Marienhöfi residents
Location
Kuperjanovi 5/7, Tartu, Estonia
Area
2300 m²
Client
Livida
Design team
Sander Paljak, Grete Liis Nagelmann, Margit Argus
Status
Invited competition
The architectural concept of the residential buildings is inspired by the character of Kuperjanovi Street and the Vaksali neighbourhood, representing a contemporary approach to blending with historical layers.
The aim of Marienhöfi Residences is to enrich the area’s architectural fabric and activate underutilised urban spaces by introducing dignified yet varied architecture.
The attractive urban environment comprises diverse building forms, typologies, volumes, and scales, which complement one another in close proximity. These visual contrasts make the building complex recognisable and unique, helping both residents and visitors to navigate the area while creating a cosy atmosphere for walking and spending time in the cityscape.
The result of this experimental approach is a harmonious yet playful ensemble of buildings born from the need to enhance the sense of place and identity.
VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION
A Harmonious Family of Complementary Buildings
The Marienhof buildings are like relatives, each enhancing the character of the other. The courtyard house features protruding dormers that allow for the creation of balconies and open views towards Vaksali Park and Toomemägi.
The street-facing volume offers more private alcoves with recessed balconies for its residents. Corner-positioned balconies provide multi-directional views, adding to the dynamic experience of the space.
Top-floor residents can enjoy the luxury of both a balcony and a sunny rooftop terrace while remaining secluded from the view of passers-by on the street.
ROOFTOP LANDSCAPE
The new rooftop landscape harmonises with the architectural language of its surroundings, integrating both flat and gable or hipped roofs in the area.
A contemporary interpretation of the hipped roof creates a stepped-back design for the top floor of the street-facing building, blending modern aesthetics with the existing urban fabric.
SUNLIT LIVING ROOMS AND TERRACES
The living rooms and terraces of the apartments are oriented towards the sunniest sides. Apartment layouts are designed based on a solar analysis, ensuring that each apartment receives at least 3 hours of direct sunlight daily.
FAÇADE MATERIALS
The façade of the street-facing building is clad in red bricks, evoking the historical architecture and vaulted cellars of the area. The courtyard building is adorned with black wooden shingles. This elegant combination pays homage to Tartu’s rich historical and architectural heritage.
In Tartu's older districts and surrounding areas, wooden shingles were often used on roofs, a tradition that has regained popularity today due to its aesthetic appeal and sustainability.
ENTRANCES AND PARKING
The entrances to the apartment buildings are located on the courtyard side. While the street-facing building also allows direct access from the street, the overall design prioritises fostering a sense of community. The residential entrances open towards the courtyard, encouraging interactions among neighbours and enhancing the communal atmosphere.
Access to the underground parking is provided via a covered ramp, positioned next to the neighbouring building’s ramp. This solution avoids dividing the courtyard, ensuring it remains a pleasant and safe space for residents to enjoy.
COURTYARD AND LANDSCAPING
The introduction of a separate ramp allows for an uninterrupted courtyard area where both children and adults can move freely around the smaller building. A playground and a barbecue pavilion, set away from street noise, are positioned opposite each other, enabling shared use for larger family gatherings or separate groups.
The leisure area adjacent to the churchyard is designed as a space for spending time together, socialising, and playing, fostering a sense of community and connection among residents.
Courtyard Structures in a Historical Photograph:
The street was formerly known as Maarjamõisa Street (Marienhöfsche Straße). In German, “Hof” translates to courtyard or inner yard, typically referring to the space between buildings or a shared courtyard area.
Site Plan
Street-Facing Building Plans
Courtyard Building Plans
Parking Floor Plan