Estonia's First Spa Resort Opens on the Shore of Lake Peipus in Ida-Viru County

Located on the shores of Lake Peipsi and between the primeval forests of Alutaguse, Kurro nature spa is unique in its concept, location, and construction solutions.

The construction of Kurro nature spa began in August 2024, and over two years, a modern wellness center has risen on the shores of Lake Peipsi, combining quality accommodation, spa and restaurant services, and architecture that values the natural environment. The main contractors for the construction were Nordecon AS and Embach Ehitus OÜ, whose cooperation created an extensive complex designed to blend into the surrounding nature and support the region's development as a valuable tourist destination. The architects of Kurro are Kuu architects, interior design was created by Kaire Kemp-Tišler (ArtAku), and landscape architecture by Kino Maastikuarhitektid.

„The creation of Kurro was an ambitious undertaking, the goal of which was to create a place where modern comfort and the tranquility of nature form a unified whole. It is a great joy to note that it is now complete and all guests can now enjoy this beautiful place," said Andres Salusaar, Chairman of the Board of Embach Ehitus OÜ.

The building complex consists of four parts. An 8-story hotel building offering wonderful views of the lake and forest, connected to a lower group of buildings set into the landscape with private rooms, and a diverse restaurant, spa and sauna complex. All building sections are conveniently connected for visitors through both above-ground floors and a shared underground floor, where technical spaces and a parking garage are located.

„With Kurro, we didn't simply build a hotel, we sought to create an entirely unique world – a place that respects the surrounding nature and where every detail supports the guest's ability to slow down. This means that many solutions were unconventional and not always the simplest. We are very grateful to the builders and all partners who embraced this ambition, searched for solutions together with us, and helped bring the vision to genuine life. Today, as the house quietly fills with guests, it is especially pleasant to see what those two intensive years of work were for," said Killu Maidla, Managing Director of Kurro nature spa.

The architectural solution of Kurro presented builders with almost as many challenges as the changeable weather around Lake Peipsi, and the created solution reflects nature itself in every corner. The complex is segmented, winding, angular, with many different facade and roof solutions. Such a labyrinth of interconnected buildings at various angles means more complex joints and technical solutions for the builder.

„Simple solutions were not chosen for Kurro, here everything is focused on visual and technological high standards and harmony with nature, which has been quite a puzzle for us as builders," commented Tarmo Pohlak, Member of the Board of Nordecon AS. „When you look around Kurro, you see wood almost everywhere. Wood is a very beautiful, timeless and natural material, but using it on such a large scale brings many challenges – weather resistance, enhanced fire safety requirements, etc. This cannot be compared to simple drywall and paint, the complexity of wood begins already in the choice of raw material, in production, and continues through installation and maintenance."

As a special and interesting solution, Pohlak also highlights, for example, waterfalls and ponds in interior courtyards, where Kurro's koi fish live. Year-round outdoor interior courtyard water systems must work flawlessly to provide suitable habitat for the fish, regardless of whether it is plus or minus 25 degrees outside.

Kurro is seeking a LEED environmental certificate, which provides both the community and clients with an additional assurance of the environmentally conscious construction process and future management of the comprehensive solution.

The completion of Kurro has been supported by many Estonian companies, including several local businesses from Virumaa. The total cost of the spa hotel reached 37 million euros, of which the European Union's Just Transition Fund supported Kurro's completion with 13 million euros.