Öpiku Maja

Named after an astronomer

Öpiku Maja takes its name from the Estonian astronomer Ernst Öpik. Construction started in 2015, and it was the first 13-storey building in the district.

When the second tower was finished, Öpik became the largest office building in Estonia by total floor area. Within Ülemiste City, only Sepapaja 10, due in 2029, may overtake it.

A big building makes a big model

The base almost fills a full 32 × 32 baseplate, about 25 × 25 cm. The building itself is finished. The grounds around it come a little later.

Behind the build

From the start of the Ülemiste City project I wanted a photo series of finished models standing in front of the buildings they depict. Öpiku Maja is the first one, photographed right after it was finished.

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  First facade panel: the tan-and-black pattern laid out piece by piece.

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  Narrow end of the first tower with its column of windows.

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  The first tower stands; the low block starts at its foot.

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  Both towers on the baseplate. The space between them is still open.

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  The low block between the towers, with the entrance.

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  One tower lifted off: the courtyard and the rooftop plant underneath.

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  The same stage from above.

The initial StudIO model draft and the renders are made with the support of EstLUG club member Matias Jürgenson.