WASA Hotel WASA Hotel

WASA Hotel

Sensitive architecture in the summer capital of Estonia

Wasa Hotel, a centerpiece of Pärnu, Estonia’s cherished summer capital, is a sophisticated blend of human-scaled design, historical charm, and modern luxury. The hotel’s design respects the “Swedish hotel,” built in 1938 in the streamlined, functionalist style of the 1930s, a period marked by clean lines and simplicity. The complex’s layout, a series of offset volumes, allows the main building’s three-story height to taper toward the park, achieving a smooth, natural transition into the lower courtyard buildings. This thoughtful arrangement subdivides the perimeter into smaller, staggered units that break up the long elevations, infusing the property with a sense of lightness and flow. This arrangement enables a harmonious coexistence between hotel rooms, courtyard apartments, and the spa and rehabilitation facilities, each with its distinct identity and privacy.

Key to Wasa’s design is the careful spacing of buildings to avoid the institutional feeling often associated with longer corridors. Instead, the offset arrangement fosters a sense of intimacy and human scale, offering a cozy experience for hotel guests and spa visitors alike. Many hotel rooms open up to private corner balconies, inviting guests to enjoy tranquil views, while the courtyard apartments offer a flexible, independent alternative to traditional hotel rooms. These apartments give guests added privacy and the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the relaxed pace of Pärnu, ideal for longer stays or those who prefer a more secluded setting.

 

Client
Suvituse Maja
Open architecture competition
2017, 1st prize
Completed
2019
Size
5 000 m2
Architects
Raivo Kotov, Liis Uustal, Maia Grimitlihg, Anu Ahi
Interior architects
Kadri Kaldam, Raili Paling, Liis Lindvere, Liina Kittask
Construction
Eston Ehitus
Overview Overview
Overview
Main building Main building
Main building
Spa facade Spa facade
Spa facade
SPA pools SPA pools
SPA pools

At the heart of Wasa Hotel is its luxurious spa, a retreat designed to pamper guests within an environment that blends functionality and elegance. The spa’s interior layout is crafted to ensure privacy, with treatment rooms positioned thoughtfully to shield guests from outside noise and bustle. This sanctuary uses only premium materials, providing a serene yet opulent atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding landscape. The interior design is a tribute to the building’s heritage, reflecting the Art Deco elegance of the 1930s with a modern twist. Interiors are defined by light, soft hues balanced with shadowy, darker tones that create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Luxurious touches, such as high-quality wood parquet flooring, brass details, and plush velvet textiles, evoke a “Poirot-era” sophistication while staying fresh and contemporary. Vibrant green walls and an abundance of lush plants further enliven the space, bringing a taste of the natural world indoors to enhance guests’ relaxation.

Apartment buildings Apartment buildings
Apartment buildings
Hotel room interior Hotel room interior
Hotel room interior
Kitchen of vacation apartment Kitchen of vacation apartment
Kitchen of vacation apartment
3D section 3D section
3D section

Photos: Tõnu Tunnel

 

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