Lutheri Factory Complex

At the second half of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, Tallinn industrialised rapidly 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. In addition to the factory buildings, prosperity was reflected in an expressive workers’ club (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.