Virmalise quarter
2022 / Competition entry/ 4086m2
Category: Residential, Concept,
Authors: Gert Guriev, Lisette Eriste, Markus Kaasik, Jana Pärn
The new residential building at Virmalise 3 fits into the changing urban fabric of the city centre in a way that brings more openness and greenery to the block. Next to the denser, perimeter-style development planned on the neighbouring Kristiina plot, Virmalise 3 is deliberately more spacious – the relationship between the building and the site leaves more light and room along the street and ties in with the 1960s free-standing housing nearby (Virmalise 5). Towards Väike-Ameerika Street, the volume continues the character of the perimeter block and clearly defines the Virmalise / Kristiina street corner.
Existing tall trees play an important role in shaping the living environment. The site plan places the new building within two distinct courtyards – one more private, one more communal – edged with mature greenery. On the Virmalise Street side, additional planting, including a group of fruit trees, is proposed to create a cosy shared courtyard for residents.
The building volume is articulated in response to its surroundings and the green structure. Entrances are located at the breaks in the volume, linked by an internal “street” connecting the courtyards and creating a natural, characterful arrival sequence. Towards Virmalise Street the building has four main floors, with the fifth set back to form stepped terraces. This softens the façade and opens the upper-floor apartments to more light and views.
The floor plan is compact and efficient: an economical stair–lift core is complemented by a small glazed foyer facing the inner courtyards, adding generosity to the shared space. Thanks to the articulation of the volume, most apartments can be designed as corner units, and all have their own outdoor space – deep, plantable terraces on the ground floor and larger stepped terraces with greenery potential on the upper levels. The ground floor is slightly raised to provide greater privacy for terraces and window openings.
