Cobe has unveiled plans to transform the historic ‘Krulli’ steelworks in Tallinn, Estonia, into a dynamic mixed-use city district. This ambitious project, rooted in sustainability and urban innovation, aims to revitalize the decommissioned industrial site by reusing existing materials and buildings to preserve its rich heritage. The development will introduce 600 new homes and 3,000 workplaces, breathing new life into the area.
“We firmly believe in urban transformation and in reusing what already exists. In the context of climate change and resource scarcity, the most sustainable and meaningful project will always be the one that is already built. Following this principle, the Krulli site is a treasure box of materials, buildings and urban qualities just waiting to be transformed and reused. The project prioritizes ambitious reuse goals that make both environmental and economic sense, forming the foundation of the Krulli identity. A ‘resource stair’ approach establishes a hierarchy for all materials found on site and any new additions. Reuse is always the highest priority, followed by biogenic materials, and then re-usable materials, leaving carbon intensive concrete as the last choice”, says Cobe founder and professor at Harvard University, Dan Stubbergaard.
Sustainability at Its Core
The project centers on transforming three neighboring industrial heritage halls into an innovation hub that will serve as the neighborhood’s heart. These halls will house co-working spaces, cafés, artist studios, and exhibitions, creating a vibrant community. The detailed design focuses on maximizing the reuse of existing materials, from limestone walls and steel trusses to cranes repurposed as bridges.
“The project is a showcase of transformation, reuse, and the preservation of heritage structures,” Stubbergaard notes, positioning it as a symbol of urban innovation in the heart of Tallinn.
Cobe was commissioned for the master plan in early 2023, with the innovation hub’s completion expected in 2027. The project builds on a previous plan by Estonian architect Andres Alver and includes collaboration with local firm KOKO Architects.
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