'Sauna tonttu' by Lassila Hirilammi Architects, photo by Mikko Auerniitty

Lassila Hirvilammi Architects recently completed this sauna based on a nineteenth century barn. The building was not used for 50 years and fell into decay before it was converted and modernised by the Finnish architectural practice.

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Public Sauna by Mjölk architects, photos by Tomas Tesar

The young Czech practice Mjölk architects recently completed this beautiful free standing public sauna on the city dam in Liberec, their city of residence. The sauna itself was built on an abandoned concrete platform, which is located only a few dozen meters away from a popular public beach and promenade.

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'Kyly' by Avanato Architects, photo by Kai Kuusisto

The Helsinki based Avanto Architects designed this solid sauna and won this year’s Habitare Sauna design competition for young architects and designers.

'Kyly' by Avanto Architects, photo by Kai Kuusisto

Here is waht the architects explain:

“Kyly is an old Karelian word and means sauna or bathing. The competition entry for Habitare 09 design competition is built by simply laying massive logs over each other on a plot five by six meters resulting in an intimate composition of several spaces. Using a massive structure binds a lot of carbon dioxide. Moreover the structure is easy to dismantle and to put up again for future use. Kyly is a modern interpretation of a traditional log sauna.”

'Kyly' by Avanato Architects, photo by Kai Kuusisto

“The sequence of spaces starts by stepping two steps away from the ballyhoo of the surroundings and entering an enclosed dressing room. A shower space is set one step further. The most intimate space is uppermost – the sauna. There is also a furo bath and an area for a fire. A rich composition of spaces is created with very simple means. The smell, texture and acoustic properties of massive wood create a strong atmosphere – a calm wooden nest.”

'Kyly' by Avanto Architects, photo by Kai Kuusisto

Design: Avanto Architects Ltd; Ville Hara & Anu Puustinen, architects SAFA,

Assistant: Asami Naito, student of architecture

Sponsors: Rantasalmi Oy, Helsingin Projektitoteutus Oy, Oras Oy, Lasina, Lameco Oy, Liuski Timber Oy, Lapuan Kankurit Oy, Oy Rakennuspartio

to the Avanto Architects website