Photo: Kaupo Kalda
The Concrete Building of the Year award winners of 2025 were announced today at the annual Concrete Day at the National Library of Estonia.
The Estonian Concrete Building of the Year 2025 – the reconstruction of Tallinn City Theatre Lai 23, Tallinn.
The main award, architecture – Salto Arhitektid OÜ (Maarja Kask, Ralf Lõoke, Märten Peterson, Andro Mänd);
Client: Tallinn City Theatre;
Constructor: Inseneribüroo PIKE OÜ, Ekspertiis ja Projekt OÜ;
General contractor: Ehitu5ECO OÜ;
Concrete works: Bildex Grupp OÜ;
Concrete: Rudus AS;
Formwork: Ramirent Baltic AS.
Comment of the jury: “The fulfillment of Tallinn City Theatre’s long-held dream in the best possible way. The architects have done an excellent job of combining old and new buildings into a striking theatre complex in the heart of the Old Town.”
Jury chairman Aadu Kana: “Going deep underground made it possible to build two large theatre halls. The street-facing facade, featuring large windows and an open glass front, allows daylight to reach the lower floors and offers city residents a beautiful view of the inner courtyard with its unique stage tower. Versatile and effective use of concrete in both the structural framework and interior design.”
A selection of photos of the winning projects
Special award – Tammiku private residence, Tartu:
Photo: Sten-Erik Remmel
– Architecture – Peeter Pere Arhitektid OÜ (Peeter Pere, Kirke Päss, Janek Maat, Karmen Silde).
Comment of the jury: “For an innovative and striking solution in a precast concrete element house.”
Jury chairman Aadu Kana: “The precast concrete element factory has meticulously executed the client’s and architect’s ambitious vision.”
Special award – Tähtvere skatepark, Tartu:
– Client – Tartu City Government;
– Contractor – Lars Laj Eesti OÜ, Mind Work Ramps;
– Concrete – Betoonimeister AS.
Comment of the jury: “The creative vision of a discerning client, the craftsmanship of professional contractors, and the dedication of an enthusiastic concrete manufacturer came together to create a world-class result in a park-like setting.”
The special award of the Estonian Association of Civil Engineers was given to:
– The constructors of Arteri kvartal – Projektipea OÜ and Neoprojekt OÜ.
The Concrete Building of the Year competition, organised for the twenty-sixth time this year, has been launched in order to introduce the wide range of uses for concrete to the public and to recognize the people who have used the domestic building material, the opportunity-rich and well-formable concrete, in their projects.
Twelve buildings were nominated for this year’s competition. Concrete structures handed over to the client in 2025, along with the construction methods and techniques used in them, were eligible for submission to the competition.
The jury of the Concrete Building of the Year 2025 consisted of representatives from the Estonian construction associations: Mihkel Raev from the Union of Estonian Architects, Tanel Tuisk from the Estonian Concrete Association, Kalmer Gross from the Estonian Association of Construction Entrepreneurs, Indrek Laul from the Estonian Association of Civil Engineers, Johann-Aksel Tarbe from the Estonian Association of Architectural and Consulting Engineering Companies, Marina Vaganova from the Association of Construction Material Producers of Estonia, Ülar Mark – architect of the winning entry for the Concrete Building of the Year 2024 as well as the representatives of construction journalists – Teeli Remmelg, the Editor-in-Chief of the construction publications of Äripäev, Liivi Tamm, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine EhitusEST, Siim Saidla, the Editor-in-Chief of “Ehitusleht”and the Finnish architect Maritta Koivisto – the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Betoni, and Aadu Kana from Heidelberg Materials Kunda AS as the chairman of the jury.
