2025
Tallinn, Estonia
2 535 m²
Architecture Competition Entry
An Urban Extension
Kaanon is a proposal for a modern communal spa in Tallinn’s Mustakivi district, designed to harmonize new construction with the area’s evolving urban fabric. Drawing inspiration from the local apartment blocks, the building mass is divided into three longitudinal sections, lightening its scale and creating a contemporary rhythmic identity. The building’s placement separates public leisure areas from logistics, forming a welcoming public realm at the main entrance. Integrated greenery and tree-shaded parking help mitigate the urban heat island effect, while the thoughtful layout fosters social interaction and provides a comfortable microclimate for the neighborhood.
Inside, the lobby serves as an expansive urban living room, oriented toward the south and east to invite locals and visitors alike. This social hub connects to an all-ages spa, pool bar, and outdoor terrace on the ground floor, while the second level offers a more tranquil sanctuary and administrative spaces. This spatial logic is reflected in the minimalist exterior, where exposed concrete and galvanized steel create a clean, tactile aesthetic that honors the neighborhood’s existing material palette. The project’s structural integrity is rooted in sustainability, utilizing recycled concrete elements, simplicity and low life-cycle costs. Technical elements are seamlessly integrated to maintain a pure silhouette designed to age gracefully within its surroundings.
