Construction begins on fifth Estonian-built home for Ukrainian displaced foster family

The construction contract was officially signed today at Matek’s factory in Pärnu as part of the Estonian Centre for International Development’s (ESTDEV) ongoing initiative to provide housing for Ukrainian foster families who have lost their homes due to the war

The construction of this home is funded by the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, continuing Taiwan’s humanitarian support for Ukraine.

According to the contract, the 212 square-meter element house, which includes a bomb shelter, must be produced and completed within 176 days, by 9 December 2025. In addition to building the house, the contractor will handle utility connections, landscaping, and the installation of a small children's play area.

“Ukraine has been Nordecon’s home market for over two decades, and in these exceptionally challenging times, our priority is to support the country’s reconstruction. This project may not be large in scale, but it carries significant value for the community in Zhytomyr,” said Maret Tambek, Chairman of the Nordecon Group. “We’re proud to join forces with our Ukrainian colleagues and bring this initiative to life with heart and professionalism - just like we do with every project.”

According to Sven Mats, CEO of Matek, “This project may be small in scale, but it holds great significance for all of us in Estonia. We are proud and honored to contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Andrew H.C Lee, Representative of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, reaffirmed Taiwan's steadfast support for Ukraine and its partnership with like-minded nations, including Estonia, to uphold humanitarian values and defend freedom and democracy. He expressed satisfaction that the family housing project in the Zhytomyr region will soon begin construction, hoping for a smooth process that will help Ukrainian families and children return to normalcy.

This will be the fifth family-type group home delivered by ESTDEV to the Zhytomyr oblast to help address the urgent housing crisis among displaced families.

“Today’s signing shows how a small country like Estonia can launch and scale meaningful projects through cooperation with international partners,” said Margus Gering, ESTDEV’s Regional Head for Europe. “We are especially grateful to the Taipei Mission in Latvia and our Estonian partners who make this project possible.”

In 2024, ESTDEV signed a 1.1 million euros partnership agreement with the Taipei Mission in Latvia to receive funding for the construction of one fully furnished, seven-bed, four-bath house with a bomb shelter, and cover the costs of public tenders and project management. 

Nordecon and Eurocon Ukraine are longstanding partners of ESTDEV in reconstruction of Ukraine. In 2022, both companies participated in Estonia’s first Ukrainian reconstruction project, a modular kindergarten in Ovruch. Nordecon currently holds another contract to renovate an apartment building for war refugees in Ovruch.