Meri is a unique spa, sauna, and restaurant complex that creates a new leisure island complex along the historic Vaasa coastline in Finland. The country is renowned for its cutting-edge floating construction techniques, which allow for the creation of structures on water that let visitors experience the natural and ever-changing environment unique to proximity of the sea, lakes, or rivers.
The innovative pontoon design for Meri was developed by Bluet Oy, which won a land development competition for the site. Bäckman & Dunseath was then commissioned for the architecture, while Studio Casablanca collaborated on the interior design. To reduce weight and construction time, prefabricated steel modules were used for the restaurant and saunas, which were then finished with cedar panelling for the stylish exterior.
Inspired by the post-glacial urban landscape and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kvarken Archipelago, the design concept for Meri evokes a sense of place and offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. As the architects behind this stunning project, the team at Bäckman & Dunseath has gained invaluable expertise in creating inspiring floating architecture.
For more information about Meri and floating buildings, please don’t hesitate to contact us or Bluet Oy, the experts on floating pontoon constructions.