Contemporary and Energy-Efficient Element House in Salmistu
Located in the scenic coastal setting of Salmistu, the private house built by Soome Maja OÜ is a contemporary and energy-efficient element house. Its design is guided by the character of the area, the client’s wishes, and exceptionally high standards for thermal performance and energy efficiency. Particular care was taken in positioning the house on the plot to preserve the existing natural environment as much as possible.
Architecturally, the building is modern, yet characterised by calm colour tones and the use of nature-inspired materials, allowing it to blend harmoniously into its surroundings. The exterior is finished with concealed-fix timber cladding, creating a clean and natural appearance. The same approach continues in both the interior and exterior design, where light and soft tones dominate, supporting the peaceful character of Salmistu village.
Spaciousness and natural light are key themes in the architectural concept. Large windows, minimal window trims and an open-plan living and kitchen area create an airy and contemporary spatial experience. The placement of the windows was carefully considered in terms of views, practicality and the risk of overheating from solar gain. The eaves-free design and the absence of soffits give the house a modern expression, while particular attention has been paid to detailing to ensure long-term durability and excellent thermal performance.
Structurally, the house is built using Soome Maja’s timber small-element system, a solution that is still relatively uncommon in Estonia but particularly well suited to constrained sites and environmentally sensitive locations. The denser structure of the small elements and the higher number of joints provide the walls with strong structural integrity, as well as very good airtightness and sound insulation. The total insulation thickness of the external walls is 330 mm, and the wall U-value is 0.12 W/m²K, resulting in very low heating costs for the occupants.
The house meets energy class A requirements. Heating is provided by an air-to-water heat pump, and the building is equipped with mechanical ventilation. Thanks to Soome Maja’s engineering solutions, the building’s airtightness is significantly better than that of typical comparable homes. The roof structure and trusses were factory-produced, and most of the roof is finished with Monier roof tiles.
Factory production took approximately two weeks, while on-site construction lasted around six months. The result is a carefully designed, energy-efficient and nature-oriented private house that combines contemporary architecture, high technical quality and a calm aesthetic well suited to the Salmistu environment.
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