Salto wins design competition for Pirita river mouth

Architecture firm Salto has won a competition to design the Pirita river mouth area in Tallinn, with plans for housing, businesses, a hotel and a promenade, ERR reports.

The competition was organised by Tallinn Olympic Sailing Centre AS and the Estonian Association of Architects for plots at Topi Street 11 and 13. It sought a practical, technically feasible and economically justified design for the area. Fifteen proposals were submitted.

Salto’s winning design, titled Spinn, responds to the plot’s position between the sea and the river, with buildings arranged in stepped tiers. Plans include apartments, a hotel, spa, swimming pool, curling hall, sports and training rooms, and a health centre. The quarter would also have a restaurant and cafe, shops, service and office space, a childcare centre, and an event and conference hall.

The largest public square is planned by the sea, with views of Tallinn’s skyline and a connection to the beach promenade. Another square would be placed in front of the hotel entrance. An underground car park is planned, with access from Topi Street.

The developer intends to proceed with a detailed plan and further develop the design with Salto. Jury chair Aivar Tuulberg said there was no timetable yet, but the aim was to move forward with the city as smoothly and quickly as possible.