Saunay

Saunay refers to a specific type of traditional Sami dwelling, primarily used by the Skolt Sami people. It is a semi-subterranean structure, meaning it is partially built below ground level. This construction method provides insulation, helping to maintain a more stable temperature inside, particularly important in the harsh Arctic and subarctic environments where the Sami live.

Saunays were historically used as winter dwellings. Their design involved digging a pit, covering it with a framework of wood (often birch), and then covering the framework with layers of earth, moss, and sometimes turf for further insulation. A smoke hole in the roof allowed smoke from the central fireplace to escape.

While the term "sauna" is widely associated with Finnish bathhouses, the Skolt Sami saunay is a distinct architectural structure designed for habitation, not primarily for bathing. However, the saunay could be heated to provide warmth, and sometimes used for sweating, a practice common in many Northern cultures for health and hygiene.

The traditional saunay is becoming increasingly rare as modern housing has become more prevalent among the Sami people. However, efforts are being made to preserve knowledge of this traditional building style and its cultural significance.