When the customer orders the future classic – a smoke sauna
Through what kind of design process did Partanen & Lamusuo surpass themselves and fulfill the client's wishes?

Partanen & Lamusuo knew right away that they were on an exciting journey towards something special when the customer asked them for a future classic, a smoke sauna. Creating a future classic felt like a great opportunity and an exciting challenge.

"Smoke sauna may evoke the image of a dark, smoky, and sooty, perhaps even scary space. We started thinking about how we could bring the tradition to the present day and from the present day to future. What if a smoke sauna was not only a smoke sauna but also a multipurpose space that offers much more than just a sauna?" Partanen & Lamusuo provide the background.

The project's vision was clear - Partanen & Lamusuo wanted to create something unique and memorable and fulfill the client's wishes. The artist-architect couple spent some time getting to know the customer and their needs, both on-site and by talking with them.

"We wanted to understand what kind of smoke sauna would be perfect for their customers. We thoroughly thought about how we could reach to their dreams and exceed their expectations. In addition to putting ourselves in the position of the customers, we thought about what kind of a smoke sauna we would enjoy going to", Partanen & Lamusuo describe.

How to create the perfect sauna experience?

Through an empathic approach the classic of the future began to take shape and was named Smoke Sauna Maria.

But what makes Smoke Sauna Maria a future classic?

Partanen & Lamusuo created something unprecedented that inspires and fascinates customers, as well as, everyone else. The smoke sauna of the future will not be dark and low, but bright and high. It is a place where you can enjoy not only sauna but also other functionalities.

Bathing in a smoke sauna is an ancient tradition. In the multi-layered Smoke Sauna Maria, the best parts of the smoke sauna tradition are combined with new, unique solutions: Smoke Sauna Maria is inviting, relaxing, and has a smoky atmosphere without being dark and ominous.

The windows on the upper floor of Maria's smoke sauna allow natural light into the space, and the windows offer a wonderful view of the surrounding nature. The platforms are on the upper floor, from which there is an exit directly to the terrace on the second floor. This way, sauna users can enjoy the scenery and easily get outside to cool off.

The stove is heated from outside, so heating the sauna is pleasant and the heater does not have to stay in a smoky room. Smoke may fill the space during heating, as the decks and numerous windows are protected with shutters during the heating process. This way, the windows stay clear and the shelves clean.

A little pool will be cleared out into a small, clear-water stream nearby. The sand-bottomed stream forms a lovely natural spa, where you can dip in and cool off during your sauna experience.

Smoke Sauna Maria is a symbol of innovation, creativity and local construction

By getting to know the building site, the artist-architect couple Partanen & Lamusuo created a smoke sauna that fits into the surrounding landscape "Smoke Sauna Maria's" construction uses natural logs from the customer´s forests as materials. The forest is located near the construction site. Over time, the logs are allowed to naturally turn into a gray color.

"The location of the sauna in the bend made it possible to place layers and functions on different levels. From one floor to another, you can move indoors and outdoors. You will be able to plant, for example, climbing grapes in the wall designed next to the outdoor staircase," Partanen & Lamusuo suggest.

In addition to the two interior floors, the Smoke Sauna has a roof terrace and covered terrace on the ground level and on the second floor, which increases the building's versatility. The space under the stairs is used as a log warehouse, where the beautifully laid logs become part of the building.

On the covered terraces located on three levels, you can sit, read, work, or even do handcrafts and gardening. The ground-level terrace can be protected with a curtain, so the terrace turns into a changing room for the sauna.

The roof terrace can be used as a sunbathing terrace, or as a landscaped terrace protected by a pergola. Thanks to the elevated location, you can enjoy nature on the roof terrace without the annoying mosquitoes.

The future classic – Smoke Sauna Maria, is more than just a building: it is a symbol of innovation, creativity, and local construction.