Sauna in Olso draws inspiration from 19thC bathhouse

The ‘Bademaschinen’ in Oslo is an eye-catching two-sauna facility boasting a tower-and-spire structure inspired by the classic sea bathhouse known as Sjøbadehus.

The site consists of two saunas, two towers with changing rooms, a diving tower, and an access point from Langkaia quay; a small square emerges between these spaces for gathering and other activities.

GALLERY  

‘Sjøbadehus was a popular public health facility in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century before the inner Oslofjord became too polluted for swimming. The design is also the result of reusing windows from the closed Grande nursing home in Drøbak, which contributes to the facility’s special character, in addition to details that give associations to the maritime,’ writes Borhaven.

The supporting structure and roof are built from red royal-treated spruce, while external walls feature reused teak windows, their glass panes replaced with oiled plywood. Both saunas have three-level benches, accommodating a total of 16 people each.

The supporting structure and roof are made of red royal-treated spruce, while external walls hold reused teak windows where the glass panes have been replaced with oiled plywood. The material palette recalls the historical context and colours of Oslo’s Akershus fortress, where a row of cannons coated in green and bronze delineate the property’s contours. All internal surfaces, sauna benches, and other furnishings are made of veneer.

Images by Borhaven Arkitekter via Designboom






Get our enews

Design and development news that comes to you

Subscribe
                 


Designing with Shadows: The Rise of the Minimalist Shadowline

How clean lines and seamless transitions are shaping modern interiors In contemporary architecture, minimalism is no longer about starkness ...

Thebarton Theatre Set for a Second Act with JPE-Led Redevelopment

A South Australian icon is being reimagined for a new era, with JPE Design Studio leading a major ...

Oreana to Deliver First Stage of Eynesbury Village Masterplan

Developer-builder Oreana has secured a $14 million deal to deliver the first stage of the Eynesbury Village precinct ...

OMA Reimagines Harajuku Quest as a Cultural Gateway in Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo’s Harajuku district, OMA has completed the redevelopment of Harajuku Quest, a 4,300-square-metre commercial ...

Suuel Hotel Brings Puerto Escondido’s Beach Culture to Life

A new boutique retreat by CAAM + Arquitectos celebrates the tactile essence of Puerto Escondido’s coastline, inviting guests ...

  MORE  

Stay connected to the SPEC

Join our reader network by signing up to our weekly newsletter and receive design and development news straight to your inbox





Specifier Source is brought to you by the same company that publishes Home Design, Grand Designs Australia Magazine, Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Magazine, Outdoor Design Source, Build Home, CompleteHome and many more.

© 2022 Universal Media Co. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Universal Media Co.