Saku Gymnasium - Basic School building

Address
Traani tee 1, Saku alevik, Harjumaa, Estonia

Architecture
Salto arhitektid OÜ

Structural Engineering
First stages - Arro & Agasild Inseneribüroo OÜ
Engineered Timber - Makespace OÜ, Novacon OÜ
Reinforced Concrete Structures - Innopolis Insenerid OÜ

Interior Architecture
Pille Lausmäe Sisearhitektuuri Büroo OÜ

Construction
Nordecon AS

Built
2025

Photographs
Tõnu Tunnel

In the Saku Gymnasium Primary School building, wood plays a central role - glulam load-bearing structures run throughout the entire building.

The most striking element of the exterior is undoubtedly the grand canopy. Its glulam load-bearing structures are not merely exposed; they define the building's character. Specialized curved beams, robust branched glulam and steel columns, and intricate, nearly invisible joint solutions create a powerful and cohesive aesthetic. This same post-and-beam design language continues into the building's interior.

The ceiling of the school’s sports hall features 25-meter-long double-tapered glulam beams. This solution is not only cost-effective but also provides the space with a spacious and airy feel. Cleverly integrated ventilation solutions allowed for a slender and optimal result.

Modern building with a curved wooden overhang supported by wooden columns, sidewalk and grassy area with trees in the background, and a bright blue sky with clouds.
Modern building with a wooden covered walkway supported by large wooden columns and beams, bicycle racks nearby, glass windows, and a nearby playground or sports area with a red surface.
Modern building with wooden supports and large glass windows, circular open courtyard with grass and a paved track, blue sky with white clouds.
Interior view of a modern dining area with wooden beams, staircase, and tables with orange and white chairs.
Modern indoor space with orange and gray seating along a glass wall, visible ceiling beams, and a dining area with rows of orange chairs and white tables underneath.
Spacious modern dining hall with wooden beams, pendant lighting, large windows, and white and orange tables and chairs.
Modern interior space featuring wooden ceiling beams, pendant lights, and a staircase with glass railing.
Empty indoor basketball court with wooden flooring, multiple basketball hoops on the walls, large windows at the back letting in natural light, and high ceilings with ceiling lights.
Exterior view of Saku Gymnasium, a modern building with a wooden support structure, brick upper exterior, and large glass windows, surrounded by a paved walkway, landscaping, and a partly cloudy sky.