We are living in a world, which is dominated by hustle and stress. As an architecture office we wanted to use our skills to create something to react to this situation. We wanted to create a place to relax, to flee from everyday life, to calm down and enjoy the quiet. Based on this idea we developed the concept and design for a sauna, named PANU. It should embody a counter pole to our everyday life.
- SIMPLE -
Panu is different by design; the simple shape and the use of natural materials defines the unique design of this sauna.
- NATURAL -
by using local woods as a main construction and cladding material an affinity with nature is created. The large glass front of Panu allows a free view to the outside and creates a connection with nature.
- RELAXING -
an aspect ratio of 1:1 in the inside of the sauna and a system of wooden blades on the outside allow the user a comfortable stay (read more in “Design Process”).
- SUSTAINABLE -
for ecological reasons we want to relocate the production of Panu to local manufactories; this means, that Panu will be produced in the same country it was requested and long ways of transportation can be avoided.
- LOCAL -
Panu is an individual and local product, made out of local wood in local manufactories. This way every Sauna is linked to its location and can interact with its surrounding.
- HIGH QUALITY -
the use of weatherproof woods for the cladding of the sauna, prevents a damage and color change of the cladding due to rain. The use of a vapor barrier and a ventilation guarantees a long life durability of the construction elements.
- INDIVIDUAL -
a simple and well-conceived construction also makes it possible to build Panu by yourself. The outside cladding can be produced in various woods and in addition we offer an individual interior design, according to your needs and preferences.
- READY MADE -
if you don’t want to build Panu by yourself, we can supply the sauna ready-made; this way you can save the costs for the installation.
Philosophy
The sauna has its origin in Finnland, where it still has a great importance in the local culture. 2000 years ago the finns brought the sauna from their original homeland in Asia, to Europe.
The basic idea was to create a space to relax after work. This idea was implemented by building a room filled with hot air. The word PANU has its origin in the finnish language, and means fire.
Taking a sauna is very healthy;
1. Your circulation is stimulated. The increasing body temperature allows your blood
to flow faster and circulation problems can be prevented.
2. While sweating a lot of toxins are released.
3. The transition between hot and cold is strengthening our immune system. A cold shower after taking a sauna is not only good for your circulation, it is also building up
your bodys resistance to infections and colds.
4. A visits at the sauna is normalizing your blood pressure.
Design Process
An aspect ratio of 1:1 in the inside of PANU creates tranquility, which enables the visitor to feel more comfortable. The vestibule, on the other hand, is based on an aspect ratio of 1:2. It should embody a connection between the inside and the outside, between the quiet and the hustle of everyday life.
An aspect ratio of 1:1 in the inside of PANU creates tranquility, which enables the visitor to feel more comfortable. The vestibule, on the other hand, is based on an aspect ratio of 1:2. It should embody a connection between the inside and the outside, between the quiet and the hustle of everyday life.
Design Process
An aspect ratio of 1:1 in the inside of PANU creates tranquility, which enables the visitor to feel more comfortable. The vestibule, on the other hand, is based on an aspect ratio of 1:2. It should embody a connection between the inside and the outside, between the quiet and the hustle of everyday life.
An optional roof window, which covers almost one third of the roof surface,
is making the inside even brighter.
The vertical blades arranged around one edge of the sauna serve as a visual cover, whereas from the inside, the blades angle allows a free view through the large glass front to the outside and creates a connection with nature. Different standing points mean different views through the wooden blades;
Materials
The materials used for PANU are mainly wooden, as it is usual for Saunas. The entire interior paneling and interior furniture is in spruce wood, a white wood with fine grains and light small knots, while the cladding of the sauna can be produced in various woods.
The use of a vapor barrier and a ventilation guarantees a long-life durability of PANU. The vapor barrier prevents residual water in the construction elements. In addition the ventilation leads off the moisture coming from the inside. An electric heater with stones is used for heating.
Economic Aspects
According to your needs the sauna can be built by yourself or be supplied ready-made. That way you can save the costs for the installation of the sauna.
Furthermore we seek the implementation of sustainable production methods by relocating the production to local manufactories. This means, that PANU will be produced
in the same country it was requested by following the same uniform standards.
By doing this, long ways of transportation can be avoided. At the same time,
the individuality of every product is guaranteed. Every sauna is linked to its location
and can interact with its surrounding.
