
The historic machinery hall of the A.M. Luther furniture factory, completed in 1912 and designed by architects Nikolai Vasilyev and Aleksei Bubyr from St. Petersburg, is a preserved, valuable example of industrial architecture from that era. The building's use ceased in 2004, although it had been placed under heritage protection as early as 1997. Before its reconstruction, the building stood empty and dilapidated for over a decade, in a dangerously poor condition.
During the reconstruction project, a balance had to be found between heritage protection requirements and the needs of a modern work environment. It was particularly important to preserve the building's impressive air of space – a high and light-filled area with a double glass roof that felt almost like a sacred space.
The building's spatial division is based on three architectural concepts: the 'plaza,' a central meeting area; the 'plane,' a single-level open office for the anchor tenant, Äripäev; and the 'row house,' a multi-level office for smaller tenants. These different zones create a dynamic and diverse work environment.
In the project's execution, an effort was made to preserve as much of the original concrete structure as possible, while new elements – such as intermediate floors and steel structures – were added in contrasting materials and colors. Plywood was used extensively, referencing the building's former function as a place of plywood production. The facade, built from local limestone, and the large windows were preserved as close to the original as possible.
The project is a good example of how industrial heritage can be revitalized and transformed into a modern and functional space, while simultaneously preserving its historical value and spatial identity.
Architectural competition for the new development of the Luther Quarter
1st place, Invited Competition