Construction is starting on the advanced green apartment building, Allika Kodud, in the centre of Keila. The five-story building, featuring modern architecture, will include a rare green roof in Estonia, vertical greenery on the walls of the building with an automated irrigation system, solar panels, and numerous bicycle storage spaces. The developer is Scandium Kinnisvara, and the builder is Tesron Ehitus.
Allika Kodud is an attractive five-story, stepped building with 25 apartments, rising in the heart of Keila near Central Park on Allika Street. The building stands out from other local and capital city buildings due to its extensive green areas. It will feature a green roof and a green wall covered with plants. The green roof will make the building appear like a park amidst paved streets, helping to balance stormwater runoff to the city’s infrastructure and improve air quality. Additionally, the green roof will not absorb as much heat as a black roof, protecting against summer heat and winter cold.
Kalle Aron, Development Manager at Scandium Kinnisvara, commented: “Allika Kodud is an advanced residential building where we can implement several methods to enhance the living environment. A green roof, still relatively unique among Estonian apartment buildings, helps mitigate the effects of climate change and increases the efficiency of solar panels. It is also an excellent thermal insulator, keeping temperatures cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In leading Central European countries, green roofs are popular; in Estonia, we are still at the beginning of this growth curve. As founding members of Rohetiiger, we are happy to promote this trend.”
In addition, the building’s facade will feature a green wall with automated irrigation, and extensive new landscaping will be created around the courtyard areas. The balconies of the top-floor apartments can be partially enclosed to create small personal winter gardens at the buyer’s request. Additionally, the developer will reconstruct Allika Street near the building, adding a much-needed sidewalk.
Madis Lett, Project Manager for Allika Kodud, said: “The Keila city government is progressive in city development and actively contributes to the city’s green growth, which is reflected in Keila’s beautiful green cityscape. Cycling is highly encouraged, which is why Allika Kodud focuses on numerous bike and stroller storage spaces, with less emphasis on excessive car spaces. Promoting a calmer and healthier pace of life is being achieved in Keila through practical means, making it so successful.”
The building permit for Allika Kodud has been obtained, and a construction contract has been signed with Tesron Ehitus. Construction will begin in the coming weeks, and the building is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.