Open House Tallinn 2026 partner Caparol answered our questions and reflects on good urban space.
What is an inclusive urban space that works for everyone and that we should strive for?
A good urban space is accessible, safe, human-scaled, and visually diverse, offering people opportunities for movement, gathering, and relaxation. From Caparol’s perspective, a high-quality urban environment is born when architecture, materials, and colors form a well-thought-out whole. Sustainable, durable, and low-maintenance solutions help buildings retain their value longer, while colors and various surface finishes create an identity for a place and make the urban space more diverse and inspiring.
Which building or area in Tallinn is worth paying attention to?
The rapidly developing district of Põhja-Tallinn deserves special attention—I would specifically highlight Noblessner, Telliskivi, and the fast-growing Krull area, where historic industrial architecture, modern functions, and distinctive materials form a cohesive urban space. These places demonstrate how existing architecture can be valued and filled with new life. Among Caparol’s reference projects, notable mention goes to the buildings in the Noblessner quarter, the Fotografiska building, the Volta 1 office building, and Volta Villa, where modern architecture and well-considered facade solutions create a distinct and lasting identity. Meanwhile, Europe’s largest mural currently being completed in the Ülemiste quarter, alongside the “Girl with an Umbrella” mural that has adorned the same building for years, show how color can lend character to a building, enrich the cityscape, and transform an everyday surface into a meaningful landmark.
Which part of a building is crucial and deserves more attention?
A facade is much more than just a building’s appearance. It serves as the building’s protective layer, a bearer of identity, and an essential component of energy efficiency. Therefore, more attention should be paid to designing the facade as a complete system—from the substrate, thoughtful systematic solutions, and energy efficiency, to the surface finish, structure, color, and how the details fit together. Functional, long-lasting, and low-maintenance materials help extend a building’s lifecycle, reduce environmental impact, and preserve the quality of the architectural concept years down the line.
Additional information: Caparol is a brand of the international DAW SE Group, offering innovative and sustainable surface and facade solutions. Their range includes paints, plasters, thermal insulation systems, and specialized solutions that combine aesthetics, durability, and environmental friendliness. On a daily basis, they collaborate with architects, developers, and builders to bring high-quality, time-tested architecture from concept to reality. Read more here.
