Public sauna opens as a timber-clad 'coastal park' on Helsinki waterfront
by Kim Megson | 01 Jul 2016
Finnish architects Avanto Architects have designed a public sauna that doubles as an outdoor auditorium for marine sports in Helsinki.
The sauna, named Löyly, is located on the waterfront in Hernesaari, once an industrial area of the city. Wooden slats clad the multi-faceted, pyramid-like structure, allowing visitors to climb up the roof to a viewpoint at the top of the building, or sit and look out to sea.
A ground level terrace extends out over the coastline, providing a point from which spectators can observe passing cruise ships entering port, or watersports organised by the local sports centre.
According to the architects, the sauna “is more like a coastal park than a conventional building” as it will promote growth and a sense of community in the local area, which is earmarked for new residential developments.
Work began on the project in 2011 and has recently been completed.
Designers Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio have created the interiors for the building, which has a floor area of 1071sq m. Leisure amenities include a modern, minimalistic restaurant.
At ground level, a further terrace juts out over the coastline and a flight of stairs lead down into the sea.
Public sauna Helsinki Finland Avanto Architects architecture design
The sauna's terrace doubles as an outdoor auditorium for marine sports Credit: kuvio.com
A viewpoint at the top of the sauna offers views out to sea Credit: kuvio.com
A host of bathing facilities feature inside Credit: kuvio.com
Wooden slats clad the multi-faceted, pyramid-like structure Credit: kuvio.com
Designers Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio have created the interiors for the building Credit: kuvio.com
Work began in 2011 and was completed this year Credit: kuvio.com
The sauna is a new coastal landmark for Helsinki's industrial port area Credit: kuvio.com
Natural materials provide a calming feel Credit: kuvio.com
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FEATURE: Design – Hot stuff
Finnish architects Avanto Architects have designed a public sauna that doubles as an outdoor auditorium for marine sports in Helsinki. The sauna, named Löyly, is located on the waterfront in Hernesaari, once an industrial area of the city. Wooden slats clad the multi-faceted, pyramid-like structure, allowing visitors to climb up the roof to a viewpoint at the top of the building, or sit and look out to sea. A ground
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