All the way up in Norway, at the mouth of the Akerselva River in Oslo, sits a village of saunas, floating on the fjord in pure Norwegian fashion, merging relaxation with nature in a spectacle of architectural perfection.
Each of the many saunas are designed by different architects, but one in particular is worthy of praise. The Trosten, completed just last year in 2024 and designed by Estudio Herreros, is a standout among the wonders of the Fjord City. The Fjord City, the beloved name for the waterfront part of Oslo's city center, is an urban renewal project that hosts a world class experience for locals and visitors alike.
The wonder of this project came originally as a response to a commission from the non-profit Oslo Sauna Association, which aimed to "bring steam to the people," according to the architects. The ability to step from the outdoors of the Oslo city center and step into the comfort, heat, and complete relaxation of a sauna is just one of the appeals of the project.
The architects followed the tradition of "object-pavilions," saying further, "it boasts a strong colorful component that offers itself as a point of individual and collective use, of retreat and contemplation."
Building anything that floats on water is a great feat, and also something that requires a particular process. For the Trosten, the building process occurred in multiple shifts. First, the wooden structure of the sauna was assembled in a dry dock on the outskirts of Oslo before being installed on the concrete floating platform in the fjord. After this, the enclosures and interiors were completed, bringing the project to a stunning finish.
What many architects and builders alike may find to be especially impressive about the Trosten is its large effort to engage in sustainable practices. From the use of natural and recycled materials to the fact that it is the first universally accessible sauna, the Trosten is proof of the benefits that sustainability can have on the environment, even on a small scale.
"The project contributes to decarbonization and reduction of environmental impact through the use of certified wood, rescue and reuse of aluminum waste in the facades, and large terrazzo tiles manufactured under the Green Label certification that provide thermal inertia to the whole," the architects shared in a statement to ArchDaily.
A common debate in art spheres around the world is that every choice an artist makes has meaning. The same could be said for the Trosten, whose name corresponds in Norwegian to the Thrush bird that migrates between Spain and the Nordic countries each year. The arrival of the Thrush is said to traditionally mark a sign of good luck. Ironic? Applicable to this project? Perhaps.
The architects interpret the name in their own way, aiming to convey the hope that their efforts can help address the escalating environmental and climate crises around the world.
"This idea that a small amount of architecture can impact a constellation of global issues reminds us that we cannot miss any opportunity to send messages that can be understood by all regarding the fragility of our planet."
This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
