Conversion of Tartu mnt 53 Office Building into Apartments
in collaboration with LÄVI Interior Architects – Project Lead: Kristjan Urke
This project involved the complete transformation of a former office building into apartments. The process required strategic redesign, creative material reuse, and careful adaptation to the building’s original structure. The result is a bold and raw interior concept that celebrates imperfection and authenticity.
Under the guidance of Kristjan Urke, I was responsible for project management and coordination of the interior architecture development. The complexity of the project included adapting existing technical systems, preserving key structural elements, and designing fully functional residential spaces within the original office layout.
The interior concept embraces an industrial aesthetic:
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Exposed structures, visible beams and pillars
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Raw, imperfect surfaces: cracked and uneven walls, repaired and partially repainted or lacquered finishes
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DIY-inspired furniture and detailing
Materials: limestone, brick, concrete, plaster, epoxy floors, painted wood/plywood, full-color MDF and laminated boards.
Color palette: nature-inspired pastels – sky blue, sunset tones, greens – providing warmth and balance to the otherwise raw textures.
Public/shared zones are designed with theatrical compositions using decorative elements, vintage design pieces, and layered materials. Flooring in common areas mixes new and old: exposed concrete, ceramic tiles, epoxy, and metal or composite grates.
Apartment interiors combine functionality with expressive design:
- Mosaic parquet flooring creates a sense of depth and openness
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Sanitary rooms and kitchens use contrasting elements like epoxy or ceramic tile flooring, exposed stone walls, and custom paneling
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Practical open shelving and soft room dividers (curtains, shelving units) maintain flexibility
- Lighting and accessories add warmth and intimacy
Each apartment balances robust structure with softness, offering a home-like feeling inside a shell that celebrates the building’s history.
ABOUT
- Nortal HQ
- Depowise HQ
- T53 - apartment building
- Exhibition stands for Estonian Trademark
- Kalev Brand Store – Design Competition Entry
- Viimsi Riviera - apartment building
- Graf Zeppelin - apartments
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Mustjala boarding house
- Kuressaare day center
- RMK - State Forest Managment Centre
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