Karlshamns Kallbadhus by White Arkitektert offers a rare interpretation of the traditional kallbadhus experience, allowing every visitor to participate in this ritual of wellbeing, all year round.
A classic symbol of Swedish cultural heritage reinterpreted with a modern twist – the award-winning bathhouse fulfils a Swedish coastal town’s dream. Situated on a stretch of beautiful coastline in southern Sweden, it is not difficult to imagine why Karlshamn has had a long surviving tradition of bathing in the sea. The only element missing was a bath house, which is the quintessential symbol in Sweden for year round dips in the water.
Kallbadhusets Vänner – Friends of the Bathhouse, a local organisation of swimming enthusiasts, together with the municipality and private sponsors, raised the funds needed to realise their vision for a year-round bathhouse. The design of Karlshamns Kallbadhus is a radical departure from the Swedish bath house vernacular. The building is akin to a flying saucer with its massing, slender legs and extended walkway. Rising three metres above sea level, the walkway, supported by two Glulam timber beams, invites visitors in. The wooden structure features an angular plan that places the main public areas towards the sea to offer the best views of the archipelago.
