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Estonian Embassy in London by Studio ARGUS

Project name:
Estonian Embassy in London
Architecture firm:
Studio ARGUS
Location:
44 Queens Gate Terrace, Kensington, SW7 5PJ London, United Kingdom
Photography:
Terje Ugandi
Principal architect:
Margit Argus
Design team:
Margit Argus, Margit Aule, Kaur Käärma
Collaborators:
Architecture: Pelle-Sten Viiburg (Doomino Arhitektid); Chandeliers: Margus Triibmann, Kard Männil (Keha3); Nature photos: Arne Ader (Loodusmees Ltd); Renovation: MY Construction & Carpentry Ltd.
Interior design:
Built area:
600 m²
Site area:
Design year:
2013 - 2014
Completion year:
2015
Civil engineer:
Structural engineer:
Environmental & MEP:
Landscape:
Lighting:
Priit Tiimus, Tipriit Valgusdisain
Supervision:
Visualization:
Tools used:
Construction:
Material:
Budget:
Undisclosed
Client:
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Status:
Completed
Typology:
Embassy

Studio ARGUS: Estonia is a country of wetlands, lakes and forests. Pristine nature is apparently the purest force that connects us and ties our origins together.

This Embassy is a small piece of Estonia in the centre of London, and the primaeval landscapes of the interior are like a letter from home. The peat bogs on the walls, chairs and carpets, the thicket, and birches hidden in the chandeliers are Estonia’s language, which needs no translation.

The neoclassical house we are in was built in 1857 for residential purposes. Many elements of the interior date back to those times: the cornices, décor, fireplaces, and doors. In 2014–2015, this beautiful building was remodelled.

About

Tallinn-based, studio ARGUS is a close-knit collective of design professionals with over 20 years of experience in interior design, fine arts, and architecture.

Our design philosophy is an impactful, vibrant dialogue: deeply rooted in a Nordic aesthetic, and embracing diverse cultural influences, we reconcile contemporary vision with existing heritage.

Our integrative approach ranges from renovations of culturally sensitive sites such as Haapsalu Castle, Kuressaare Castle, and Alexander’s Cathedral to institutional projects including the Embassies in London and Moscow. Additionally, we provide residential and commercial project services, such as the Park Hotel in Viljandi and Fahle Gallery Street in Tallinn.

Our international work has been critically acclaimed – including nominations for the Mies van der Rohe Awards in 2019 and 2022 – and featured by AIT, Archdaily, and Dezeen, among other publications.

In addition to our commissioned work studio ARGUS’ ongoing projects include active research projects and teaching programs.


By Liliana Alvarez

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