Villa Tammekann

Adjacent to Tähtvere Park stands a villa with a flat roof designed by the world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, which now houses the joint foundation of the University of Turku and the University of Tartu, known as the Granö Centre. The house was commissioned by August Tammekann, a geography professor at the University of Tartu, and was completed in 1936, albeit in a slightly altered and simplified form. After World War II, the building was converted into an apartment building, and its current appearance was acquired during extensive restoration work carried out in 1999-2000. Under the direction of Tapani Mustonen, specializing in Aalto’s works, the building regained its original appearance – simple geometric forms typical of functionalism and light tones dominate both the interior and exterior. The interiors feature furniture designed by Alvar Aalto himself as well as other items produced by the famous Finnish design company Artek.

Photo: Kevin Loigu.