CAA3 Study trips — Eesti Arhitektuurikeskus

SITE VISIT: Elektrilevi Mustermaja (Demonstration Building)

March 28th 2025 10:00-12:00
📍Elektrilevi training centre, Kiili

The Elektrilevi Demonstration Building is an innovative, factory-produced wooden structure that represents modern construction solutions, emphasizing modular design, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles. The building was designed in close collaboration with the Wooden Architecture Competence Center (PAKK) at the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) and Nomad Architects, using the Mustermaja design system developed at EKA. The system allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, offering flexible solutions for various spatial needs. All exterior and interior walls of the building are non-load-bearing, making it easy to replace or reposition them as needed.

The visit will be led by the building’s architect, Renee Puusepp, who will present the architectural and technical aspects of the project and provide insight into how factory-built timber construction and disassemblability can support sustainable building practices.

Key takeaways from the visit:

Estonia’s first 100% modular and sustainable wooden educational building

Last Friday, our Circular Architecture Accelerator group visited Elektrilevi’s training center in Kiili. The Elektrilevi Mustermaja is an innovative building developed in cooperation with EKA’s Wooden Architecture Competence Center (PAKK) and Elektrilevi, setting a new standard in modular construction. It is the first of its kind in Estonia – fully made of wood, industrially produced, and easily adaptable to different needs.

What makes the building special?

A real-life lego house – The building consists of factory-made modules that can be assembled, disassembled, and reused on site. Need more space? Just add another module!

Sustainable and durable – Instead of traditional construction methods, circular economy principles were used: screws instead of nails, so materials can be easily reused.

Future-proof architecture – Modular buildings are not just a trend! They are higher quality, more precise, and more durable than site-built structures. They are also more affordable and faster to complete.

Universal use – This solution is suitable not only for schools and educational buildings but also for kindergartens, hospitals, apartment buildings, and even prisons.

Why is the Mustermaja important?

This project marks an important step toward the future of schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, and other public infrastructure. The Mustermaja system is an open-source solution, freely available like a kind of “Wikipedia for architecture.”Moreover, the concept has already attracted interest from international construction companies, including those in Germany, where it is being adapted for use in schools and kindergartens.

The Elektrilevi Training Center is just the beginning – the next Mustermaja buildings are already in development to serve as kindergartens in North Tallinn!

STUDY TRIP: Copenhagen

June 9-11
📍Copenhagen, Denmark

Our travel itinerary is still being updated, so more exciting visits may be added! This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to explore world-class architectural and material practices, connect with local creators, and gather inspiration for your own work.