Tartu's old garage transformed into a light-filled family home

In central Tartu on Filosoofia Street, architects Liis Uustal and Egon Metusala have transformed an old garage into a cosy home for a family of four on a modest budget. The project demonstrates that with creativity and vision, it is possible to create a welcoming and spacious living space even under limited constraints.

On Tartu's Filosoofia Street, architects Liis Uustal and Egon Metusala have proven something important: a drab and cramped garage space can become a true home. The building, located near the city centre, is now home to a family of four, where natural light and clever space utilisation create a sense of openness.

Where many would have seen only obstacles — technical limitations, limited floor space and a modest budget — the architects found a solution that perfectly meets the family's needs. The project's guiding principle was to maximise the use of existing space and bring as much natural light as possible into the building.

In Tartu's residential sector, such examples are increasingly valued, as the city has empty or abandoned buildings with the potential to become new homes. The Filosoofia Street building is a good example of how old structures can be repurposed without wasting valuable urban space.