Serlachius Taidesauna Gösta – slate outside and inside

Serlachius Taidesauna Gösta in Mänttä, Finland, is an architectural and cultural landmark where art, landscape and material use merge into a holistic experience. The project is part of the Serlachius Museum Gösta and is beautifully located by Lake Melasjärvi, surrounded by forest and nature.

Alta Quartzite plays a central role in the project's expression and function, both outdoors and indoors, and helps to anchor the building visually and physically in the landscape.

 Holistic use of Alta Quartzite

 In this project, several products from Alta Quartzite were used to create a robust, timeless and sensual expression:

•  Alta Quartzite tiles with a natural surface are used both outdoors and indoors. The natural surface provides good slip resistance and a tactile quality that fits well in sauna and wet room environments, while creating a visual connection between the exterior and interior.
•  Drywall hand-made stone is used in landscaping and outdoor areas, where the stone contributes structure, weight and a clear expression of craftsmanship.
•  Massive terrain steps made of solid slate provide lasting and precise access between levels in the landscape, with shapes that follow the natural lines of the terrain.

 Overall, the use of Alta Quartzite gives the project high material quality, long service life and low maintenance requirements – characteristics that are crucial in a public building with high use and strong climatic influences.

 Architecture and materiality

 Taidesauna Gösta was designed by Mendoza Partida & BAX Studio , and is designed to blend naturally into its surroundings with an architectural expression that balances modern design with the tranquility and nature of the place.

 The contrast between natural stone, wood and glass gives the building a subdued, yet strong expression, where the uniqueness of the materials plays the main role. The use of Alta Quartzite both outside and inside reinforces the project's overall look and contributes to a seamless transition between landscape, architecture and spatial experience.

 Project information

•  Project: Serlachius Taidesauna Gösta
•  Location: Mänttä, Finland
•  Architect: Mendoza Partida & BAX Studio
•  Delivery and distribution: Stonegroup Finland
•  Completed: 2022
•  Products from Alta Quartzite:
  Tile with natural surface (exterior and interior)
  Drywall hand stone
  Massive terrain steps

 Serlachius Taidesauna Gösta is an outstanding example of how Norwegian slate can be used across functions and spaces - and at the same time contribute to an overall, lasting and architecturally strong result.