Rae Upper Secondary School

Project: Rae Upper Secondary School

Segment: Education

Country/city: Estonia, Jüri

Architect: KOKO architects

Installer: Green Life OÜ

Photographer: Tarvo Tammeoks

Project size: 4,800 m²

Production year: 2024

A school where sustainable architecture meets acoustic precision

Rae Upper Secondary School, completed in 2024, is a striking example of contemporary, functional, and sustainable architecture that is carefully integrated into its natural surroundings. The building’s identity is shaped by warm tones and the extensive use of wood, which provides both structural strength and a welcoming, human-scaled interior atmosphere.

A central, multifunctional staircase forms the heart of the school, serving as both a circulation hub and a social gathering space. It connects visually and spatially to the naturally lit library above and the auditorium below, while the southern courtyard extends learning and social activities outdoors through a variety of sports and recreational installations.

Designed for energy efficiency and longevity

The architectural concept emphasises clarity, simplicity, and energy efficiency. Key communal areas are located on the first floor, while a consistent layout for the remaining rooms supports an efficient load-bearing structure. Solar control, a balanced window-to-wall ratio, green roofing, and the potential for future solar panels all contribute to reduced energy consumption and long-term sustainability.

Recognised at the 2024 Timber Architecture Awards, the building was praised for its innovative use of cross-laminated timber and glulam beams, demonstrating how wood can be both technically advanced and aesthetically refined, enhancing the overall learning environment.

Acoustics shaping the learning environment

Special attention has been paid to indoor acoustics to support both learning and social interaction. In the multifunctional gathering space, suspended free-hanging Ecophon Solo™ Baffle panels are integrated into the ceiling to control reverberation while preserving the openness of the interior.

Classrooms feature Ecophon Focus™ Levels ceiling tiles in selected accent colours, combining effective sound absorption alongside a lively visual character. In the library, stair areas, and entrance zones, Ecophon Focus™ Ds ceiling panels deliver high acoustic performance while preserving a clean and understated architectural expression.