Project Type:  SaunaLocation:  Liberec, Czech Republic
Preparation: 5 daysBuilding time: 8 hours
Total cost: 2,200.00 EUROA sauna for all, free of charge has been operating for the past 14 days in Liberec, Czech Republic.  Architectural office Mjölk Architekti which was created in 2008 by three graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Technical University in Liberec - Czech Republic, Jan Mach (1981), Pavel Nalezený (1979) and Jan Vondrák, 1981, has made a notable contribution by utilizing public space in their city of residence – Liberec.

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

The night right after Mjölk’s architectural office presentation at Pecha Kucha Night Prague, the architects built a sauna which is available for all on the city dam.  The sauna has been built on an abandoned concrete platform, only a few meters away from a well-known beach and boardwalk.  The structure is constructed out of ten wooden frames, with 6cm of aluminum insulation and cladded in the interior by spruce planks, while plywood boards have been applied to the exterior.  “One wall is glassed in with four double-layer insulation safety glass panels. Heating is provided by a refurbished wood stove "Klub 1956," and temperatures inside reach up to 100 degrees Celsius.”

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

The Sauna by Mjölk Architects is opened for everyone and is free of charge; all one has to do in order to use it is make reservations, collect the keys and firewood from a nearby café, fire up the stove and enjoy!  The sauna is accessible by a little rowing boat which makes this experience even more fascinating, and remarkable. According to Mjölk Architects, the people of Liberec use it a lot, something that makes them very happy.  The meaning behind this contribution to the public is to “draw attention to limitless opportunities of cultivation of public space and life only through a simple idea and a little bit of enthusiasm and money.”

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

All in all, mjölk architekti demonstrates to the public that little things in life can make a difference!  A contribution to their city, for all the people; luckily no legal permit was issued and this assisted in making things easier as well as keeping it a secret.  We hope that this is just a starting block which will give an example to many more who can change our world with small things that do make a difference!

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects

Image Courtesy of Mjölk Architects