Designed by Kavakava Architects, The Tartu Health Care College defining a friendly co-existence between a small scale private housing and large healthcare institutions in the park. The new college building is located in between two dormitories to maintain the buffer zone between private houses and large buildings.
photography by © Martin Siplane
The design solution is based on the need for sufficient natural light in all dormitories and classrooms. Each floor steps back, creating interesting interior spaces and communication with the existing dormitory. The latter side has an open character with large glass surfaces whereas the more confined outward side has a red brick cladding similar to the existing dormitories. The college building tries to step into the context as an unexpected yet interesting partner.
photography by © Martin Siplane
The new and the existing buildings are connected on the ground floor level. The interior space has two defining elements: the core – a library and information center with a cafeteria; and the big staircase, following the gradient rise of the building itself, providing visual connection of all floors and all main activities of the building.
Local (brick) and renewable (timber) building materials are used. A structure has considerable thermal mass and natural ventilation options to reduce cooling costs. A building is connected to the central heating system.
photography by © Martin Siplane
Project Info:
Architects: Kavakava Architects
Project Year: 2011
Project Area: 6480.0 sqm
Project Location: Estonia, Tartu
Interior Design: Tarmo Piirmets PINK
Photographs: Jaan Sokk, Martin Siplane
Architect in Charge: Siiri Vallner, Indrek Peil
Project Name: Tartu Health Care College
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.