early stages of the work, Aalto familiarised himself more thoroughly on radiator heater
markets, and learnt that the radiators could be obtained at a considerably lower price
from another manufacturer in Sweden.^927 Aalto exchanged the Rayard radiators in
the entrance lobby, the sundeck corridor, the dining hall and offices for Swedish-made
panel radiators.^928 It was also decided to use panel radiators in ward corridors.^929 When
discussing this alternative, the company Onninen pointed out that air should be able to
flow freely on both sides of the panel, in other words, behind the panel as well. If the
radiators were mounted onto walls, the back panel should be insulated, reducing the
effective heat-emitting surface and creating a need for a larger number of radiators to
be installed. However, the radiators were mounted onto walls without insulation.^930 In
patient room ceilings, Rayard radiators were used. Their profile allowed for the connect-
ing pipes to run within the structure.^931 In August 1931, Onninen approached Aalto to
discuss the practicalities regarding the installation of radiators in B building, as Aalto
had requested that the radiators be mounted further away from the wall, which required
longer and thereby more expensive brackets.^932
The installation of the three water traps of the patient room washbasins and spit-
toon within the wall between the room and the corridor proved problematic. In June
1931, the contractor reported to Aalto that installing three water traps in the riser was
impossible owing to lack of space, and that they would be obliged to use one joint water
trap for all three drains.^933 In December 1931, the contractor placed another offer on
the alteration work on all drainage for patient rooms, which was required by the new
installation method for the spittoons and washbasins.^934
The wastewater treatment plant was not part of the main contract. In October 1930,
the Building Board asked engineer R. Granqvist’s opinion on whether an ordinary
septic tank would suffice for the sanatorium’s sewage system or whether additional
equipment was necessary.^935 The Building Committee commissioned engineer Gran-
qvist to design a biological treatment plant in March 1931, and the Building Board
927 On May 5, 1931, Aalto reported to the Building Committee having discovered that the Stockholm-based Luth &
Roséns Elektriska Ab would be able to supply the radiator heaters for the sanatorium for FIM 130,000 less than
the existing quote, for which reason the Building Committee requested a new offer from Vesijohtoliike Onninen.
Building Committee May 5, 1931, Section 7. PSA.
928 Vesijohtoliike Onninen Oy, May 15, 1931. Contract No. 1. Documents related to the Paimio Sanatorium project. AAM.
929 Building Committee May 23, 1931, Section 2. PSA.
930 In the advertisement of the Luth & Rosén company it said that the radiators of the patient wing corridors were
without a rear that needs to be cleaned, they were space saving and hygienic. Sukkinen, M. et al. eds. 1933, p. 53.
931 The radiators were ordered based on the National catalogue Nos. 21 and 23. Vesijohtoliike Onninen Oy, contract
No. 4, July 9, 1931. Documents related to the Paimio Sanatorium project. AAM.
932 A letter from Vesijohtoliike Onninen to the Building Board, August 14, 1931. Documents related to the Paimio
Sanatorium project. AAM.
933 A letter from Vesijohtoliike Onninen to the Building Board, August 26, 1931. Documents related to the Paimio
Sanatorium project. AAM.
934 The work included the cutting and adjustments of 24 pipe lines so that the new interceptor trap of the spitting
bowl could be installed by adding a T-pipe. The number of interceptor traps was increased by 162 and the amount
of T-pipes by 173. The cost of the additional work was FIM 29,400. Vesijohtoliike Onninen’s bid to the Building
Board, December 14, 1931. Documents related to the Paimio Sanatorium project. AAM.
935 Building Committee October 25, 1930, Section 5. PSA.