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
                 


Bold by Design

Introducing Bison, the latest airflow solution from Big Ass Fans. Big Ass Fans partnered with Koda Lighting Melbourne this ...

Dévo Brings Retro Glamour to Marseille Dining

Design duo Axel Chay and Mélissa Chay have infused charm, texture, and Mediterranean character into Dévo, a restaurant ...

Forestway Shopping Centre Redevelopment Advances in Sydney

A $34 million redevelopment of Forestway Shopping Centre in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is progressing into its next phase, ...

Rooted in Calm: Abin Design Studio Shapes Mindful Indian Workplace

In an era where workplace design is increasingly tied to employee wellbeing, Indian practice Abin Design Studio has ...

Construction Sector Shows Strong Resilience Amid Global Disruption

New research from Adelaide University and Flinders University has revealed that Australia’s construction sector adapted to recent global ...

  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.