Lutheri Factory Complex
Architect
Location
Vana-Lõuna 39, Tallinn, Estonia
Size
18 271,5 m2
Status
Completed in 2018
Photos
Kaido Haagen, Jarmo Kauge
Typology
Tags
In the second half of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, Tallinn rapidly industrialised and numerous large factories were erected. The Lutheri complex was built for processing timber, it was a pioneering developer of veneer in Europe and a producer of bentwood furniture that is still prized today. In addition to the factory buildings, new prosperity was reflected in an expressive workers’ club (architects Gesellius, Lindgren & Saarinen, 1904 – 1905) and Christian Luther’s villa (Vassilyev & Bubyr, 1909 – 1910); both commissioned by internationally renowned architects of the era and featuring nuanced, decorative takes on Northern Art Nouveau. A number of the factory buildings have now been renovated into airy and spacious lofts with a solution that accentuates its industrial past. Even the complex’s car park, built into a former top-lit machine hall, is probably the most glamorous in Tallinn.