Kaihu Sauna Restaurant, Mikkeli
A floating experience revisited
In early November, the Bluet core team gathered in Mikkeli for two inspiring days – workshops, reflections, and something very special: revisiting one of our most recent local floating achievements.
Delivered in December 2024, Kaihu – Floating Sauna Restaurant in Mikkeli, Finland, stands as a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and modern Finnish design. Anchored gracefully in the calm waters of Pursialanlahti, the project captures what floating construction is all about: engineering precision, sustainability, and the seamless connection between people and water.
Built together – collaboration at its best
Behind every successful floating project lies a network of expertise, trust, and local collaboration. From the very beginning, cooperation was at the heart of the “Kaihu” project. Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo, the visionary Client, wanted to bring new life to the Mikkelipuisto area – creating a distinctive lakeside destination for locals and visitors alike.
To turn that vision into reality, Bluet joined forces with Panko Concept, who led the architectural and spatial design while also serving as the main contractor. Their wooden architecture, characterised by natural CLT structures and warm materials, complements the surrounding lake landscape perfectly.
As with all Bluet projects, local builders, material suppliers, and engineering partners played a key role. Every step – from seabed and water depth studies to structural design, installation, and final safety checks – was completed in close coordination with city representatives and environmental authorities. It was a true collective effort that brought together design, engineering, and local identity.
Floating comfort through engineering
What makes Kaihu unique is not only its serene architecture and panoramic lake views – but the robust, invisible engineering beneath it.
Bluet’s role focused on designing and delivering the Floating Infrastructure including concrete foundation with gangway connection to the shore and a heated dipping pool. Floating concrete foundation was designed to match the site’s depth, wave conditions, and long-term maintenance needs. The reinforced concrete pontoons form a safe, stable base adapting to changing water levels while maintaining precise positioning.
Anchoring, gangways, water, sewage, and electricity connections are integrated into the foundation. Bluet team was responsible for installation of the floating infrastructure.
Above the surface, Panko Concept’s architecture brings the space to life through warm wooden structures and clean Nordic lines. Sauna building itself was designed and delivered by Panko Concept. Installation of the superstructure was completed under the Bluet team supervision.
Together, the floating foundation and CLT superstructure create a sense of comfort, security, and calm. End-users simply enjoy the experience, unaware of the complex technology beneath their feet.
Design–Delivery in action
Kaihu project exemplifies Bluet’s Design–Delivery model: from technical concept and feasibility studies to manufacturing, installation, and long-term lifecycle services. Bluet’s work scope covered:
- Pre-planning and concept design to define the technical and visual solution
- Pre-engineering and feasibility studies for cost efficiency and ecological fit
- Manufacturing and delivery of the concrete pontoons and service infrastructure
- On-site installation supervision and final quality control
- Lifecycle services and maintenance guidance to ensure durability
This end-to-end responsibility ensures that the floating structure not only meets today’s functional needs but remains safe, stable, and sustainable for decades to come.
A new destination for locals and visitors
Covering 272 m², Kaihu features a 145 m² rooftop terrace and a 115 m² lounge bar, offering guests a distinctive blend of wellness, relaxation, and social space – right on water. The project was completed between December 2022 and December 2024, marking a significant addition to Finland’s growing network of floating leisure facilities.
Beyond the beautiful architecture, the Kaihu sauna symbolises a broader transformation in how Finnish cities can activate their waterfronts – not through land reclamation, but by intelligently using the water surface itself. It is a small but meaningful example of how floating construction supports tourism, wellbeing, and sustainable local development.
Floating forward
Standing on the deck of Kaihu, surrounded by calm lake views and soft November light, the Bluet team was reminded why we do what we do. Each project is more than engineering – it’s about creating moments and places that connect people to nature in new ways.
Mikkeli’s Kaihu Floating Sauna Restaurant is not just a building – it’s proof that advanced engineering can coexist beautifully with design, culture, and community.
Factcheck Sauna restaurant Kaihu project:
📍 Location: Pursialanlahti, Mikkeli, Finland
🏗️ Timeline: December 2022 – December 2024
🏠 Size: Building 272 m² total | 145 m² terrace | 115 m² lounge bar
⚓ Size: Floating Foundation 510 m² with Heated floating pool
👥 Client: Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo
🏗️ Architecture and general contractor: Panko Concept
⚙️ Floating Infrastructure and engineering: Bluet Floating Solutions
