Tuiran Sauna is a new public waterfront sauna in the Tuiran district of Oulu. The project replaces the existing beach building and brings together the year-round sauna operations of Oulun Rantasaunaseura, a café, and facilities for winter swimmers and other beach users. Designed as a place of encounter, the sauna weaves together wellbeing, culture and everyday community life, becoming an integral part of the city’s shared waterfront and river landscape.

The building integrates lightly and transparently into the landscape formed by the park and the river. Two gabled building volumes structure the composition, while the façade of wood and glass opens views towards the water and at the same time preserves the intimacy of the sauna experience. During the darker seasons, the building glows like a lantern, and the surrounding terraces, pier and shoreline create a cohesive environment that invites active public use.

The architecture of Tuiran Sauna combines local building traditions with the principles of sustainable construction. The building is made from simple, natural materials – wood, clay and stone – without plastics or chemical compounds. Relying on traditional techniques such as natural ventilation, the design is both durable and resource-efficient. The structure and materials of the sauna are designed to last for generations, forming a timeless addition to the cultural landscape of the Oulu riverfront.