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Proposal for Kuressaare Vocartional School Dormitory

Proposal for Kuressaare Vocartional School Dormitory

2026 / III prize/ 2841 m2

Category:Public, Educational

Authors: Lisette Eriste, Gert Guriev, Helin Kuldkepp, Markus Kaasik

MARAN reorganises the Kuressaare Vocational School campus and creates a clear urban frontage along Vallimaa Street. Positioned along the street edge, the building frames the school grounds, establishes a more block-like spatial character and connects the new student residence to the existing building through a folded form. The spatial backbone of the campus is the inner courtyard and pedestrian path linking the buildings, from which a series of green pauses, resting areas and car-free courtyards emerge.

The outdoor space prioritises pedestrians and connects a more public shared area with quieter spaces for rest, learning and activity. The proportion of greenery is increased to 30%, existing mature trees are preserved as much as possible, and local meadow plant communities are introduced to support biodiversity and improve the microclimate. Permeable surfaces help direct rainwater into the ground on site. Materials from the demolished dormitory are reused both in the outdoor areas and in the construction of the new building.

The architectural concept is based on the pitched-roof volume characteristic of Kuressaare, which MARAN shifts and reinterprets in a contemporary way. The displaced roof ridge creates a more representative and taller volume towards the street, while the courtyard side remains lower and calmer in scale.

Red ceramic roof and façade tiles connect the building to the local building tradition, while dark red dormer windows give the volume rhythm and character.

The first floor is public and accessible to all, connecting the foyer, classrooms, gym and the vocational school courtyard. The accommodation programme begins on the second floor, providing greater privacy for the students.

The prefabricated timber element structure enables an economical and repetitive spatial logic, the shading layer facing the street improves the indoor climate, and the clear zoning of the accommodation units supports shared living, studying and private rest.