Solar Egg: A Symbol of Rebirth and Innovation

Futurniture and Bigert & Bergstrom's Public Sauna Reflects Kiruna's Urban Transformation

The Solar Egg draws inspiration from the changing light conditions in Kiruna, from 24-hour winter darkness to round-the-clock midsummer sun. The town is currently undergoing a significant move to allow the mining company LKAB to extract more of the iron seam beneath the town. This transformation has sparked debates about the landscape's devastation and the environment and architecture's impact. The Solar Egg serves as a meeting place for locals and visitors to discuss these challenges.

The egg-shaped sauna, covered in stainless steel mirrors with a titanium, gold-colour coating, symbolizes the town's rebirth and new opportunities. It stands five meters tall and accommodates a handful of people. The interior is made from pine and aspen, with a sculptural oven in the center formed from local iron and stones. The temperature inside varies between 75° and 85° Celsius, providing a warm and friendly place that brings people together.

The Solar Egg is a mobile structure, having been displayed in various locations since its grand opening in Kiruna in April 2017. It has since traveled to Nikkaloukta, Sweden, and Paris, France. The design's realization involved several research trips to Kiruna, where the team conducted interviews to understand the locals' daily life and how the town's move affected them.

The Solar Egg's design and construction presented several challenges. The main ones were maintaining the warm and friendly community spirit and ensuring that the people of Kiruna felt seen and heard. The result is a unique public sculpture that not only serves as a sauna but also responds to the natural elements of the environment and the snowy landscape.

The Solar Egg has been recognized for its innovative design and social impact. It was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.