The sauna building, standing in the shelter of an impressive old maple tree, marks the boundary of the yard of the property. The site’s steep northern slope overlooks the Degersjön Lake, and magnificent views open up over the ironworks and the setting sun. The building deliberately stands out against the red ochre houses that surround it: the untreated wood surfaces are allowed to turn grey with time.

The basic design of the sauna follows the logic of the millennium-long Finnish log corner-jointing techniques: two separate corner-joint log frames support in the longitudinal direction a pitched roof, while between them there is a sheltered porch with access to both ”rooms”.

The sauna is intended for year-round use but is nevertheless modestly equipped. The floor of the hot room is uninsulated. A bucket hanging from a hook in the ceiling serves as a shower. Sawdust has been used as insulation in the ceiling, with an open attic above it. There is a wood-burning stove in the sauna lounge.

Text: Finnish Architectural Review 3/2018