As a result of a business delegation organised by Enterprise Estonia (EIS), the Estonian architecture firm Creatomus Solutions has found a cooperation partner in South Korea – a wooden modular house manufacturer called Space Factory. The Estonian company is developing innovative software for the manufacturer to automate the design of modular homes, bringing Estonian technology to a new continent.
At the end of February, South Korea hosted Korea Build 2025 – Asia’s leading construction and architecture trade fair. As part of EIS’s delegation, 11 Estonian wood and architecture companies participated in the fair. The event also featured an Estonian architecture and design seminar attended by over 150 Korean architects and construction professionals. Estonia’s presentations at the fair focused on sustainable wooden architecture and innovative solutions – fields that are increasingly resonating with South Korea’s construction sector.
From first contact to cooperation
At the fair, Creatomus Solutions met Space Factory, a young yet rapidly growing South Korean modular home producer. That same day, the Estonian team visited Space Factory’s plant, located just a few hours away, and what began as a contact has now evolved into a substantive collaboration.
“We’re automating the design process for houses produced at Space Factory’s plant. We’re adapting Creatomus Solutions’ web-based house configurator, which enables the fast generation of custom project plans and cost estimates. In the future, end users will also be able to design their homes using this tool,” explained the company’s founder, architect Renee Puusepp.
The first phase of software development for Space Factory will be completed within six months. The collaboration with the Korean manufacturer marks a significant milestone for Creatomus Solutions, which has its first client in Asia. Until now, it has sold its services in Europe, the UK, the USA, and Australia.
Creatomus Solutions founder Renee Puusepp at the Korea Build 2025 trade fair. Photo: EIS
Beyond software: interest in Estonian wooden houses
In addition to the software, Space Factory has also expressed interest in the model house technology developed at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Puusepp hopes this partnership could open doors for Estonian wood material producers and modular house exporters in the Korean market.
“We now have a foot in the door, and we hope this paves the way for other Estonian companies to enter the Korean market as well. Together we’re stronger and can offer greater value – from tech development to pilot projects and material supply,” Puusepp added. Representatives from Space Factory are also expected to visit Estonia soon to view modular homes designed by Creatomus Solutions and to visit local house factories and wood material producers.
According to Kadi Haljandi, Creative Industries Sector Lead at EIS, this cross-sector pilot delegation is a strong example of how, as a small country, Estonia cannot afford fragmentation – we must intentionally seek ways to reinforce each other across sectors when entering export markets. “Creative industries play a key role here: integrating design and technology, as demonstrated by Creatomus’ experience, helps create holistic solutions that provide real value and open global market doors for Estonian companies. Collaboration is our strength, and we must actively seek it out,” Haljandi explained.
Creatomus Solutions stand at the Korea Build 2025 trade fair. Photo: EIS
Korean trade fair and regulation changes create new opportunities
The construction fair chosen for the delegation proved to be an excellent fit. Interest in wooden construction and factory-built homes is clearly growing in South Korea. Recently, a new amendment to South Korea’s building code has made it easier to establish small modular houses. “If you’re looking to expand into Asian markets, South Korea seems like a great place to start – Koreans are curious and eager to test new technologies quickly,” said Puusepp.
According to Marek Roostar, Head of the Asia Region export markets at EIS’s Export Department, the success of Estonian company Creatomus Solutions is an excellent example of how entering the right market at the right time can lead to tangible results. “South Korea values innovation and responds quickly when offered suitable solutions – especially in fast-growing areas like modular construction,” Roostar noted.
Roostar encourages Estonian companies interested in Asia to contact EIS’s export advisers based in target markets. “Our advisers worldwide help companies assess product-market fit and build connections with local partners. Creatomus entered the Korean market just as regulatory changes created new opportunities for small modular buildings, and their flexible approach and strong product helped them stand out,” he said.
Creatomus Solutions’ experience clearly shows that business delegations and participation in trade fairs organised by EIS are more than just opportunities to collect contacts—they can lead to real and meaningful partnerships. “We would never have achieved this on our own. EIS provided us with tremendous support,” Puusepp confirmed.
Korea Build 2025 took place from February 19 to 22 in South Korea. Companies featured at the Estonian national stand, organised by the Enterprise Estonia, included: Arcwood, Avrame, Creatomus Solutions, Estonian Log Cabins, Molumba, One Architects, Puidukoda, Saviukumaja, Saunum Saunas, Tene Kaubandus, and Vara Saeveski. Participation in the fair was co-financed by the European Union.
Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing service for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.
