This bold apartment block is the result of a collaboration between by Atelier Thomas Pucher and Bramberger Architects, and ably proves that when it comes to problem solving, two heads are better than one.

The Tartu Rebase Street project in Tartu, Estonia, aims to combine the advantages of single residential homes with the economical aspects of apartment living by creating 'stacked villas'.

"Our proposal was to combine the advantages of privacy, outdoor gardens and the boundless views that a single residential home offers with the low economic and maintenance costs of an apartment." say Atelier Thomas Pucher of the approach.

The question of whether it was all possible in one building was answered by the teams via superimposing villas or penthouses on top of each other, keeping advantages such as wide views, private outdoor spaces and generous living areas.

"Reacting to the original urban design in the surrounding area, we designed two different types of buildings: River Towers and City Slabs." continue the atelier.

"The concept behind the River Towers is clear and simple: organizing spaces according to their main functions and distributing between two big rings: the service ring and the living area ring. The most inner ring organizes the service functions, were one can find the entrance to the apartments, wardrobes, bathroom, sauna areas and in most cases the kitchen area.  All infrastructural elements are located in this area, providing economical advantages by its installation and acting as a noise barrier to the lobby."

"The second type of building is included in a more urban context. Located along the existent street, following a north-south axis, the apartments are organized in a cross-stacked scheme. Each apartment is provided with an East-West solar exposure. This organization inspired by Le Corbusier´s Unité d’Habitation, provides generous spaces with beautiful galleries and high-ceiling living rooms. The flexibility of space is also a feature, since high-ceilings offer flexibility for transformation and conversion, depending on the needs of the current occupant.

The exterior spaces comply with the same concept of the River Towers. A wide balcony that surrounds the building creating unique outdoor areas. In the lower levels, the terrain merges with the ground floor, creating a private garden for each house."