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INVITING THE LAKESIDE SCENERY IN

from sb 3/2023 (english)

from sb 3/2023 (english), page 32

PERFECT FIT IN A CONFINED URBA...

LAKESIDE SAUNA AND RESTAURANT IN PISTOHIEKKA

Pistohiekka sauna-restaurant is the first step towards rebuilding the Pistohiekka resort area which flourished until the 1980s but has since disappeared. The project brings long-awaited services back to the area in the form of a lakeside sauna and a restaurant. Pistohiekka sauna-restaurant is one of the key development sites in Studio Puisto’s design for developing tourism and timber construction in Pistohiekka.

The concept boasts a powerful design aesthetic based on a central outdoor space with the restaurant and sauna spaces spiralling around it.

Location Puumala, Finland

Client / operator Pistohiekka Sauna Oy

Architect & Principal designer Studio Puisto, Helsinki, Finland www.studiopuisto.fi

Author of project and text

Kia Vuoksenmaa

Atmospheric contrasts

The buildings are situated on a lakeside site amongst existing trees where they blend into the delicate Saimaa scenery with their dark exteriors, contrasting with the inviting and warm, light wooden interiors. In the sauna-restaurant itself, the lakeside scenery and terraced outdoor leisure areas play an important part. The guests can enjoy summer sunsets between high-quality restaurant meals and leisurely lounging in the sauna.

The starting point for the Pistohiekka sauna-restaurant was the magnificent location, situated between rocky areas in a tranquil cove. The set of buildings designed along with the overall development plan for the area was refined in cooperation with the project owner into a unique overall approach highlighting the special aspects of the area and making the resort a place worth visiting even from farther afield. With the various features of the area carefully considered in the placement of the buildings, the result is a concept where two buildings seem to invite the surrounding scenery in, creating exteriors and interiors where you can always admire the beautiful Saimaa countryside regardless of the weather.

The restaurant courtyard creates viewpoints both in and out of the building, and the covered sauna exteriors with a unique, round opening in the roof create a thematic link between the buildings.

Pistohiekka is a renowned nature travel destination. The labyrinthine archipelago of Lake Saimaa provides a perfect backdrop for kayaking, sailing, motor boating, or rowing. Visitors also find excellent hiking routes and excursion options in the region.