Fahle Boiler House and Viewing Platform Chimney Received Building Permit

Tallinn City Planning Department issued a building permit for the renovation of one of the most fascinating historical objects. The historic Fahle Boiler House is being renovated into an office building and a glass viewing platform will be built at the top of the chimney. The Fahle district Boiler House project is being restored in an interesting manner, which adds it to the list of the capital's most distinctive attractions.

Below the Boiler House, one can move through fascinating historical tunnels where wagons once traveled and transported oil shale and coal. Upon rising to ground level, a spacious, light-filled Boiler interior opens up that extends through several floors, from which one can continue into the chimney. Hidden inside the chimney, which is laid with red bricks, are an elevator and a spiral staircase that lead to the glass viewing platform.

One of the architects of Fahle district, Margit Aule from the architecture firm LUMIA, considers the revival of the Boiler and chimney to be a unique project. "These structures offer visitors a kind of journey through the Boiler House from underground to the sky, accompanied by history and clever, modern solutions. A glass room at the top of the chimney is a special solution in Estonia, similar ones can be found in major European cities. Since Fahle Boiler is located on a high cliff, the height of the chimney's viewing platform from sea level is 106 meters and in terms of views is comparable to the T1 observation wheel," said Aule.

The 34m2 glass viewing platform at the top of the chimney can be rented for private and special events in small circles, and at other times the chimney will be open to all visitors. "If Fahle Park's other attraction, Gallery Street, has attracted bridal couples to take pictures and hold wedding celebrations, then the glass viewing platform at the top of the chimney would be excellent for a proposal," Margit Aule brings a playful example of the chimney's potential uses.

The Boiler will primarily house offices. According to Fausto sales manager Einar Niine, the Boiler House could suit either one large company or several smaller ones. The wings of the Boiler House will have ideal spaces for smaller companies, while the heart of the Boiler House is perfectly suited for one or several larger companies.

Margit Aule says the Boiler House will become bright and luminous and will highlight special historical details. "We want to bring light into the interior of the Boiler and we will articulate it with glass cubes where different companies can establish themselves. Top design in white tones is combined with historical limestone walls, which creates for the entire building both a cozy and strangely interesting and multi-layered spatial solution. The massive spaces that extend through the floors are characteristic of old industrial buildings and this splendor carries over to the modern office building," said Aule. Fahle Boiler House is part of the growing Fahle district, which has already been home to Postimees, Apollo, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Finestmedia, Wisercat and others.

Fahle Boiler with its chimney is located in the midst of a modernized quarter with comprehensive urban space in Fahle Park and has entrances open in every direction. The Boiler House will soon be connected to a 500-space parking building/office building. Across the street from the Boiler House is Fahle Gallery Street with a glass roof, warm and green year-round, where you can dine on the terraces of cafes and restaurants.

Fahle district has been renovated following environmental sustainability principles and the buildings have received the highest level of the BREEAM green mark recognized in Europe. This ensures a pleasant indoor environment for the buildings, as well as sustainable construction and economical maintenance costs. The Boiler House will also receive the same green mark.