Kalamaja Primary School

2025 / Competition entry/ 7630 m2

Category: Education, Public,

Authors: Lisette Eriste, Gert Guriev, Karin Harkmaa, Markus Kaasik, Sofya Smirnova

Origami is a competition entry for the extension of Kalamaja School, designed to integrate sensitively into the historic urban fabric at the corner of Vabriku and Tõllu streets. Positioned between the dignified old school building and the monumental Salme Cultural Centre, the new volume creates a spatial balance and introduces modern learning and community spaces.

The design draws inspiration from Kalamaja’s characteristic rooflines, reinterpreting them in a contemporary form that gives the building a clear and distinctive identity. Two key spatial axes – the play axis and Tõllu Park – connect the school with the surrounding urban landscape, opening previously closed areas to the wider community.

The building is functionally simple and logistically efficient, allowing the school to be used outside of teaching hours. The spatial concept supports modern learning methods, is energy-efficient, and considers natural ventilation, daylight, and rainwater management. Origami is a spatial shift-maker that strengthens Kalamaja’s identity and opens the school to the city.