GALLERY: Thamme Villa with 140 Years of History Officially Opened Its Doors
The renovation works at Mardi 3 in Tallinn have been completed, and two buildings on the property with 10 brand-new apartments are ready to move in. Developed by Domus and executed by Tolira Ehitus, a neo-renaissance style house with a long and fascinating history was restored. The original project was designed by architect Nikolai Thamm Sr.
Renovation True to Detail
The richly ornamented facade of the villa is under heritage protection, which meant that its historical appearance had to be preserved and everything restored according to the original. Inside, extensive reconstruction works were carried out both on the building’s structures and technical systems. The entire building’s heating, connected to the city’s central system, was integrated into underfloor heating. In addition to a ventilation system, the apartments are also equipped with ceiling-mounted cooling devices. The original high ceilings were preserved as much as possible, with finishes faithfully executed in line with the original design.
The requirement to maintain the original volume posed a challenge for the architectural bureau Ansambel Toivo Tammik, who prepared the renovation project. Their task was to create modern, functional homes within the historic framework. Bright and spacious living areas, multiple bathrooms even in three-room apartments, and smart storage spaces all contribute to comfortable living.
Character is added by double-frame windows produced to match the originals, restored wooden staircases and original ceiling boards, herringbone parquet floors, and textured ceramic tiles in the bathrooms. Construction methods were also true to the building’s origins – the massive log walls were insulated from the inside with reed mats, finished with natural lime plaster.
A Historic Home in the Heart of the Capital
The building at Mardi 3 is the oldest preserved house in the area, dating back to 1885. Over the years, it has withstood multiple regime changes and served very different purposes. Originally built as a residence, it has housed a school, a hospital, and for a short time even a brothel. Today, thanks to the reconstruction, this valuable heritage building will endure for generations to come.
This summer, Thamme Villa once again officially opened its doors – now as a home to 10 distinctive apartments. There are still available units at Thamme Villa: unique 2–5 room homes with very different layouts. Find your favorite on our website and come visit in person!
