Loyly, Finland
Designed by Avanto Architects, Löyly is a coastal sauna located in Hernesaari, a former industrial area of Helsinki, Finland. It was completed in 2016.
The building is characterised by an irregularly-shaped outer shell that acts as a ‘cloak’, covering the rectangular black box that contains the sauna and restaurant.
Wooden slats and bleachers create the multi-faceted volume of the sauna, allowing visitors to climb up to a viewing platform. The building is relatively low to the ground so that it will not impinge upon sea views for future residents. At ground level, a terrace extends out over the coastline, with a flight of stairs leading down into the sea.
The building is made of blackened concrete and steel and pale Scandinavian birch wood, materials selected for their durability. The external pine cladding was pressed, glued and heat-treated, and is intended to grey with age so that it blends in with the stony coastline.
The developers intend to rediscover the community attachment to public saunas, which have been under threat from the growing popularity of private saunas. Finland, with a population of 5.4 million, has over three million saunas, roughly one per household.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Blur Building.
- Building of the week series.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona.
- Cube Houses.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Fish Building, India.
- Gentle Genius.
- Liepaja Thermal Bath.
- Little Crooked House, Poland.
- Norwegian Mountaineering Center.
- Suvela Chapel.
- Swimming pool construction.
- Underwater restaurant.
- Unusual building design of the week.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).