Rotermann Grain Elevator

Declared historically valuable in 2001, Rotermann Grain Elevator has been renovated, finding a new function that coexists peacefully with contemporary architecture.

KOKO architects, Rotermann Grain Elevetor, Tallinn, Estonia, 2016

The National Heritage Board designated the Rotermann quarter historically valuable in 2001, and so the old industrial buildings that have found a new function should coexist peacefully with high quality contemporary architecture.

The historic supervisory building in front of the grain houses a restaurant. The roof of the building has been raised by one metre, thus appearing to hover. The aim was to let natural light enter and make it possible to use the second floor.

The narrow building is over 100 metres long. The longer sides have no windows, but instead the limestone facade of the building is accentuated by metal straps that reinforce the wall. The wall is packed with metal details, like a useful old coat covered in buttons. The straps had the purpose of keeping the grain elevator walls intact even when the grain expanded.

Since the inner street side has openings that have been walled shut at various periods, the ground floor of the building houses business premises. The interiors of these rooms have preserved the old grain hoppers hanging from the ceilings.