Creating sustainable value from old and new

Markets are characterised by variety, bustle and interaction. So market halls must serve a wide range of purposes. And that is exactly what the Baltic Station Market in northern Tallinn seeks to do. Established in 1993, it is a large market with multiple functions. A 2017 extension to the market aimed to bring the building, which dates back to the 1870s, up to date and help it appeal to the broadest possible audience.

The project also aimed to preserve the building’s historic character, such as the main façade formed by three two-storey limestone warehouses, says Raivo Kotov, an architect at KOKO architects in Tallinn. “The fusion of old and new works particularly well in the Baltic Station Market because the function of these buildings calls for a high, open space.”
 
The new extension incorporates a single steep roof, a basement level for new purposes and a remodelled outdoor area. “For us, it is really important that we don’t erase and replace the existing levels of our projects; rather, we seek to integrate old and new layers and build on the surroundings”, says Raivo Kotov.

Inside the hall, the market now occupies three floors. The front portion of the roof juts out from the building protecting the outside area. The shape of the roof defines the skyline and ties in perfectly with the paving stones of the extended square, giving it a unique look. Durable and natural materials were an important consideration. Kotov: “We wanted to ensure that the building didn’t just look good when it was finished, but that it will still look good in another 50 years. It has to age gracefully. And clay is a material that will still look elegant and that retains its value.”
 
In addition to restructuring the market hall, another major goal of the extension was to increase the value of the surrounding area by creating a square where people can meet and relax.