This rural municipal building is situated in the southern part of Saue’s Central Park, offering a balanced and dignified setting. From the outside, the office and administrative building resembles a pavilion within the park. The design cleverly addresses the tension between privacy in the workplace and the openness of public spaces by utilizing dual exterior walls.
On one side, a charming covered arcade is carved into a simple triangular volume. This design not only gives the building a prominent administrative presence within the local urban landscape but also functions as a public shelter in the park, providing shade for the interior spaces.
The building opens up towards the square and extends along its perimeter. The courtyard and parking area are situated on the southern side, featuring raised terraces on the second floor that offer employees a more private route to the park. Additionally, park benches nestled among low shrubs on the slope create a comfortable resting spot for local residents.
The building’s internal structure follows a clear hierarchy. The outermost triangular section houses reception areas for local residents and public offices. An open-plan layout surrounds the central core of the building, while the enclosed double-layer volume contains council chambers, small meeting rooms, and other functional spaces supporting everyday operations. The interior embraces an activity-based design, featuring simple finishes and a consistent wooden structure tone that replaces conventional white walls.
Inside, the outer layer of the CLT panels is exposed, showcasing the wood’s natural texture and eroded surface details. The HVAC system is discreetly installed beneath raised floors and behind walls on the second floor, allowing the beautiful CLT ceiling to remain visible.
Saue’s rural municipal building meets A-level energy efficiency standards. The use of wood, a sustainable and low-carbon material, in public architecture is the result of a collaborative effort among architects, engineers, and interior designers, delivering smart solutions from concept to detail.
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
Project Information
Architectural Design: Molumba
Area: 1300 square meters
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Tõnu Tunnel
Architectural Design Team: Karli Luik, Johan Tali, Mae Kõmnemägi, Heidi Urb
Structural Engineers: Laur Lõvi, Triin Sigus
Interior Architects: Eeva Masso, Katrin Tammsar, Jaana
Landscape Design: Maarja Gustavson
Special Section: O3 Technology
Client: Saue Rural Municipality
Location: Saue, Estonia
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