Finnish architects Avanto Architects have designed a public sauna that doubles as an outdoor auditorium for marine sports in Helsinki.

The sauna, named Löyly, is located on the waterfront in Hernesaari, once an industrial area of the city. Wooden slats clad the multi-faceted, pyramid-like structure, allowing visitors to climb up the roof to a viewpoint at the top of the building, or sit and look out to sea.

A ground level terrace extends out over the coastline, providing a point from which spectators can observe passing cruise ships entering port, or watersports organised by the local sports centre.

According to the architects, the sauna “is more like a coastal park than a conventional building” as it will promote growth and a sense of community in the local area, which is earmarked for new residential developments.

Work began on the project in 2011 and has recently been completed.

Designers Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio have created the interiors for the building, which has a floor area of 1071sq m. Leisure amenities include a modern, minimalistic restaurant.

At ground level, a further terrace juts out over the coastline and a flight of stairs lead down into the sea.

A selection of some of the world's most innovative saunas and bathing spaces featured in the last issue of CLADmag