The Art Sauna at the Serlachius Museums in Mänttä was awarded Concrete Structure of the Year 2022 in February, recognised for its distinctive and innovative architecture as well as its high-quality execution. The project makes exceptional use of slate throughout.
According to Harri Pohjalainen of Aalman Oy, the project could easily have been named “Slate Project of the Year” – if such an award existed.
The project includes around 700 m² of Norwegian Alta slate supplied by Liuskemestarit, and Pohjalainen notes that in his long career he has rarely seen a project where slate plays such a prominent role.
For us as stone installers, the project was truly unique. The dimensional accuracy requirements were on an entirely different level, and every stage of this architecturally significant project was carried out to the highest possible quality standards, says Pohjalainen.
The architects had strong visions and strict requirements, which are clearly reflected in the award-winning result that has attracted significant attention. The unique Art Sauna combines art, design, and architectural innovation into one cohesive whole.
Slate provides a naturally slip-resistant surface, even in shower areas.
The design of the sauna is defined by a strong horizontal division, with stone forming the lower section and wood the upper. The sauna is located beneath this line.
The Art Sauna was designed by the same architectural trio behind the Serlachius Museum Gösta pavilion: Héctor Mendoza, Mara Partida, and Boris Bežan. The implementation design was carried out by Finnish architect Pekka Pakkanen.
The project highlights a carefully considered combination of wood and stone.
Norwegian Alta slate has been used extensively throughout the project, including fireplaces, floors and walls indoors, even in the shower areas and sauna. Outdoors, slate is featured on stairs and terraces. A natural stone-faced wall also guides visitors to the main entrance, highlighting the extensive use of slate in the project, Pohjalainen explains.
A cohesive visual identity, reinforced through carefully selected materials, has been a central priority for the architects.
Pohjalainen explains that the original intention was to use slate as the sole stone material throughout the project. However, a compromise was required in the basin areas, where slate could not provide a sufficiently even finish.
Although Norwegian Alta slate is exceptionally even for a natural stone, it is inherently more variable than factory-produced materials – and that is precisely part of its appeal. However, it could not be adapted to meet the requirements of the basin surfaces, even after careful evaluation together with Liuskemestarit.
The material must always suit its intended use, which is why a small compromise in the basin areas was ultimately seen as the most reliable solution by all parties.
Astonishing slate surfaces that stand the test of time
The slate for the project was individually and carefully selected, with every detail considered. For example, the stone edges were hand-finished at Liuskemestarit.
Harri Pohjalainen personally delivered stone samples processed by Liuskemestarit from Jyväskylä to Helsinki for the architects, ensuring that the selected material met all requirements.
In the architects’ vision, the partition walls in the shower areas were to be made of full-sized, intact pieces of thin slate. Both Pohjalainen and Arttu Jokinen from Liuskemestarit, who was involved in the project as a consultant, initially considered the idea almost absurd.
A beautiful concept, but likely impossible to execute.
Nevertheless, together with Liuskemestarit, the team set out to see if the impossible could be made possible. After extensive development, sourcing and discussions, the architects’ vision was realised. Custom-made slate elements were handcrafted for the project and delivered intact from Norway to Finland despite their size. The result is outstanding, Pohjalainen explains.
Although the project was unique in many ways, Pohjalainen and Aalman’s installation team were already highly familiar with Alta slate, which helped ensure the success of this demanding project.
Alta slate is one of the most widely used slates in the world, thanks to its consistent quality and ability to create large, impressive surfaces. For installers, it is especially appreciated for how easy it is to work and split.
The Art Sauna has been carefully designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape and the museum setting in Mänttä.
The Serlachius Museums describe on their website how the visitor experience goes beyond simply viewing art. Visitors are surrounded by a continuous flow of moments in which landscape, art, and architecture come together.
High-quality, beautiful slate becomes an integral part of the experience, offering durability that can endure for generations – even centuries.
Stonegroup Finland consulted the architects already during the design phase.
Liuskemestarit imports Alta slate from Northern Norway as paving slate, sawn tiles, and walling stone. Explore more inspiring slate projects on the Altaskifer website.
In Orivesi, Liuskemestarit’s in-house production refines the material into innovative solutions, including masonry façade stone.
Liuskemestarit is an independent brand of Stonegroup Finland. Our experts are happy to support designers from the very early stages of a project. Architects, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Arttu Jokinen
Stonegroup Finland Oy
0400 818 639
arttu.jokinen@stonegroup.fi
Alta slate is the ideal material for creative, sustainability-minded builders. A wide selection is also available for consumers in the Kivitori online store.
The Art Sauna experience can be enjoyed with your own group by reservation or during public sauna sessions held approximately once a week. Learn more on the Serlachius Museums website: Art Sauna | Serlachius Museums | Serlachius.fi