A Log Cabin Kit Sauna Is Built Lakeside for a Post-Steam Plunge in Finland

By building a prefab sauna at water’s edge outside Helsinki, a Finnish family can take a steam, and then cool off with a dip in the region’s archipelago.

Deeply rooted in Finnish culture, the beloved sauna ritual is one embraced by the entire nation: Most Finns have a sauna in their own home, and apartment buildings often provide a space for a communal steam. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that when Finns build holiday homes, a deluxe sauna cabin is often part of the plan. After seeing a log cabin sauna that Helsinki-based prefab builders Pluspuu had erected for her friend, Hanna Löyttyniemi-Vuorio tasked the firm with building a similar structure for her own family on their plot of land in Heinola.

The Luoto sauna cabin is perfect for lakeside settings where its full-height glazing provides unobstructed views. The structure’s elongated profile blends in with the surrounding shoreline.

The Luoto sauna cabin is perfect for lakeside settings where its full-height glazing provides unobstructed views. The structure’s elongated profile blends in with the surrounding shoreline.

Since 2017, Pluspuu has used the latest in Finnish log construction technologies to create a range of high-quality prefabs—both homes and saunas—that feature an aesthetic update to the log cabin typology of yore. Hanna chose the company’s Luoto model, a single-story, roughly 290-square-foot structure that comprises a sauna and living space under a single shed roof. For Hanna and her family, Pluspuu customized the model to include floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, and an expanded terrace. "This is how Pluspuu works—we modify our own models according to our customer’s wishes, while also taking into account the requirements of the building site," explains Markku Miettinen, cofounder of the company.

Pluspuu customized the structure to meet the family’s needs, sizing the windows and doors to their specifications and including a large covered terrace to better enjoy the cabin’s natural setting. 

Pluspuu customized the structure to meet the family’s needs, sizing the windows and doors to their specifications and including a large covered terrace to better enjoy the cabin’s natural setting. 

Full height windows allow for expansive views. "You can feel the nature inside the cabin because the big windows allow for views of the lake and forest," explains Hanna. 

Full height windows allow for expansive views. "You can feel the nature inside the cabin because the big windows allow for views of the lake and forest," explains Hanna. 

A small kitchenette was added to increase the unit’s functionality. 

A small kitchenette was added to increase the unit’s functionality. 

Built from 134-by-195 millimeter spruce lamella logs—a common building material in Finland—the minimalist, Scandinavian design is broken into two volumes situated atop a wraparound deck. On either side of a breezeway are the open-plan living space with a kitchenette, and a sauna with a wood-burning stove and shower. 

The two separate volumes create a breezeway that frames views over a body of water called Ruotsalainen.

The two separate volumes create a breezeway that frames views over a body of water called Ruotsalainen.

The wood-burning sauna stove is made by Finnish company IKI.

The wood-burning sauna stove is made by Finnish company IKI.

Full-height windows in the sauna give the space an indoor/outdoor feel, and a stunning view.

Full-height windows in the sauna give the space an indoor/outdoor feel, and a stunning view.

Adjacent to a lake called Ruotsalainen, the forested site is perfect for engaging in the après sauna custom of emerging from hot steam—the steam is called Löyly in Finnish—and taking a cold plunge in a nearby body of water for a brisk cooldown. "We also have a sauna in our home in Helsinki," explains Hanna. "But it is an electric city sauna. There is nothing better than a wood-burning sauna stove."

Shop the Look 
Pohopa Bluetooth Lantern Speaker
Pohopa Bluetooth Lantern Speaker
This speaker doubles as an outdoor lantern, making it ideal for summertime bonfires.
Artek Stool E60
Artek Stool E60
Stool 60 shows off a bit more leg. The stool was originally designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 with three legs. But the next year, Aalto added another. The result was the Artek Stool E60, which has four bent birch legs supporting the round birch slab seat. Available in an array of colors.  
Barebones Fire Pit
Barebones Fire Pit
Bring warmth and durability to the heart of your campsite. Our Fire Pit is crafted with coated stainless steel in a large open-bowl design that supports heavy logs and high temperatures from lively fires. Its sturdy legs and handles make for simple transportation to and from your favorite location.
A shower in the same volume as the sauna provides a place to clean up pre- and post-steam.

A shower in the same volume as the sauna provides a place to clean up pre- and post-steam.

Now that the sauna is complete, the family will soon embark on their next project: a customized retreat adjacent to the sauna using Pluspuu’s Kustavi model. "We will then have more room to invite family and friends along to enjoy the beautiful Finnish summer," shares Hanna. "But the heart of our property will always be the sauna. Here, time stops and we aren’t in a hurry anymore."

Pluspuu has a total of 15 different sauna models. This project—including the custom request for full-height glazing—came in at a total of roughly $49,000. 

Pluspuu has a total of 15 different sauna models. This project—including the custom request for full-height glazing—came in at a total of roughly $49,000. 

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Pluspuu / @pluspuutalot

Builder/ General Contractor: Pluspuu

Structural Engineer: Mikko Kyläkoski

Civil Engineer: Mikko Kyläkoski

Interior Designer: Hanna Vuori (Homeowner)

Photography by: Samuli Miettinen

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

Published

Last Updated

Stay up to Date on the Latest in Prefab Homes

From cozy cottages to large family houses, see how prefab continues to redefine the future of construction, building, and design.