When visiting a museum beside a body of water, the thought of unwinding in a sauna after a day of exploration can be very appealing. The Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, offers this unique experience with Trosten, a floating sauna in the adjacent fjord. Both the museum and the sauna are designed by Estudio Herreros, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability. Inspired by architectural follies, Trosten combines aesthetics with functionality, featuring a distinct, colorful silhouette. Constructed offsite, its main structure is placed on a prefabricated floating concrete platform and clad in green-toned aluminum to create a serene atmosphere. The sauna integrates traditional wooden decking with modern elements like large terrazzo tiled surfaces, steel handrails, and netting, enhancing its visual appeal and usability.
Trosten’s design ensures visitors can enjoy a relaxing and environmentally conscious experience. The exterior offers stepped seating for sunbathing, while the interior provides lockers, seating spaces, and stepped wooden seating within the sauna. Additionally, a sheltered seating area at the back allows access to the fjord for cooling off. The sustainable design includes an energy system, steam recirculation, and natural and recycled materials, minimizing its environmental footprint. This floating sauna is a perfect retreat after a day at the museum, offering a unique combination of relaxation and ecological mindfulness in a picturesque setting.