Architect Visit: Finnish Sauna by a Lake

The Scandinavian devotion to the sauna is well documented: this Nordic hot house, devised by UK-based Denizen Works for a family in Finland, has the added appeal of portability.

In Åland, like most of Scandinavia, the sauna is one of the main social functions of the home. Denizen’s clients tried unsuccessfully for years to obtain planning permission for a sauna. Creation of mobile structures was allowed, however, so Denizen built the sauna on runners to allow it to be towed onto the frozen shores for a refreshing plunge into the icy waters during the winter months. During the warmer months, it sits on the land, perched atop removable concrete blocks

Made from locally sourced timber and recycled windows, the structure cost less than $6,000 to build.

Photographs by Tiina Tervo courtesy of Denizen Works.

Above: The building sits on removable concrete supports.

Above: A sleek glass door adds a note of modernity to the structure.
Above: A view onto the lake.

Above: The sauna will soon be towed out onto the lake for winter refreshment.

Above: A narrow window frames the lake and landscape.

Above: The sauna casts a glow down the slope from the main house.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on February 22, 2012.