The hotel projected by b210 architects differs from what is a traditional hotel, it is inspired by wild nature, it is located on the edge of a swamp that floods when the tide is high, this creates the sensation of being in a canoe surrounded by birch trees. In addition, is surrounded by a series of windows that frame the magnificent views of the place.
To better adapt to the terrain and not cause any damage to the vegetation of the area, the hotel defines an irregular shape, in addition the complex is made with native wood, the roof, the fahcada and the terraces are covered with heat-treated jerky, in this way I know It needs less maintenance, since the area is difficult to access.
Description of project by b210
Located near Maidla’s historic 15th century manor complex, this nutshell-sized hotel on the edge of a swamp has been nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. The hotel that is only 28sqm in size was projected by architect Mari Hunt (architecture office b210) and developed by the owners of the Maidla Nature Resort. According to the authors, one of the aims of erecting a hotel on the edge of a swamp was to create a space that would immerse hotel guests in the untouched nature of Estonia and to show what great contemporary architecture and design can achieve on a truly minuscule scale: in a situation where every millimeter counts.
According to architect Mari Hunt, it is noteworthy that Estonia has selected such a small-scale project to represent the country:
"Large-scale public buildings are usually nominated for the award, to represent the public and well-known face of European architecture. I believe we were chosen because when creating the Maidla hotel we managed to capture something that’s of critical importance in today's Europe – we tried to create a space that would remind people of their connection to nature, the fragility and value of this link that is already disappearing in many places."
The micro-hotel operating under the name Maidla Nature Resort was completed in August 2020 and its only room has been almost constantly booked during the winter season. The idea of a micro-hotel built in a completely secluded area, where the guest gets to experience untouched Estonian bog landscape and is more likely to spot elk and foxes than people, came to the owner and author of the idea Ragnar Sass while travelling across the world and seeing how great architecture can bring out the best in a location.
"We were set from the start to build a destination, a place that would be irresistible for people who search for a unique nature experience and heighten that experience with architecture. Getting Mari to work with us in Maidla was the best choice - she’s been designing and tutoring projects that magnify Estonian nature for years. The forest megaphones in Pähni, the floating sauna project in Soomaa - once we started looking around, she’s the best at getting architecture to have a conversation with the nature around it. The passion and attention to detail she took to the location was awe inspiring."
Sass explained.
Maidla nature villa stands on 7-meter stilts that were driven into the swamp soil to make the structure stable on an unusual ground. The hotel's lower terrace and floor are one meter above the ground to allow seasonal high waters to rise without flooding the building. The large windows of the tiny hotel’s only room open to a bog-scape rich in plants, birds and animals. Untouched nature is becoming more and more of a luxury in a world where 75% of people already live in cities - making an experience of solitude in nature something to treasure.
Maidla Nature Villa is a nominee for the Estonian Architects' Association's SMALL 2020 Award and won the People’s Favorite title in the Wooden Building of the Year 2020 competition.
