Middle school in Pelgulinn district, Tallinn,
design: Arhitekt Must
Pelgulinna Riigigümnaasium (PERG) is a middle school located on the edge of Merimetsa forest in Pelgulinn, a district of Tallinn. The design of the educational facility, developed by the Architekt Must studio, was selected through a competition. The architects' vision was to create one of the largest wooden facilities in Estonia.
A vision of modern environmental education - environmentally friendly construction
The building harmoniously integrates modern solutions with the surrounding nature, creating a harmonious space conducive to learning and development. The idea for the construction of a wooden school was already born in the regulations of an architectural competition aimed at creating a facility specializing in environmental education. The building was to demonstrate the possibilities of environmentally friendly construction, minimizing the negative impact on the environment.
The wooden facade of Pelgulinna State Secondary School reflects the symbiosis of modern architecture with the natural surroundings of the Merimetsa forest
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
Architecture in symbiosis with the landscape - a marriage of wooden architecture and nature
The school's location on the edge of the Merimetsa forest creates a gateway between urban space and natural surroundings. The building, the landscape and the forest engage in a mutually supportive dialogue, creating an integrated whole that sometimes intermingles. In addition to the outdoor learning opportunities, this connection can also occur through the aesthetics of the materials used - the wood on the facade lives a life of its own and will turn gray over time.
A bird's-eye view of Pelgulinna State Secondary School - Arhitekt Must's premise was to create one of the largest wooden buildings in Estonia
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
A microcosm of education - a permeation of zones at Pelgulinna Secondary School
The building is designed to accommodate 1080 students and 120 teachers. It is like a small world in a nutshell - like a city with its own streets, spacious squares, views and symbolic attributes that provide users with an inspiring environment conducive to learning not only in classrooms, but also in various other places, both inside and outside.
A bird's-eye view of Pelgulinna State Secondary School, designed by Arhitekt Must - the building's minimalist composition consists of harmoniously arranged square blocks that fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape, while creating a modern and functional educational space
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
natural interior elements
conducive to interaction
The role of the central interior plaza is played by a wooden staircase on three levels, mimicking the natural hillside and connecting all floors into a single unit.
The staircase at Pelgulinna State Secondary School, designed by Arhitekt Must studio, connects all floors into a cohesive whole, mimicking the natural slopes of the land
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
The irregular form encourages creative use of this space - for learning, communication or hosting larger events.
first floor plan
© Arhitekt Must
Pelgulinna Riigigümnaasium wood architecture
Wood was used in the widest and most varied way possible. In addition to acting as a load-bearing structure, it was used to create smooth benches, perforated acoustic panels and a delicate balustrade.
The various uses of wood in the building, from acoustic panels to aesthetic details, show its versatility and elegance
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
The façade is also an important element - the wooden lattice acts as a sun control and creates a landscape for benches and nooks along the building. The lattice, nearly a meter deep, helps break down the rigid boundaries between the inside and outside of the school.
The wooden trellis designed by Arhitekt Must surrounding the building emphasizes its natural character, and creates a dynamic play of light and shadow - it not only serves an aesthetic function, but also effectively regulates the sunlight, creating a pleasant atmosphere both inside and outside the building
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
Pelgulinn Gymnasium's exhibition alley
- art and nature in one
In the outdoor area, space has also been designed for a variety of artistic and creative activities. Along the main avenue is an open-air gallery where students have the opportunity to transform the surrounding landscape each year through their projects, including exhibitions.
A bird's-eye view of the minimalist plaza at Pelgulinna State Secondary School
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel © Arhitekt Must
It has to be said that the north makes great use of wood, creating architecture even at the edge of the forest, though not necessarily in completely abandoned places.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Arhitekt Must studio.
