The story of the Barge Yard

"As users, we are extremely happy that the Lodjakoda (Barge Hall) complex was eventually completed after 16 years of preparations and various building projects. There are no records of any other shipyard in Estonia or even in the Baltic states that would function also as a tourist attraction. Architects had to accommodate the needs and requirements of both industry and tourism into the same building. It had to be possible to move large cargo around and inside the building. It had to be possible to move ships from the building to the river and back again. The shipyard fitted only at one end of the plot, the toilets required by the city government at the other. The path along the coast between the river and the building had to remain free for pedestrians and cyclists. The centre was commissioned by Tartu City Government while the tenant with their particular needs was to be determined only with a competition conducted after the completion of the construction. So, it was not initially known who it was built for. And also the budget was limited. Considering the above, architects did a marvellous job. It was our request to install an end-grain floor and wood heaters and we are very pleased with both. Viewed from the outside, it is immediately clear that it is an interesting place. Once inside, you can admire the solid and calm interior design. When leaving, both old and young visitors almost always state that Lodjakoda is a great place."

Authors
Maarja Kask, Ralf Lõoke, Ragnar Põllukivi, Marja Viltrop (Salto Arhitektuuribüroo)
Constructor
Veiko Seliste, Ehitustrust
Commissioned by
Tartu Linnavalitsus
Area
1500 m2
Design
2016–2019
Completed
2020

The Tartu City Government leased Barge Hall to the Emajõe Barge Society for ten years. The new Bargehall provides greenhouse-like conditions for shipbuilding. For the first 16 years, the Barge Society operated in an actual greenhouse - a laminated wood structure covered with PVC fabric, known as the Barge-Tent, which the society built in 2004 for the construction of Jõmmu.
By developing the theme park at Bargehall, organising events, and renting out rooms, the Barge Society generates income to build new ships and cover the maintenance costs of the building. Everyone who buys a ticket to Bargehall, orders programs, or organises their events here contributes to the birth of new ships!

Lodjakoda consists of three buildings:
1. The main building, with the shipbuilding hall in the centre and smaller rooms on the sides with theme park attractions. The adjacent rooms can accommodate up to 100 people for events, and larger groups can fit in the ship hall when there is no shipbuilding in progress or when the ship is sufficiently completed to host events even during the construction phase. If the front wall of the main building is opened, the ship hall becomes an outdoor hall. Large festivals and open-air concerts can take place on the spacious square in front of the building. In winter, ships pulled out from the river can stand here.
2. The Shed Hall with large gates, used for storing shipbuilding materials but also hosting outdoor events.
3. The sauna building, where volunteers helping with shipbuilding or the boat crew can warm up on the spacious sauna bench after sailing on the Emajõgi in stormy weather. The warm, wood-heated sauna at Barge Hall allows one to jump directly into the cooling currents of the Emajõgi. Like the other rooms, the sauna building can be rented for private events. The sauna building also has space for lifeguards, and the beach toilets are located here.

When Ehitustrust was building Lodjakoda, it commissioned the Emajõe Barge Society to construct a 550 m2 block floor since no one else in Estonia was installing such floors. In the past, this type of industrial parquet was widespread - it is durable, healthy for both feet and dropped tools, and looks more friendly than concrete. It was quite enjoyable to saw and lay blocks as a break from shipbuilding, and unexpectedly, it was a significant help in surviving the first wave of the coronavirus.

Next to Lodjakoda, another architectural gem can be found - the renovated city swimming pool, which received the 2022 Annual Prize from the Landscape Architects Association.

OLD BARGE YARD 
 The first, so-called old Barge Yard was built by the Barge Society  with its own resources in 2004 in preparation for barge construction. A simple and inexpensive yet decent-looking and nautical laminated wood structure was designed in-house, and, of course, constructed by the association. The city of Tartu provided the land and the buildings of the old water rescue station for free use for the Barce Society at that time. In the old Barge Yard, the bargeJõmmu, the Viking ship Turm, the Viking boat Emma, and several smaller wooden boats were built. Here, the yawl Kaja was also constructed, which is currently located in Kabli. The association's blacksmith Alar Tamm operates in the Blacksmith workshop, and more information about his work can be found here.

The Barge Centre celebrates Jõmmu's birthday and the beginning of navigation every year on Walpurgis Night. Occasionally, other enjoyable concerts and performances also take place here. Groups embarking on barge voyages from the Barge Hall's harbor can, if desired, take a tour of the Barge Hall before or after the barge journey. The Barge centre is located right next to the beach and the local playground, so those interested can make a beach stop before or after the barge voyage.

The Emajõe Barge Society conducts boat trips on the Emajõgi River, Lake Peipsi, Lake Võrtsjärv, and the Small Emajõgi, covering the regions of Tartu, Põlva, Jõgeva, Ida-Viru, Valga, and Viljandi counties. During major events, voyages have also been made to Tallinn, Pärnu, Narva, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Ventspils, Stockholm, and even Paris.

The traveling Barge centre's  workshops have taken place in all counties and have represented Estonia in many European countries.