The modern facilities allow the laboratory center of METK to be one of the best laboratories in all of Europe. The new office spaces contribute to the transition to modern hybrid work, offering a good working environment both for the person who works in the building on a daily basis and a convenient option for those who work remotely.
Regional Minister Madis Kallas sees the renovation of METK's laboratory building as an important cornerstone for food security. “Modern agriculture is based on science and the high quality of Estonian food shows that our scientists have done a very good job. A world-class laboratory environment helps researchers to be even more successful,” the minister confirms.
“From the point of view of national supervision, a farmer or a hobby gardener, our laboratory center has long ceased to be a place where only analysis numbers are obtained, but we offer additional information, what to do with the laboratory results,” the head of METK Andre Veskioja emphasizes the importance of the freshly renovated building.
“For example, in the laboratory we study the condition of the soil, the analyzes we perform – inform the farmers about the condition of the seeds, the quality of the grain growing in the fields, the value of the feed given to the animals and the health of the plants we grow. In other words, with the help of the products and services offered from this house, we help make production more profitable, more precisely managed and more environmentally friendly,” adds Veskioja.
“Riigi Kinnisvara's task is to create modern work environments for public sector employees across Estonia. The history of the METK’s Teaduse 4 laboratory center building dates back to the seventies of the last century. Giving dignified buildings a new life cycle through reconstruction is environmentally sustainable. At the same time, such work can be time-consuming and presents its share of challenges to architects, designers and builders. At this building, the cooperation partners have handled complex tasks well, and today we are opening a laboratory center that creates opportunities for top-level research,” said Kati Kusmin, chairman of the board of Riigi Kinnisvara.
The floor area of The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge office and laboratory building is 6122 m2. The reconstruction work started in the summer of 2021. The total construction cost is approximately 9.9 million euros. Design and construction are financed through the measure “Promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in public sector buildings” in the amount of 3.4 million euros. VAT is added to the amounts.
The architectural part of the reconstruction project has been completed by Raivo Puusepp OÜ Architects' Office. The construction project was prepared by Infragate Eesti AS as the main contractor, the construction work of the building was carried out by OÜ Nordlin Ehitus, the owner supervision service was provided by Sweco Est OÜ.
The original building of the laboratory and research building of the Rural Knowledge Center with its 5-story, symmetric row joints and central 2-story main entrance was designed in 1975/1982 by architects Ü. Vahi and P. Madalik.
