A commemorative volume published to mark Merko’s 35th anniversary has been selected as one of Estonia’s 25 Most Beautiful Books of 2025.
The book, showcasing the construction and real estate company’s work from the past five years and the people who work for Merko, also received a Special Prize from the National Library of Estonia.
A total of 214 books published in 2025 were submitted to the long-running competitions “25 Most Beautiful Estonian Books” and “Five Most Beautiful Children’s Books”, the highest number in the past 10 years.
The work of the jury selecting the 25 most beautiful books was chaired by Karel Korp, president of the Estonian Graphic Designers Association, who noted that Estonian book design and print quality continue to be innovative. “Designers consistently manage to inspire admiration and surprise in those assessing their work, skilfully hiding tricks and playful details that are great joy to discover,” said Korp.
Regarding the Merko book, the jury highlighted the following:
“An exclusive and representative publication from the flagship of Estonian construction companies. A luxurious work with a magnificent composition and a consistently high-quality selection of images. This substantial volume does not make a single stylistic misstep. The slipcase surrounding the book adds an extra note of grandeur.”
Published in both Estonian and English, the book was compiled by the Group’s head of communications and marketing, Merit Kullasepp, and Tõnu Toomik, Member of the Management Board of Merko Ehitus. The design is by Kalle Toompere, who has also designed all previous Merko anniversary books. The volume features photographs by numerous photographers highlighting the beauty of Merko’s projects, with contributions from colleagues across Merko companies in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The book was published by Aasta Raamat and printed by Greif.
In addition to being selected among the 25 most beautiful books of the year, the Merko anniversary book was awarded the Kuldraamat (Golden Book) Special Prize by the National Library of Estonia. Estonia’s most beautiful books will be submitted to the international competition for the world’s most beautiful books.
The public can vote for their favourite until 19 March.
The winning works can be viewed, and votes cast, at exhibitions held at the National Library’s Solaris outpost in the Solaris Centre until 19 March. From 2 March, the exhibition of the year’s most beautiful books will also be on display at Apollo bookstores at Tartu Kaubamaja and Pärnu Kaubamajakas.
Gift cards from the National Library of Estonia, Rahva Raamat, and Apollo will be raffled among voters. Winners will be announced on rara.ee and estbook.com on 27 March, and organisers will contact the winners directly.
The most beautiful books competition was organized by the Estonian Publishers Association, the National Library of Estonia, the Estonian Graphic Designers Association, the Estonian Centre for Children’s Literature, and the Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry Association. Established in 1958, the tradition helps to highlight excellence in Estonian book design and printing technology.
The Merko 35th anniversary book can be read online HERE.
