A surprise log wall and a ceiling light inspired by a dream: This sauna renovation was a combination of skill and serendipity

Sanna Löytynoja and her husband Aki bought her childhood home in Ylivieska, Finland, built in 1917. The couple have been gradually renovating the main building of Marjamäki, and eventually, the downstairs sauna and bathroom also got a makeover.

“These spaces were last renovated in the 80s. Our renovation was straightforward because we didn’t have to consider whether to renovate or if any of the surfaces could be kept,” says Aki.

Since Aki is a construction professional, it was natural for him to oversee the renovation of their own home. They only hired outside help for the electrical and HVAC work.

Sanna wanted to bring an old-world feel to the bathroom. The storage unit is an old cabinet that once served as a filing cabinet in the Ylivieska local court in the early 1900s. The somewhat dilapidated cabinet was refurbished and waxed to be moisture-resistant.

Before the renovation:

As the previous renovation in the 80s was carried out without proper waterproofing, the old concrete floor of the sauna and wash areas had to be jackhammered up. By merging the hallway with the bathroom, they gained some much-needed extra space. They managed to fit everything needed into 16 square meters.

The idea for the grand wagon wheel light came to Aki in a dream, and he decided to make one himself. The ceiling of the sauna was made from gray barn planks. Radio plays from the speakers installed in the sauna.

Previously, access to the wash areas was through a narrow corridor and two doors, which was not convenient. The first step was to demolish the wall between the shower room and the corridor, adding extra space to the new bathroom. Next, they stripped the old surface materials from the walls and ceiling. The floors were jackhammered to remove the old concrete and replace the insulation. The drains were also replaced. After the groundwork, a new floor was poured and left to dry for two months.

“At least I now know what’s under the floor. The concrete poured over the insulation has water-based underfloor heating,” says Aki.

“I happily let Aki take charge of the construction phase. I focused on finding a crystal chandelier and a clawfoot bathtub. Priorities above all,” Sanna jokes.

“In reality, Sanna’s help has been invaluable. If I’d had to do the planning and choose the materials all by myself, it wouldn’t have worked,” Aki says.

The boards for the sauna benches were bought from a sawmill. Aki then planed, sanded, and fitted them in place. Finally, the benches were treated with protective lacquer meant for sauna wood. Log paneling was installed on the walls and treated with a spirit-based black-gray stain and a clear protective lacquer. The old log wall has also been treated with clear protective lacquer.

During the renovation:

The sauna is heated every evening of the year. Sanna felt that the slender, light-colored Harvia stove fit the space perfectly.

The couple got to take their first sauna six months after starting the renovation. Aki is relieved that everything went according to plan. There were no unpleasant surprises since the structures were in good condition. By contrast, the log wall uncovered beneath the bathroom’s wall panels was a delightful surprise. It was left exposed to showcase the original charm of the log house.