Sweating on seawater
Floating Sauna by Sandellsandberg Arkitekter
Big Branzino, © Filip Gränström
In future, visitors to Stockholm's archipelago will be able to enjoy a sauna experience that offers all-round views of nature thanks to Big Branzino, a floating sauna designed by Thomas Sandell and Johan Strandlund, Sandellsandberg Arkitekter, that attracts attention with its striking shape and which can move through water at a speed of five knots.
Floating sauna, © Filip Gränström
The arched shape of the roof of the sauna plays a predominant role in the vessel's appearance, and enables a low room height in the sauna area for closeness to the glow and warmth of the fire. At the sides the room height increases to open up views to the outdoors.
In keeping with the natural surroundings, the floating sauna comes with an exterior in robust pine wood. The timber structure is set on a catamaran steel hull to ensure the necessary stability and provide storage space.
© Filip Gränström
Interior
The planner's concept is based on minimalism and clear forms, as reflected in the interior fixtures and furnishings that are executed in red cedar, thus creating a consistent impression. In addition the complete steering and navigation equipment is accommodated in a cedar wood cabinet and is thus not visible for visitors. The ship's wheel is in the same form language as all the fittings on board and is made of brass.
© Filip Gränström
The focal point of the boat is the oven, which constitutes the central element of the sauna and which is glazed on all sides, meaning that the glow of the fire can light the whole interior and be seen from the outside.
© Filip Gränström
The upper deck features concealed LED lighting that illuminates the side walls without affecting views of the night sky. It also has a fold-away cedar wood table that can be stowed away, leaving space for other uses.
Architecture: Sandellsandberg Arkitekter
Client: private
Location: Stockholm (SE)
Structural engineering: Daly Ogmaia, Kvarteretk
Contractor: Christer Ulfvengren, AlfaBryggan
Timber construction: Leif Persson, Kungsörs Båtvarv
Sheet metal work: Jan Karlsson (Stahl, Messing), Lennart Andersson (Messing)
Gallery
These articles might also interest you
-
Inspired by pre-hispanic architecture
Private Spa in Tepoztlán by Soler Orozco Arquitectos + Javier Sánchez
For a private client, Soler Orozco Arquitectos have created a pyramid-shaped spa with unmistakable touches of the region’s historical places of worship.
-
Spa for a hotel
Hub of Huts in Olang by Noa*
In South Tyrol, the world of wellness has been turned on its head. The architects from the Bolzano-based Noa* network of architecture have designed an ensemble of huts for the Hotel Hubertus that is reflected in the horizontal plane of a floating platform.
-
A museum piece close to nature
Art Sauna in Finland by Mendoza Partida and Bax Studio
With their take on a sauna, the architects from Barcelona have enhanced the Gösta Serlachius Art Museum with an inviting, very special place.