Laura Haun
architecture | design | photography | graphics
A Finnish sauna + hostel designed to lie among the trees in the heart of Töölö, Finland, enveloped by the folklore of the great, gentle Karhu.
Lying intently between mystery and familiarity, the bear may be found. Lively and innocent, large and powerful, feared and hunted, yet revered and sacred, bold and charming, fooled but respected, there is an irony that surrounds the majestic animal.
The bear’s presence is large and powerful in wake and slumber. The warmth of the fur lines the large span of the animal’s skin.
Winter comes, and darkness is near. The moon remains prominent in the sky with Ursa Major directing the way among the reflection of the northern star and inversions of the sky’s constellations. Slumber lies heavy and a peaceful rest is in store. There is an isolation with hibernation, with innocence in interruption.
The snow paints the land and the footprints are lined with stains. The hunger of the Karhu, the Great Otso was what drew his end time near.
With the awakening sun, the hunt for golden food was in action. The introversion temporarily became extroversion and without guard, the hunter became the hunted. Lightness shown across the land, birch in repetition along the horizon, the power and duality of the bear became fooled after injury. In search of seclusion, the keeper of dreams stumbled and was given a second life.
Torn apart and re-purposed, separated and sacred, the great bear has its own permanent space, without interruption and offered eternal peace and relaxation, keeping our dreams and watching from afar among the northern most stars.
Stumble upon the elevated structure with peace and tranquility. In the moment, wandering seeks fulfillment, and is complete. Escape the earth briefly and experience a calmness brought about within the natural inversion of land and sky.
Overlapping spaces interlock and move freely. The folding of forms is a reflection of the permeability of a flesh-like membrane. Folding and wrapping and reaching above. The ribs of the bear are imitated by the maintenance of form. The flesh of the bear is its fortress, just as the shell of the structure. Stretching from the natural tree line, lying gently among and above the existing landscape, pass below with curiosity. Spanning as an elongated form and seemingly grouped, yet separated, the notion of privacy is enhanced.
Hibernate within the sauna. Seek refreshment and find peace and serenity along the edge. Circulate the process and experience new heights above the land.
Interaction with the darkness and light remains in reflection of the hibernation patterns. The structure is sliced precisely with slivers of light, enhancing the qualities of the chosen location. As a cave would shelter the bear, as the trees host the bear, as the stars would tell stories of the bear, there is a indirect interaction with the patterns of the desires of the great Karhu.
The elevation maintains a sacred seclusion. A place of peace set for the Great Otso Privacy for sleep and privacy from the ground. Reaching closer to the constellations, hibernating with the keeper of dreams.
