Kadriorg channels
Status: completed
Location: Tallinn
Project date: 2012
Project team: Kersti Lootus, Siim Lootus
Client: Kadriorg Park / City of Tallinn
Builder: Merko Ehitus AS
Volume: ~ 1.2 km
Photos by: Maris Tomba and Seljamaa Fotostuudio.
The building was a nominee for Concrete Building of the Year in 2012.
The historic Kadriorg Park channels were destroyed during the reconstruction works undertaken at the end of the 1930ts, when wastewater pipes for the current President Palace were fitted in some of them and the channels were filled up with soil. The reconstruction of the channels was undertaken due to the need to build an additional rainwater run-off in connection with the reconstruction of the Ülemiste traffic node, which in turn ensured the necessary amount of water to fill up the channels. Treated rainwater from the Ülemiste traffic node now flows to the circular channel and ponds of the Kadriorg Park and from there to the Bay of Tallinn. Therefore, as a result of the reconstruction, the channels obtained a practical function.
Concrete channels insulated with rubble and protected with concrete plates on top surround the lower park of Kadriorg Palace from three sides and seven bridges with metal railings go across the channel. The channels are in the location of historic channels and altogether 1.2 km channels and cascades were (re)constructed – approximately half of the channels are those surrounding the lower garden and the remainder is made up of the channels, cascades and rainwater pool system in the area located next to Kadriorg stadium. The renovated system also includes 1.8 km of underground pipes.
The historic ditches were used as much as possible in the construction. The old construction remains visible to visitors of the park in those places where the old construction had survived but where it was unnecessary or impractical to use the historic ditches and channels. In the channel system, concrete was used as the primary material. Though it could feel alien in such a dignified environment under heritage protection, with skilful use it was successfully fitted into the park milieu.
The reconstruction of the channels created a clearly distinctive outdoor space, which is organically linked to Kadriorg Palace and is characteristic of 18th century baroque design. This is the main value of the reconstruction of the channels.
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