The Finlandia Prize for Architecture is the most prestigious architecture prize in Finland. The winner was chosen from four candidates selected by a preselection jury appointed by the Finnish Association of Architects. The project was designed in collaboration with Arkkitehtuuri- ja muotoilutoimisto Talli.
“The smoke saunas at Lake Kuusijärvi represent public architecture at its finest. They stand as proof positive that beauty, sustainability and quality can, and do, belong to everyone,” Miettinen describes. In his comments, Miettinen chose to highlight how the buildings succeed in creating a sense of ritual as part of the experience, and the way the bathers are invited to move within the buildings and between them.
“From the changing rooms you are first brought outdoors into the fresh air, then to the sauna and, afterwards, to the lake beyond it. The scent of the forest, the cool air, the soft smoke and the dark expanses of wood all contribute to a carefully thought-out ritual. The low lighting and the intimate scale within the saunas create a protective cocoon from which you emerge into the forest and the vast expanse of lake that spreads out in front of you,” he concluded.
The Finlandia Prize for Architecture is awarded annually, this year for the 13th time. The purpose of the prize is to promote the appreciation of high-quality architecture and to highlight the importance of architecture in generating cultural value and increasing well-being. Thank you Finnish Association of Architects ja Finlandia Prize for Architecture!
It is a joy to share this prize with the whole team, from the client to the designers and builders. Thank you to all our collaborators!
Congratulations to all the nominees; Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects, JKMM Architects and Avarrus Architects!
Read more about the Kuusijärvi Smoke Saunas here.
Read more about the jurors criterias here.
For further information:
Julia Hertell, Mer Architects
050 595 4669,
Photography Katja Tähjä
