Suurupi House extension bit by bit have extra rooms been added to the one-storey private house, designed in 1998 and built in 1999. In the first phase the house was a simple wooden “matchbox” which had to satisfy the humble needs of a young family with children, one of which being a sustainable building.
Photography by © Tarvo Varres
The family grew, the children got older and the living space had to be enlarged; firstly the terrace was added as an extension of the living room, then after a couple of years the need to store things rose and an economy room had to be built, and again after a few years the thought of increasing comfort came up and the outside pool was added, and then, during 2008-9, also another floor with sauna and relaxing room.
Photography by © Tarvo Varres
The modest “matchbox” has been made bigger in time, the drawer was stretched out further and further until it came out of the box and could be placed, crosswise, on top as a first floor and could be covered with tangled matches.That is how the first floor looks: a box covered with crisscrossed sticks which resembles an angular bird’s nest, a ball of hay that is pressed together, a tangle of boards, all of which glows in the dark.
Photography by © Tarvo Varres
Project Info:
Architects: Arhitektid Muru & Pere
Project Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Project Year: 2009
Project Area: 320.0 sqm
Photographs: Tarvo Varres
Interior Design: Kaido Kivi
Project Team: Urmas Muru, Peeter Pere, Anna -Maria Erik
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.