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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Fahle House in Tallinn, Estonia by KOKO architects

 
September 18th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal

Article source: KOKO architects

Fahle house, which was designed by KOKO, is one of the characteristic examples of architecture during the recent economic boom in Estonia. It is a building that from an architectural point of view was ambitious, from a real estate development point of view risky, and from the heritage protection point of view controversial and received a lot of attention from the public. Situated at one of the main entrances to Tallinn, between the airport and city centre, Fahle house draws the attention of every passer-by. The building is part of the complex of a former cellulose and paper factory where the most outstanding building is the tall and voluminous boiler house (1926) built from limestone and designed by architect Erich Jacoby.

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

  • Architects: KOKO architects
  • Project: Fahle House – An urban landmark at the gates of Tallinn
  • Location: Tallinn, Estonia
  • Client: Koger & Partners
  • Size: 19,400 m2
  • Commission: 2004
  • Completed: 2007

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

The reconstructed Fahle house complex also carries several service and business functions, from beauty salons to a restaurant. Symbolically, the main function of the house is to provide residential spaces because based on KOKO’s designs a six-storey section with apartments was added on top of the old boiler house, on the limestone walls.

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

The interior of the plant had been destroyed by the time reconstruction started and this made it possible to reorganize the internal layout and room division.  Offices and service spaces are mainly located in the historical rooms of the plant. Different sized apartments are located inside the new section with a glass facade, on the roof of the former boiler house. The new section is supported by reinforced concrete beams, which have been hidden between the walls of the boiler house and reach down into the subsoil.

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

The architects tried to preserve and display the historic interior details and the wall and floor surfaces where possible. For example, the hoppers, which were partially preserved, are part of the fourth floor offices and apartments. These hoppers were funnels made from reinforced concrete, which were used to direct wood mass into the gigantic boilers. The boilers were destroyed but their locations are marked using circles on the ceilings and floors.

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Located at the gates of Tallinn, Fahle house with its conceptually clear and self-aware yet playful architecture stimulates the desires of the passers-by, encourages them to imagine life in this large green aquarium with the best views in the capital. It is a modern, chic and stylish living environment, which is meant for a self-aware, wealthy, youthful customer, and an environment that supports and cultivates an urban elitist life-style.

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Recognition:

2007 London Design Museum / Design of the Year / Category: achitecture / Shortlisted as finalist

2006 Cultural Endowment of Estonia / Annual Prize for Architecture

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Image Courtesy © KOKO architects

Tags: ,

Categories: Apartments, Building, complex, Mixed use, Renovation, Residential, Restaurant, Salon




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