Loodusmaja - Nature House

Address
Vesilennuki 10/12, Tallinn, Estonia

Architecture
KAVAKAVA OÜ

Structural Engineering
Engineered Timber - Makespace OÜ
Reinforced Concrete Structures - Estkonsult OÜ

Interior Architecture
To Be Confirmed

Construction
Nordecon OÜ

Status
Under construction

Photographs
Tõnu Tunnel

Loodusmaja (Nature House), slated for completion in 2026, serves as a new milestone for the Estonian timber sector's engineering prowess. The project is composed of three distinct volumes—the Town House, the Nature Museum, and the Dock—utilising over 4 200 m3 of engineered timber and 8 000 m2 of prefabricated panels to form a cohesive, monolithic ensemble.

The structural heart of the complex is the Dock building, defined by a rhythmic grid of twisted and bent glulam arches. This technically demanding structure required numerous design iterations to perfect its signature Y-connections and internal bridge nodes. A primary challenge was maintaining the architectural purity of the exposed wood while meeting strict R90 fire safety requirements. The visual lightness of the space is further enhanced by a unique hanging glass facade supported by slender glass columns.

In the Town House, the engineering focus was on modular efficiency, utilising prefabricated load-bearing external wall elements and specialised structures for integrated skylights. This office volume is connected to the Dock via a massive timber bridge, demonstrating the seamless integration of diverse structural systems.

The Nature Museum (M-maja) is characterised by its monolithic form and cascading roof gardens, but its true technical uniqueness lies in its rare load-bearing frame. The roof structure features glulam beams in an exceptionally complex arrangement that pushed the limits of modern finite element (FEA) modelling. This specialised system includes unique X-joints and intricate timber-to-concrete connections, all precisely engineered to follow the building's unconventional geometry and slopes.

Realising a project of this magnitude was made possible through rigorous BIM modelling and a comprehensive moisture management plan. During construction, all horizontal surfaces were protected, and the moisture content of the timber was continuously monitored to ensure it remained below 18%. From the museum's cascading gardens to the precision-engineered arches of the dock, Loodusmaja stands as a testament to contemporary wood design.

A building under construction with scaffolding on the front, some windows installed, and construction vehicles parked in front.
Construction site of an interior space with a wooden ceiling structure, support beams and skylights, with a concrete floor and partially finished walls.
Interior of a building under construction with wooden beams on the ceiling, ladders, and construction materials on the floor.
Under construction wooden interior with scaffolding and openings for windows.
Interior view of a building under construction with wooden beams, flooring, and large windows.
Interior of a building under construction with wooden framework, large windows, and exposed wiring.
Interior view of a wooden building under construction with scaffolding and unfinished walls and stairs.
Interior view of a wooden building under construction, showing multiple floors with wooden beams and railings, and a concrete wall on the right side.
Under-construction building with wooden framework, arched ceiling, and scaffolding on the sides, featuring a large open central archway and windows with grid-like coverings.
Construction site of a large indoor building with wooden arches and beams, concrete flooring, and construction materials, with natural light coming through large windows.
Close-up view of a wooden building structure with interlocking beams and platforms.
Interior view of a building under construction featuring wooden curved beams and multiple levels with scaffolding and open spaces.
Interior of a building under construction with wooden walls and framing, visible pipes and wiring on the floor, and multiple windows in the background.
Construction site with cranes and an incomplete building structure near a marina.