Contemporary Element House in Jõelähtme
The single-storey private house completed by Nord Homes OÜ in 2025 in the Jõelähtme Golf Village is a well-considered and contemporary prefabricated element house. It blends harmoniously with the existing built environment of the area while clearly standing out through its distinctive and characterful architectural solution. With a net floor area of 143 m², the layout includes four rooms, providing a comfortable and functional living environment tailored to the everyday needs of a family.
The architectural solution, designed by Nordwell Architects (Jörgen Vendik and Marie Assmann), emphasises openness, a close relationship with nature, and abundant natural light. The façade is characterised by glued laminated timber beams, large window surfaces, and timber cladding combined with dark plaster, creating a balanced interplay between warmth and a modern aesthetic. The largest windows are oriented towards the evening sun and views of the park-like forest in the courtyard, visually bringing nature into the interior.
At the heart of the house is a spacious and light-filled living room–kitchen area, surrounded by large windows on two sides and offering direct access to the terrace. The terrace is generously sized and partially covered, allowing the outdoor space to be used in various weather conditions. An outdoor kitchen has been integrated into the terrace, extending the functionality of the living space during the summer season. The bedrooms and home office are positioned more privately, ensuring peace and seclusion.
Structurally, the building is a prefabricated element house with a high level of factory readiness. A key distinguishing feature is that the roof is also constructed from insulated elements, significantly reducing the amount of on-site work. As a result, the insulated building shell was completed in just seven days. The exterior façade features thermally treated timber finished with a translucent stain, a durable and low-maintenance material. The roof is covered with an EPDM membrane, chosen for its excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and harsh weather conditions.
The building’s technical systems support an energy-efficient and healthy indoor climate. Ventilation is provided by a heat-recovery system supplemented with a humidity recovery module—an important advantage in Estonia’s climate. Heating and passive cooling are supplied by an air-to-water heat pump, with cooling achieved through the circulation of cool water in the underfloor heating pipes. The building meets energy class B requirements, with the potential to reach energy class A if solar panels are added.
The private house participated in Estonia’s first Housing Fair, where it was selected as the Visitors’ Favourite House by public vote. This recognition confirms that the project successfully combines contemporary architecture, the advantages of prefabricated construction, and a user-centred spatial layout, resulting in a high-quality and nature-oriented living environment.
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