A slim structure that appears to have dropped straight from a cosmic lumberyard is located along Helsinki's coastline, in the once industrial Hernesaari Park, which is currently being converted into a residential zone. The Löyly project is part of a wider plan to transform the shoreline into a larger "Helsinki Park" that will connect the sea to Finland's city. Two clients withdrew from the project before it even started, claiming financial difficulties. Nonetheless, after four years of work, the project now sits magnificently on the narrow coastal strip, attracting thousands who come to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the vast sea beyond.
Finland has 5.4 million people and 3.3 million saunas. The astonishing quantity of saunas demonstrates how important sauna bathing is to the national tradition. Historically, there were more public saunas than private ones. Today, the contrary is true, thanks to the proliferation of private saunas in apartment buildings. However, as the concept of public urban spaces became more prevalent in today's cities, Helsinki saw the necessity to preserve the public sauna for foreigners who did not want to lose out on one of Finland's most renowned traditions.
Actor Jasper Pääkkönen and Member of Parliament Antero Vartia successfully lobbied for the funding of this amenity located only two kilometers away from the city of Helsinki. Avanto architects conceptualized the structure as a rectangular black box covered by a free-form cloak with triangulated facades.
The sculptural wooden structure, made of heat-treated pine, has more than just aesthetic value. The architects aimed to promote visual privacy in this sauna, particularly for foreigners who aren't used to doing so. Outsiders cannot see into the sauna due to the building. For the people inside, it functions as venetian blinds, providing views of the sea and an abundance of lighting into the amenities.
When guests want to cool down between sauna sessions, they exit the warm rectangular box and enter the free area sandwiched between the warm mass and the wooden sculptural structure. The wooden sculpture's most important role, however, is to shield the enormous rectangular box from the harsh coastal climate. The architects reduced the amount of energy necessary to cool the building by shading the internal glass-faceted spaces.
The project's brief specified two primary components: public saunas and a restaurant. The architects aspired for an attractive experience while traversing this structure, thus they planned the restaurant as a well-lit open space that leads to a dim sauna walk that goes to the bathing area. Men and women use separate dressing rooms, baths, and closets. However, because some people may desire to bathe together, the architects incorporated a unisex section where people must wear bathing suits to access—this is especially crucial for foreigners who are not used to swimming naked.
The interiors adhere to what the architect refers to as "soft minimalism." The aim was to create interiors that match the building's strong architecture while also giving the visitor the feeling of being in a sauna. Black concrete, light Scandinavian birch wood, blackened steel, and wool were all used to make this idea come true.
Three different saunas heated with wood allow visitors to experience authentic Finnish culture. The first one is heated once a day, the second is heated in the morning and kept warm throughout the day, and the third is a conventional smoke sauna. In between the saunas, a spa with cold water and a relaxation room were constructed.
When you want to get away from Löyly - a name that refers to the steam produced when water is thrown on hot stones in a sauna - you can go swimming in the sea or engage in ice winter swimming. Better yet, you might use the wooden steps to ascend to the top of the structure and enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset and sunrise from terraces that have become synonymous with the general public.
Also check out Kevin Howard’s Sabino Springs House, a breathtaking architectural marvel nestled in natural splendor.
Project Information
Architects:
Avanto Architects
Location:
Helsinki, Finland
Clients: Jasper Pääkkönen, Antero Vartia
GFA: 1,070 sq.m
Completed: 2016
Photography:
Kuvio
