using curved wood, sotamaa crafts aerodynamic ‘kivi sauna’ on finnish archipelago

kivi sauna reveals an aerodynamic and scale-like design

Helsinki-based practice Ateljé Sotamaa presents the Kivi Sauna in the outer Finnish archipelago. Constructed with mass timber, the volume’s elemental form echoes the vastness of the open sea and the island’s stark rock landscapes. Both its form and materials were chosen not just for their aesthetic charm but also for their functional benefits. Its aerodynamic shape and fish-scale-like outer layer, crafted from curved wood panels and Leadax flashing, ensure the sauna remains unyielding against the elements. ‘Ultimately, our ambition was to craft a sanctuary that feels inherently part of the archipelago, resonating both aesthetically and functionally,’ concludes Sotamaa.

Ateljé Sotamaa combines CLT and leadax

The team at Ateljé Sotamaa specifically uses Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) sourced responsibly from Finnish forests provided by local company Crosslam Ltd. Inside, the Kivi Sauna boasts vast CLT sheets, while its undulating exterior is crafted from milled CLT panels. Nestled between these layers is a sturdy timber frame; a singular, expansive horizontal window completes the structure, offering scenic views of the archipelago and the sprawling sea.

While predominantly wooden, the Kivi Sauna exterior has a unique finish. Clad in Leadax—a sustainable alternative to traditional roofing, this material is derived from recycled car window reinforcement plastic. Possessing the functionality of traditional lead roofing without the environmental repercussions, Leadax can be repurposed up to seven times. Coupled with the mass timber, the entire structure designed by the Sotamaa team embodies circular sustainability.

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project info:

name: Kivi Sauna 

architect: Ateljé Sotamaa | @ateljesotamaa

location: Finland 

CLT provider: Crosslam Ltd.