Liven’s Creative Director Alina Kester Explains Why Luuslangi Homes Are Not Named Oddly but Rather Logically

Luuslangi Homes. It’s not a typical name. What is the reason behind this choice?

Actually, the project didn’t start with the name, but rather with the concept. We felt that the mindset that emerged in the 90s, where endless workdays and unused vacation days were a badge of honor, has somewhat passed. People (including us at Liven) understand that taking breaks and enjoying leisure time are not just a part of life but also a part of success.

When we had the opportunity to create a new residential area near Lake Harku, we realized that this is the perfect place to create homes where people can come after an exhausting workday, relax, and take walks in the forest. So to speak, to put their feet up (in Estonian ‘luuslanki lüüa’) and unwind.

But still, Luuslangi?

That nostalgic word was indeed more commonly used in the world of Oskar Luts and his era. But it sounds interesting enough and, in our opinion, nicely encapsulates the ambition of taking it easy. A home doesn’t have to be your second job, but a place where you can live a peaceful life, raise children, and feel good – to “lüüa luuslanki” (put your feet up). Essentially, we want you to feel like you’re in your summer cottage. But here, you don’t have to fix the roof.

How does this “luuslank” manifest itself besides the name?

That’s a good question. And actually a more complex question, so I’ll start with a broader perspective. We knew that we wanted to create a living environment that offers tranquility. It felt like the right idea, so we decided to organize an architectural competition. For homes located outside of the city center, organizing a competition is not common practice. The winning entry was from Kadarik Tüür Arhitektid, which, in our opinion, suited best with this nature-inspired and peaceful way of life.

Luuslangi consists of three- and four-story cozy houses with a large courtyard area. These are homes where you can feel comfortable, live, and, of course, put your feet up.

You mentioned “cozy” several times. What needs to be done to create a cozy neighborhood?

Creating a cozy neighborhood can be summed up quite simply – seclusion and natural light. In practice, this means having large windows, “airy” glass balconies and terraces that extend from the interior to the outdoor space. On the other hand, having a secluded courtyard area provides enough privacy to truly create a sense of coziness.

According to a recently published study, Liven is among the top 3 reputable developers in Estonia. However, you are not very well-known. Why is it that nobody knows about you?

I wouldn’t dwell too much on fame because it hasn’t been our primary goal. I would say that we are a fortunate company whose homes have been well-received by people. What does that mean? They recommend us to others and save us from large advertising campaigns for new projects. With each completed house, the number of recommenders grows. As for fame, well, everything has its time.

Here’s a good story. A few years ago, we sent information about a development-stage house to 4 people, just to see what they thought. We ended up receiving inquiries from 5 interested parties. Yes, word-of-mouth recommendation is definitely more important than fame.

Liven’s slogan is “Creating homes with a soul.” Every time I read it, I wonder how a developer can give my home a soul?

That’s a very good observation. In reality, we alone cannot accomplish that. From the beginning, Liven has been moving towards creating homes together with the future residents. On one hand, our work involves creating excellent floor plans, exploring new interior design solutions, designing courtyards based on people’s needs, and so on. This requires thorough groundwork. However, an equally important aspect of the groundwork is listening.

Liven’s best customers are already fans of their new homes from the start. Our task is to provide them with specific choices and to assist them in making decisions. We help them choose the most optimal floor plan, the most suitable interior design solution, and additional features (such as a sauna, walk-in wardrobe, or utility room in the case of Luuslangi). And when it all comes together, and they move into a home created specifically for them, it becomes easier to live there with passion. That’s how we create homes with soul – together with the future residents.

So, are you saying that everyone should buy Luuslangi homes?

No, no, it wouldn’t be sensible if I said that. Rather, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the Luuslangi development on our website and expressing your interest. For example, leaving your email address would allow you to receive information about Luuslangi homes during the early stages of the development, giving you time to calmly choose the right home and the right design. And of course, take breaks in between. Choosing a home shouldn’t turn into a full-time job.