The renovation of the apartment buildings on Akadeemia tee in Tallinn is moving into its next stage. Lift shafts are being built within the existing corridors, while new, spacious stairwells will extend beyond the buildings’ original footprint. These improvements will significantly enhance accessibility and make everyday movement easier for residents.
The modernisation of the apartment buildings at Akadeemia tee 4, 6, 14 and 22 in Tallinn’s Mustamäe district combines energy efficiency improvements with upgrades to the living environment. Alongside factory-built façade and roof elements, the project includes solutions that make the buildings easier to use.
New stairwells and lifts will improve access
During the current construction phase, lift shafts are being built within the existing corridors, and preparations are underway for the new stairwell extensions. Extending the stairwells beyond the original building footprint creates more generous circulation space and allows the existing access arrangements to be redesigned.
Once the work is complete and the lifts are operational, moving between floors will become considerably easier. Residents will no longer need to carry pushchairs, shopping bags and heavier items up the stairs.
The accompanying photos show the current construction progress and preparations for the next steps.
Accessible homes support independent living
In a five-storey apartment building without a lift, stairs can become an obstacle over time. For older residents and people with reduced mobility, this can affect their ability to leave home, go shopping or meet family and friends.
Adding lifts helps people continue living independently in their familiar homes for longer. It also makes everyday life easier for families with young children and people whose mobility is temporarily limited.
The importance of accessibility is also explored in the SOFTacademy article on apartment building renovation and the addition of lifts, available in Estonian. The article explains how lifts improve both everyday comfort and the ability to remain independent at home.
Factory-built renovation forms part of a comprehensive upgrade
Timbeco’s contribution to the Akadeemia tee project centres on factory-built façade and roof elements. Manufacturing these elements under controlled factory conditions supports consistent quality and reduces the amount of work required on site.
Our earlier Akadeemia tee reconstruction project update introduced the installation of factory-built roof elements together with the top-floor wall elements. The addition of lifts and new stairwells complements these improvements by making the homes more accessible.
Together, these measures create a comprehensive renovation approach that considers energy efficiency, the buildings’ technical condition and residents’ everyday needs.
Improving buildings and their surroundings together
The renovation of the Akadeemia tee apartment buildings is part of the SOFTacademy pilot project led by the City of Tallinn. Its approach extends beyond the buildings to include the surrounding outdoor spaces: pathways, landscaping, recreation areas and playgrounds.
For residents, a convenient journey home begins outside and continues through the entrance to their apartment. This makes it important to consider building improvements and outdoor spaces together.
The next construction stage at Akadeemia tee demonstrates how existing apartment buildings can be adapted to current and future needs. New lifts and spacious stairwells bring them another step closer to the comfort and accessibility expected of modern homes.
Planning an apartment building renovation?
Explore Timbeco’s serial renovation solutions using factory-built elements. If your apartment association or construction company is preparing a renovation project, contact our team to discuss whether factory-built renovation is suitable for your building.


