledgeable owner was motivated to work with the interior architects to achieve the best possible solution, which is now a reality.