Award-winning sauna atmosphere

A unique wooden sauna built on Kaunissaari, designed by Finnish architect and wood enthusiast Jaakko Torvinen, honors traditional building methods with a contemporary sensibility.

The project has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Wallpaper Life Enhancer of the Year 2026 award, granted by the internationally renowned design, architecture, fashion, and lifestyle magazine.

The site offers unobstructed sea views from both the sauna and the minimalist tea room located on the opposite side. The tea room draws inspiration from journeys to

Japan made by both the client and Torvinen.

The project features numerous carefully considered, handcrafted details. Functionality and the poetry of Finnish sauna history come together in an exceptionally natural and harmonious way.

The tea room is complemented and warmed by a minimalist fireplace, whose installation and safe operation are enabled by the Härmä Air Siro chimney system.

The minimalist fireplace required special solutions for the chimney as well. The aim was for the chimney to be slender and to avoid traditional, thick steel chimneys. The Härmä Air Siro product family, together with Härmä Air’s expertise in flue and smoke exhaust solutions, made it possible to achieve exceptional safety clearances to wooden walls. The chimney solution highlights the project’s character, defined by carefully considered details and functionality.

Wallpaper is a prestigious international magazine focusing on design, architecture, fashion, and lifestyle, published across Europe, North America, Asia, and major design capitals. On digital platforms, it reaches millions of monthly readers across multiple channels.

Wallpaper Design Awards:

this Finnish sauna is Life Enhancer of the Year*

https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/wallpaper-design-awards-2026-life-enhancer-of-the-year-puusauna-finland