The rounded wooden Lumipod 5 and sauna intertwine seamlessly with the modernist Villa Besson in France, creating a harmonious dialogue between contemporary luxury and iconic architectural heritage. Positioned within the historic R55 estate and designed by Lumicene in collaboration with Haute Renommee Gallery, the LumiPod cabin offers an exclusive retreat amidst the bold lines and technical brilliance of architect Jean Balladur’s Villa Besson. Crafted entirely in French workshops, the 20 sqm LumiPod embodies a minimalist ethos, featuring a distinctive 120° reversible curved window that echoes the Villa’s architectural ingenuity. Attention to detail defines the interior, with bespoke oak veneer cabinetry, Cradle-to-Cradle certified Mosa ceramic tiles, and a suspended king-size bed, ensuring a luxurious and sustainable experience for guests.

Partnering with renowned brands such as JUNG, AXOR, and Louis Poulsen, Lumicene seamlessly integrates indoor comfort with outdoor tranquility, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Chantilly surroundings. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between the LumiPod and Villa Besson, this project not only pays homage to Balladur’s visionary architecture but also echoes his philosophical ideals as expressed in his seminal treatise, ‘Le dedans et le dehors.’ Through this collaboration, both structures aspire to harmonize architecture with nature, offering guests an unparalleled experience that celebrates the timeless elegance of modernist design within a rich historical context.

Open AD, a Latvian architecture studio, has masterfully designed the Ziedlejas Spa and Wellness resort in Sigulda, Latvia, blending the robust elegance of Corten steel and the transparency of glass cabins to create a captivating retreat. Nestled on a sloping site with picturesque views of a tranquil pond, the resort aims to reimagine the local sauna culture with a modern and contemporary touch. Comprising two independent steam rooms and three cabins, the Glass Sauna, located at the base of the slope, harmoniously integrates with the landscape, providing a unique sauna experience with pond views. Meanwhile, the Smoke Room, built using charred logs and inspired by traditional sauna structures, offers a wooded retreat nearby.

The Corten steel and glass cabins, strategically placed at the top of the sloping site, serve as minimalistic and clutter-free accommodations. With foldaway beds, rising tables, and an additional sleeping section on the mezzanine floor, the cabins embody a subtle and welcoming atmosphere. The glazed sections of the cabins provide direct access to the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views. The bathrooms, discreetly placed within the Corten-clad sections, ensure privacy. Connecting the various structures with pathways and stone steps, the resort creates a cohesive and interconnected space, facilitating a short journey from the sauna room to the pond. Open AD emphasizes the versatility of its design, accommodating guests throughout the year, seamlessly blending with the changing seasons from snowy winters to golden autumns, lush green summers, and the serene grey moments in between.

Heartwood Saunas introduces the Arbor V outdoor sauna, a harmonious blend of traditional design and contemporary aesthetics, providing a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation. With its classic cedar shingle twin-pitched roof and modern glass front, the Arbor saunas offer a private yet expansive cabin-style haven. The emphasis on creating a connection with nature is evident through the full-height glass wall, central frameless hinged door, and post-box style windows along the side walls. This design choice allows for a panoramic view, enabling occupants to immerse themselves in the serenity of their surroundings, whether it’s the tranquility of a garden or a broader scenic landscape. The small porch not only frames the view but also offers cover and privacy.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Arbor V sauna is a peaceful retreat during the day, flooded with natural light through the glass wall and extended windows. The interior features clean lines and warm tones of vertical internal cladding, complemented by rounded benches with elegant fanned corners, creating a visually striking and inviting space. The sauna comfortably accommodates up to five people or offers the option for two people to lie down, ensuring a flexible and inclusive experience. Equipped with a HUUM sauna stove, the Arbor V combines modern convenience with traditional warmth. With features like subtle warm white LED down-lighting, overhanging porch area with towel hooks, and a thermally modified poplar internal cladding, this outdoor sauna provides a luxurious and inviting escape. Priced at £35,000 + VAT, the Arbor V from Heartwood Saunas represents a premium option for those seeking a high-quality and beautifully crafted outdoor sauna experience.  

Out of the Valley, an innovative architecture studio, has unveiled its first prefabricated sauna named Forest Sauna in Devon, England. The sauna is designed to promote the Scandinavian tradition of sauna bathing and offers a retreat in the heart of nature. Elevated on metal supports and clad in charred black larch using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, the six-square-meter Forest Sauna integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The prefabricated structure features a large square window framing views of the adjacent forest, emphasizing a connection with nature.

Founder Rupert McKelvie and his team at Out of the Valley crafted the Forest Sauna with a simple timber structure, clad in planks of charred larch. Inside, the sauna is lined with thermo alder wood, a popular choice for saunas, creating a calming atmosphere. The glass door provides easy access, and the interior includes two wooden benches flanking a central heater, which customers can choose to be either wood-fired or electric. The sauna’s portability is a key feature, allowing owners to relocate it easily, aligning with the studio’s commitment to adaptability and a harmonious integration with the landscape.

Out of the Valley’s Forest Sauna joins a collection of handmade cabins and shelters from the studio, each contributing to the ethos of embracing nature and escaping the demands of contemporary living. With Forest Sauna, Out of the Valley not only brings the Scandinavian tradition to the UK but also introduces a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, offering a tranquil space for relaxation immersed in the beauty of the natural environment.

In the picturesque coastal landscape of Islesford, Maine, a unique and serene addition has emerged on the shoreline – the Sea Sauna project. Crafted during the pandemic downtime by the talented duo Brenden Ravenhill and Margie Garrison from Ravenhill Studio, this 8′ x 6′ cedarwood spa stands as a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Situated in the childhood stomping grounds of Brenden Ravenhill, the Sea Sauna floats gracefully on the cold waters of the Islesford harbor, providing a warm retreat during the year’s milder seasons.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture seen during Ravenhill’s 2019 trip to Tokyo, the Sea Sauna embodies simplicity and compact elegance. The cedarwood structure takes center stage, echoing the principles of minimalist design. What makes this floating sanctuary even more remarkable is the commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Many of the materials used in its construction have been repurposed and sourced locally, forging a connection with the surrounding environment. The timber frame and flotation components were generously provided by neighboring lobstermen, the finger float discovered amidst an overgrowth of beach rose along the waterfront, and the hearth ingeniously crafted from the remains of a local museum’s slate roof.

The Sea Sauna not only stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity but also serves as a symbol of resilience and collaboration within the community. As it emerges gently on the Islesford harbor, it invites individuals to immerse themselves in the tranquility of its cedarwood embrace, fostering a deep connection between the structure, its surroundings, and the local heritage. This floating oasis not only offers a rejuvenating escape but also showcases the beauty that can emerge from repurposed materials and shared endeavors.