Cottage in Muraste by KUU Arhitektid

Designed in 2017 by KUU Arhitektid, Cottage in Muraste is a contemporary wooden retreat located in Muraste, Estonia.

Contemporary wooden structures with gabled roofs and large glass doors.
Modern minimalist living room with high ceilings and skylight.
Modern minimalist attic room with a desk, sofa, and large window.
Minimalist interior with high ceilings, large windows, and modern furniture.
Modern kitchen with clean lines, a central dining table, blue chairs, and a
Wood-clad building with tree integrated into deck design, reflecting nature-conscious architecture.
Minimalist black cabin with large glass door, nestled among trees on a wooden deck
Contemporary house with peaked roofs and large windows amidst trees.
Modern wooden house with large windows surrounded by trees.
Contemporary wooden house with illuminated interior at twilight, nestled among trees.
Contemporary house with large windows at dusk, nestled in a wooded area.
Modern house with lit interior at twilight surrounded by trees and light snow.

About Cottage in Muraste

The Essence of Estonian Architecture

Estonians, historically “forest dwellers,” have crafted wood buildings since the 3rd millennium BCE. The creation of the koda, or chamber, marked a pivotal moment. This simple, yet archaic architecture embodies the Estonian spirit.

Koda: The Heart of Tradition

“Koda,” meaning “place for living,” closely links to “kodu” (home) and “koht” (place). The traditional koda, still in use today, has evolved. It now serves as a venue for music, meetings, blacksmithing, and worship, highlighting its cultural significance.

Modernizing the Koda: The Cottage in Muraste

Inspired by the koda, the modern cottage in Muraste innovates with form and function. It comprises three units: a sauna, a living room/kitchen, and a bedroom/bathroom. The latter two connect directly, while a spacious terrace links all areas. This outdoor space creates distinct “nests” for each function.

Oriented north, the cottage offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea, while its southern openings maximize sunlight. The interior shines, thanks to triangular roof windows that capture the sun’s rays.

Sustainable Building Techniques

Constructed from timber, the cottage features natural larch cladding on both walls and roof, enhancing its eco-friendliness. The sauna unit, coated in tar oil, showcases traditional protective treatments.

This narrative, refined for readability and engagement, highlights the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Estonian architecture, appealing to enthusiasts and experts alike.

Photography courtesy of KUU Arhitektid

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- by Matt Watts

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