Building for the community. Salto AB in Sõmeru Estonia.

This community centre in Sõmeru, northern Estonia, is designed by the architects from the young Salto AB firm and the project communicates with its context and with its users.



This single-storey, multipurpose building has a total area of 2400 square metres and contains a public library, an auditorium, a senior citizen’s club and parish administration offices - four functions under a single, undulating roof.





LNo architectural references could be garnered from the anonymous setting so the Estonian-based firm of architects, Salto AB decided to base the design of the building on nature, relating it to the large fields in the suburb of Rakvere.





Hence, the themes of hay or straw have become the common denominators for both the envelope and the interiors. Multicoloured wooden beams are applied vertically as cladding for the façade and inside, the timber elements hang from the ceiling like straws, creating an accent as a contrast to the black walls.



The three internal courtyards provide a focus for the building, making the rooms of the centre more spacious and providing them with natural light.





Each of these semi-public spaces has a different function: the library’s green courtyard is like an intimate, private garden; the central courtyard has a timber deck for outdoor activities; the biggest of three is attached to the administration offices and faces partly onto the street, providing a point of contact with passersby and with the locals who use this new community hub.

Architect: Salto AB, http://www.salto.ee/
Authors: Maarja Kask, Karli Luik, Ralf Lõoke, Kristiina Arusoo, Margit Argus
Location: Sõmeru, Lääne-Viru county, Estonia
Competition: 2004 (1st prize)
Completed: 2010
Photos:
Other links: Straw Theatre