The competition addresses a central architectural question: how can innovation emerge under conditions of constraints, limited resources and budgets?

The competition invites proposals for a temporary pavilion that explores how simple materials, modest budgets, and inventive design strategies can generate an elevated spatial experience. Participants are encouraged to use materials that are readily available in Estonia and commonly used locally. Collaboration with local industry is encouraged. Wood is recommended as the primary construction material; however, proposals using other materials are also welcome.

The competition is open to individual architects and teams, but not to students. Participants do not need a professional license. There is no entry fee. The official language is English. The competition is anonymous. Entries must be identified by a project code, which is considered a project title. Entries must be submitted digitally.

The winner(s) of the competition will be supported by the Estonian Centre for Architecture, which will assist with production and provide advisory support during the realization process.

Prizes:

1st prize: EUR 2,999.
2nd prize: EUR 999, publication in the TAB 2026 catalogue and a TAB 2026 card.
3rd prize: EUR 499, publication in the TAB 2026 catalogue and a TAB 2026 card.

The current realisation budget for the installation is EUR 14,999. Successful proposals must be fully realisable within this budget. The amount includes materials, construction, dismantling, transportation, engineering consultations, and travel costs for the authors of the winning proposal.

Important dates:

April 29, 2026 — Submission deadline, 23:59 EET
May 6, 2026 — Announcement of the winning project
August 2026 — Pavilion construction
September 9, 2026 — Opening of TAB 2026 and the pavilion

All questions should be sent to info@tab.ee no later than April 24, 2026. Questions and answers will be published on the competition website.

More information can be found here.