The Oslo Sauna Association introduced Trosten, the latest addition to an ever growing fleet of floating saunas in Oslo, Norway. The new floating sauna is designed to accommodate everyone, regardless of ability. It also features an innovative façade made of recycled aluminum from Hydro, making it the world’s first floating sauna to be clad in aluminum.
“In Hydro, we strongly believe we need to collaborate to achieve a more sustainable future,” said Hanne Simensen, executive vice president of Hydro Aluminium Metal. “That’s why we jumped onboard this project, where using greener materials was a core principle from the start. We hope Trosten’s popularity and active use will inspire others to contribute to the circular economy by embracing sustainable materials in their projects.”
Since 2016, the Oslo Sauna Association has worked to make Norway’s capital an urban hotspot by implementing its vision to “bring sauna to the people.” The close collaboration between the Association, the Spanish architectural firm eStudio Herreros, and Hydro brought together expertise to develop the best technical and architectural solutions in support of the project’s overarching philosophy. This resulted in the development of the Trosten, which combines the purpose of promoting social inclusion with sustainable design and material use.
The sauna’s façade is constructed of anodized aluminum profiles — comprised of Hydro CIRCAL, which contains a minimum 75 percent recycled post-consumer aluminum scrap, drastically reducing the carbon footprint. Originally used in a lorry drop side system, these profiles now highlight a successful industry collaboration to repurpose materials in innovative ways.
Aluminum is an ideal material for the façade of the floating sauna, as it is highly resistant to corrosion, thus ensuring long lasting durability in a harsh seawater environment. This makes aluminum an ideal material for the sauna, which will be exposed to the Nordic climate all year long.
Trosten’s main attribute is its universal design, featuring access ramps and spacious interiors to accommodate people of all abilities. The sauna has room for 24 people and 2 wheelchairs, as well as an external amphitheater for 50 people. This makes it a long awaited addition to the highly popular Sukkerbiten sauna village, located right in front of the Munch Museum in Bjørvika, Oslo.
“Our vision is to provide saunas for everyone, regardless of ability,” said Ragna Fjeld, secretary general of the Oslo Sauna Association. “We have long wanted to create a sauna that is universally accessible, warm and welcoming. Collaborating with eStudio Herreros, Hydro, AF Gruppen, and others, we have achieved a truly unique concept.”
