Introduction:
Creative Fuel, a group of creative companies had looked for a long time a place to gather all companies under one roof to encourage collaboration between people. We were involved with this search for some time and finally found this very location, Culture Cauldron (Kultuurikatel) near Tallinn’s Old Harbour.
Location:
The Culture Cauldron is a former power plant which was originally built in the 19th century and later included various additions in the 20th century. Buildings are listed as heritage monuments and are owned by the city of Tallinn. The vision of the renovation project was created and executed by architects of Kavakava Arhitektid during 2009 – 2015. Their approach was based on simple principles of spatial organization to meet the needs of creative users. The key for the project was openness, represented well by the continuous common space through the complex. It intertwines different halls for performing and rehearsal, club spaces, studios, offices. The venue even hosted a main venue for 2017, when Estonia holds presidency of the Council of the EU.
We found the complex very attractive from the first visit when the original renovation project was still under way. The complex has various spaces and elements including the monumental generator room till the soaring chimney. We understood the wish of the architect of the renovation project, and we immediately decided to continue the path they created.
Spatial organisation:
We felt that the complex has strong potential for the hub which the client envisioned. The first task was to solve logistics by finding a way to organise the movement of people spread on 5 different levels stretched between 3 staircases. We decided to direct people first to the monumental atrium. This atrium accommodates the main entrance and the common space including an open seating area with a mini kitchen. The common space is accentuated by enclosed rooms including conference rooms in different settings.
We placed the work place to the upper floors. We examined the existing room thoroughly, visiting each room, niche, corridor and checking view through window to satisfy each company’s particular needs in its best way.
Materials:
We amplified the contrast between old and new, juxtaposing robust surface with clean and calm ones, and used mirrors where to reflect rather hide itself in the surroundings.
At the same time, we try not to overwhelm the existing with our intervention. The original materials of exposed concrete, steel, brick were left uncovered. We could incorporate some parts of the machines and wall openings into our design. We even let the builder’s marking and graffiti stay on the walls.
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Year
2015-2016
Status
Completed
Size
1330 m2
Client
Creative Fuel OÜ
Design team
Tomomi Hayashi / Hayashi-Grossschmidt Arhitektuur (HGA)
Mari Põld / T43 Sisearhitektid
Ahti Grünberg/ T43 Sisearhitektid
Tõnis Kalve/ T43 Sisearhitektid
Awards
Nominated for the annual Prize of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects, 2018
Photographer for the provided interiors:
Tõnu Tunnel
hello@tonutunnel.com
