Industrial-Style Homes Being Built in the Historic Arsenal Water Tower
Real estate developer Liven, in cooperation with Oma Ehitaja AS, is beginning construction this fall on Erika Street in North Tallinn of a new development bearing the name Headquarters Homes. 68 industrially-styled homes will rise next to and partially within the historic Arsenal Water Tower.
"The conversion of the Arsenal water tower into homes is a special project for us. The historic building is a well-known landmark to many Tallinners, and its development into a residential building is a responsible but also exciting opportunity to create a unique urban environment that bridges old and new, and to bring new life to Erika Street. Our desire is to prove that it is possible to create a cozy living environment even in an old industrial area while preserving the character and charm of the place," said Andero Laur, CEO of Liven AS. "
The architectural solution for the Headquarters Homes development was created by PIN Architects and is based on the region's industrial heritage, while maintaining contemporary spatial treatment and material selection.
"Erika 6a is an architecturally interesting and multi-layered challenge. The property has quite an interesting history, which we can give new life and use to. The central theme of the architectural solution became the connection of old and new and the transition of urban space from a former industrial area into a contemporary green living environment. This gives the area a unique form," said Neeme Tiimus, architect and partner at PIN Architects.
The Arsenal water tower adds a clearly distinctive vertical axis to the development and creates a visual connection between the new and old. Similar principles have been applied to the interior design of the homes.
"North Tallinn has historically been an industrial area, and it is precisely this environment that has inspired the industrial style of the Headquarters Homes. The apartments feature concrete ceilings, high windows and robust surfaces, which are given individuality and warmth by bold and more personal, even eclectic interior design solutions," explained Andero Laur, CEO of Liven AS.
During the development of Headquarters Homes, two distinctive residential buildings will be completed. At Erika 6a, a six-story residential building with 28 apartments will be built, and at Erika 6b an additional 40 apartments will be added, 12 of which will be built in the historic Arsenal water tower. The layouts of the new homes range from compact two-room units to spacious four-room apartments.
„The quality of a home is increasingly determined by how a person can relate to the urban space surrounding them. In the case of Headquarters Homes, we have focused on creating a pleasant living environment while considering the needs of cyclists. Given the nature of this part of the city, the buildings have bicycle storage areas and bicycle sheds will also be installed in the courtyard, where residents can safely store their bicycles, but also wash and maintain them if needed. For short-term parking, we are adding separate bicycle racks to the courtyard. In total, we are creating about twice as many bicycle parking spaces as current standards require," added Andero Laur.
The central green space of the building will be designed as a landscaped courtyard with a playground and relaxation areas. Parking is provided both under and in front of the building, and charging facilities for electric vehicles are also provided.
Construction of Headquarters Homes will begin in September 2025.
