This competition design was for a beach complex on the shores of Lake Verevi in the city of Elva. It is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty with unique architectural heritage and a fascinating landscape. The most remarkable buildings here are those in the traditional national style which represent the region’s rich history and culture. New buildings and structures should create an interesting blend of old and new.
GENIUS LOCI = THE SPIRIT OF A PLACE. In planning the new complex, our aim was to devise an architectural solution that was both respectful and respectable but also expressed the place’s genius loci. First and foremost, it had to fit seamlessly into the natural landscape around it. Since the project was completed in contemporary style, it is linked to the local architecture by a recognisably human scale, a clear function and the use of a traditional material (timber). The building is innovative but also seeks to preserve what is unique and beautiful about the nature in Elva.
The concept for the structure and location was based on the idea of creating an attractive and functional recreational space which would suit the typology and feel of the term ‘beach house’. The vibe of the place required the complex to be convenient and to suit its purpose, which is why we planned the building to mostly exist on one easily accessible level. This also meant it fitting in with the topography of the beach and accounting for variations in the weather, including use in winter.
The exterior of the building is designed to resemble two folded pieces of origami paper. They interrelate with a certain dynamism but also balance each other out through partial symmetry. Whether they are most reminiscent of wings which almost touch against the backdrop of the sky, something meandering closer to the ground like sand dunes shaped by the wind or something zoomorphic from the animal kingdom is not equivocally defined. The ideas was to express the aesthetics of nature, a sense of lightness and harmony.
The parts of the building form a physical and symbolic ‘portal’ which serves as a link in the chain between the beach area and the main road. This portal enables all passers-by to enjoy glimpses of the lake and guarantees easy access to the beach from the Tartu road.
The emphasis on the natural environment and landscape incorporates the preservation of the unique pine tree on the site and its acceptance via the architecture of the building. The roof, terraces and main part of the complex are centrally situated around the tree, both showcasing and protecting it. Visitors can enjoy their free time on the terrace in the shade of the tree’s branches.
On the southern side of the building area is the main structure, which is home to a café and sauna complex for year-round use. The building on the northern side houses rooms for lifeguards and equipment hire, auxiliary spaces and toilets for use in summer.
Technical data:
Closed net area: 506.45 m²
