(Updated April 10, 2026)
The nearly 100-year-old Rauhaniemi Public Bathhouse is undergoing a complete renovation, from the building structure to the building services. Construction will begin in April 2026, and the sauna will be closed to customers in March before work begins. The goal is for the renovated facility to be completed in March 2027, after which the building will be furnished and put into use.
The Rauhaniemi sauna was completed in 1929 and has been expanded over the decades. The most recent major renovations took place in the 1990s and early 2000s, during which the washing facilities in particular were refurbished. However, no major renovations have been carried out since then.
Extensive renovation, from structures to building services
The renovation project now getting underway will cover nearly every part of the building. Key measures include, among others:
- demolition and replacement of damaged structures
- Replacing subfloors with more durable concrete structures
- Renovating facades to make them ventilated
- Repair or replacement of roofs and attics
- replacement of doors, windows, and patios
- a complete renovation of the building's systems
The building’s heating system is being completely overhauled: we are switching from oil heating to district heating, and in the future, the saunas will be heated by electric heaters instead of oil-fired ones. This change will improve energy efficiency and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
“Technically, this is a challenging project. Saunas, washrooms, and changing rooms are all spaces that pose humidity-related challenges, which is also reflected in the costs,” Hirvonen notes.
Construction is carried out under cover to ensure that the structures are as durable as possible right from the construction phase.
More space, better functionality
In addition to renovating the old building, the renovation project will adapt the spaces to meet current needs.
The sauna and shower facilities will be expanded, and the number of shower rooms will increase. Some of the current changing rooms will be converted into shower rooms, which will help alleviate congestion, especially during peak hours.
Accessibility will be improved, even though the building cannot be made fully accessible due to preservation regulations. In addition, cold spaces will be converted into warm ones, which will enhance comfort throughout the year.
The services are also being upgraded: the current kiosk will be converted into a café. The café will gain additional space upstairs, and in the future, people other than sauna-goers will also be able to stop by for a cup of coffee.
Building preservation guides our work
The Rauhaniemi sauna is a site of architectural and cultural-historical significance, which imposes special requirements on its renovation.
“We want to preserve the building’s appearance and atmosphere. Even though much of the structure will be renovated, the building’s exterior will look very much like it does today,” Hirvonen explains.
The solutions strike a balance between preservation and practical functionality. For example, part of the building will be preserved, while severely damaged sections will be rebuilt in a manner that respects the building’s original appearance.
The design places particular emphasis on functionality and durability. The choice of materials and structural design takes into account both high visitor traffic and demanding humidity conditions.
Read the full press release here: https://tampereentilapalvelut.fi/hankkeet/rauhanniemen-kansankylpyla-perusparannus/
