Elering launches design competition for high-voltage power line design pylon in cooperation with Estonian Architects Association

Elering, in cooperation with the Association of Estonian Architects, is launching a concept competition for a design for the construction of one the pylons, a so-called “design pylon,” for the Harku-Lihula-Sindi 330/110 kilovolt high-voltage line, which is to be built.

According to Chairman of the Elering Board, Taavi Veskimägi, the construction of the design pylon has many reasons. “In particular, the design pylon must help the technical electricity line fit into the natural environment, but must also raise awareness amongst Estonian people of the role of the electricity transmission system in modern society,” he said.

"High-voltage lines, cellular towers, highway bridges and drainage ditches are the newest layers in our cultural landscape. And as our awareness of our environment increases, so too do our demands on it. It is therefore entirely reasonable that in the case of major infrastructure investments, their spatial and visual impact is considered. We welcome this initiative, and the concept competition is a very good format for this,” said Kalle Komissarov, vice-president of the Association of Estonian Architects.

If the design pylon concept competition is successful, Elering will include the design pylon’s construction in the construction tender for the Harku-Lihula-Sinda electricity line, which is to run in the second half of this year. The design pylon is set to be located in the region of the intersection of the Ääsmäe-Haapsalu and Risti-Virtsu highways, close to the town of Risti.

The concept competition’s assignment and rules have been developed by the Association of Estonian Architects. At their suggestion, the five-member competition jury will include three architecture and design experts. The jury will include architects Urmas Muru and Toomas Tammis, designer Maria Pukk, and Elering representatives Kalle Kilk and Ain Köster.

The jury will assess, amongst other aspects, the design pylon’s relationship with its surrounding environment, the attractiveness of the architectural solution, and the feasibility and durability of the construction solution.

The project submission deadline for the design pylon concept competition is 30 May 2016. The competition will take place as a simple procurement, and more information on the conditions of the competition is available at the state procurement registry on https://riigihanked.riik.ee/register/hange/172629.