The Carpenters Workshop stands as a striking example of how historical industrial architecture can be transformed for modern use, without losing its connection to the past. Originally built in the 19th century as part of the thriving harbor industries, this two-story limestone building once played a vital role in Tallinn’s industrial landscape. Constructed on the soft ground of what was once a seabed, the building faced significant structural challenges throughout its history, including a major shift in the 1980s when it began to slip due to the unstable foundation.
During the planning of the Rotermann Quarter redevelopment, the Carpenters Workshop was designated as a preserved historic structure, largely excluding it from any major alterations. However, the building’s relatively low height became a visual issue as the surrounding quarter developed and modern structures began to dominate the skyline. The challenge was clear: how could the workshop’s historical significance be maintained while making it relevant and impactful in a changing urban context?
The solution came in the form of an ambitious idea: to introduce three tall, slender towers reminiscent of industrial cooling towers atop the existing building. These towers not only added height to the structure, but their rhythm and scale created a dynamic architectural statement, establishing a harmonious yet striking contrast with the surrounding area. The design took inspiration from Japanese spaces, with each floor of the towers serving as an independent, unique room, where the elevator opens directly into the space, providing a vertical, individualized experience for those within.
A major engineering challenge lay beneath the surface. Given the soft ground and deep bedrock, the towers required a carefully considered structural solution. The final design relied on 18-meter-long piles driven deep into the ground, stabilizing the towers much like an intricate ant's nest, where the foundation extends below the earth as much as the towers rise above it. The structural integrity was further ensured by using the staircases and lift shafts as solid diaphragm walls, which supported the cantilevered tower floors. This allowed the building’s new elements to rise through the existing structure with minimal disruption to the historic vaulted ceilings below.
Functionally, the Carpenters Workshop now thrives as a mixed-use space, carefully designed to accommodate both commercial and creative tenants. The ground floor is home to a restaurant and a candy shop, which contribute to the lively street atmosphere. Meanwhile, the towers house various offices for music agencies, advertising firms, and small law practices, providing them with unique spaces filled with light and character.
The tower facades are particularly distinctive. Their design echoes the industrial origins of cooling towers, with triangular window forms that reflect the underlying structure. The interplay of geometric shapes not only reinforces the building’s industrial heritage but also brings a modern architectural vocabulary into the space. At night, the building takes on an even more dramatic presence. The rooms within the towers are illuminated with a glowing red light, creating a visual spectacle that evokes a futuristic or even extraterrestrial aura. For visitors exiting the nearby cinema, the sight of these glowing towers gives the impression that something extraordinary has arrived—otherworldly ships, perhaps, or signals from a distant world. This playful interaction between architecture and its viewers adds a layer of mystique to the building and to the Rotermann Quarter as a whole.
Beyond its visual and structural innovations, the Carpenters Workshop represents a progressive approach to cultural and industrial heritage. The decision to juxtapose the original, low-slung limestone building with these modern towers was not merely an aesthetic choice, but a statement about how historical spaces can evolve and thrive in modern urban landscapes. Rather than freezing the building in time or leaving it as a relic of the past, the design embraces the building’s industrial roots while pushing its functionality into the future.
Photos: Kaido Haagen, Kaupo Kalda, Amaury Wenger, KOKO