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Traditional Sauna and Artist Accommodations Within a Rehabilitated School Building

Author:
Claudio C. Araya
Traditional Sauna and Artist Accommodations Within a Rehabilitated School Building
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Set within a rehabilitated school, the design incorporates artist accommodations and a traditional sauna, transforming the space into a multifunctional cultural hub that supports community engagement and artistic collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rehabilitation of an existing school building preserves its historical character.
02
Integration of a traditional sauna within the cultural hub enhances community wellness.
03
Flexible exhibition spaces accommodate a range of artistic presentations.
04
Dedicated artist accommodations foster collaboration and creativity.
05
Common areas promote social interaction among visitors and artists.

The Omuli Museum is located within a rehabilitated school building, designed to function as a cultural center that connects historical elements with contemporary artistic practices. The overall design concept emphasizes community engagement and functionality. By preserving the original structure, it fosters a relationship between the past and present, making it a space for both visitors and artists.

Ground Floor Design

The ground floor covers 435 square meters and is primarily focused on communal and operational activities. It features workshop spaces, a kitchenette, a canteen, and a reception area, all arranged to facilitate social interaction. Administrative and storage areas are included to support museum functions, ensuring a flexible layout that can adapt to gatherings and events that invite public involvement.

Artist Accommodations

The second phase introduces artist accommodations, which are essential for nurturing creativity and collaboration. This area includes a meeting point and leisure space, promoting informal connections between artists and guests. By emphasizing these aspects, the design encourages a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes both local and visiting creators, positioning the museum as a center for artistic exchange.

Exhibition Spaces

In the third phase, the design incorporates overnight accommodations alongside dedicated exhibition areas for permanent, temporary, and open displays. This arrangement allows for a variety of presentations that can cater to a wide audience. Important visitor amenities, such as dressing rooms, showers, and a traditional sauna, enhance the experience, integrating cultural practices into the museum’s framework.

Conceptual Framework

The core idea behind the Omuli Museum is to rehabilitate the existing structure, creating a blend of historical significance and modern design. By layering these elements, the museum retains the character of the original school while introducing contemporary features that improve usability and access. This careful integration invites visitors to explore and appreciate the space, highlighting its role as both an educational facility and a community gathering point.

One notable feature is how the ground floor common areas transition into exhibition spaces, encouraging visitors to discover art in an open, inviting manner. The thoughtful design creates an environment that values both the past and the present, enriching the cultural landscape of the area.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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