Architect：Studio Puisto

Location：Karhunkierros 167, Ähtäri, Finland; | ;

Project Year：2020

Category：Restaurants;Wellness Centres

As its name suggests, Saunaravintola Kiulu is both a sauna and restaurant as well as the backdrop for all sorts of impromptu events within the city. Within the restaurant, the dining experiences vary from formal to casual while two saunas offer either a community-driven bathing experience or a more intimate, closer one. All of these spaces are unified through a shared outdoor terrace, bringing the entire experience closer to not only the adjacent lake, but the vast nature around it.

Conceptually, Saunaravintola Kiulu aims to rethink the wellness experience through a holistic design approach, understanding that one’s wellbeing is highly individual and therefore different for everyone. Whether it is through active, social pursuits or solitary, spiritual ones, Saunaravintola Kiulu, through its architecture, carefully defines different user paths for the greater community to allow everyone the equal opportunity to enjoy themselves in the way they prefer.

Our close collaboration with the city of Ähtäri began a few years back when we were asked to develop a masterplan concept for the area that would establish different avenues for year-round, versatile tourism. As we were synthesizing and evaluating all the regional data, we immediately realized two potential areas for growth: strengthening the public connection to the waterfront and integrating a multi-purpose gathering space for both tourists and the greater local community. Consequently, the idea for Saunaravintola Kiulu rapidly emerged, turning from concept to reality in less than two years.

Through Saunaravintola Kiulu, the waterfront is activated as it is element most underscored by the architecture. Every viewpoint from within the structure frames the lake, offering different moments and perspectives through which to take in and enjoy the natural landscape. Whether traveling by land or by boat, Saunaravintola Kiulu serves the city of Ähtäri and beyond through the diversification of services that were previously limited in the area, inviting us to ultimately connect with others, nature, and even ourselves.