The historic Paimio Sanatorium in Finland, designed by architects Alvar Aalto and Aino Aalto, is set to begin a new chapter as a hotel, wellness destination and cultural center. Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta has revealed plans to adapt the celebrated modernist landmark while preserving its architectural and cultural significance.
Completed in 1933, the building is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of modern architecture. Originally conceived as a tuberculosis sanatorium, the project embodied a human-centered approach to design that prioritized light, fresh air and a strong connection to nature.
Consequently, many of the building’s original wellness-focused qualities remain highly relevant today, allowing the adaptive reuse project to build upon the Aaltos’ vision rather than fundamentally alter it.
“With profound respect for the legacy of Aino and Alvar Aalto – and particularly the Paimio Sanatorium – we approach this project with the ambition of opening the site for thoughtful future use,” said Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, founding partner of Snøhetta. “Grounded in research, each intervention is carefully considered, preserving the building’s integrity while allowing it to evolve.”
Original Healing Architecture Shapes New Visitor Experience
Snøhetta’s proposal introduces a range of carefully integrated additions designed to enhance public access and contemporary use. Among the key interventions is a lower-level spa that opens directly onto the surrounding forest landscape, reinforcing the building’s historic relationship with nature.
In addition, the plans include a new entrance and auditorium, creating expanded opportunities for cultural programming and public engagement. Meanwhile, former patient rooms will be converted into hotel accommodations.
Because the original building was designed as a therapeutic environment, the transformation requires relatively limited architectural intervention. Instead, updates in guest rooms focus primarily on adding private bathrooms, new surface materials, and freestanding furnishings.
Furthermore, visitors will gain access to the building’s iconic elongated open-air balconies, which will be reinstated as part of the restoration. These spaces originally served as outdoor recovery areas where patients could benefit from fresh air and natural light.
Preserving a Modernist Icon for Future Generations
Today, Paimio Sanatorium stands as an internationally recognized symbol of modern architecture and healthcare design. The project reflects the Aaltos’ belief that architecture could actively contribute to physical and emotional well-being.
Therefore, the redevelopment seeks to balance heritage conservation with contemporary functionality. Rather than treating the building as a static monument, the proposal positions it as a living cultural destination capable of serving new audiences.
“The Snøhetta team has succeeded in creating a thoughtful balance between conservation and restorative architecture, while at the same time opening space for new ideas and future-oriented thinking that respectfully honours the architectural legacy of Aino and Alvar Aalto,” said Mirkku Kullberg, Chair of the Board, Paimio Sanatorium Foundation.
As adaptive reuse continues to shape conversations around architectural preservation, the transformation of Paimio Sanatorium highlights how historic modernist buildings can evolve while maintaining the values that originally defined them.