Vitra sauna

  • Sauna
  • Boisbuchet, France
  • 2005

The idea of the sauna is to create an oasis for physical and mental recreation. The building is situated in the open forest immeditely adjoining the lake and the bath bridge. The idea is of course to enable quick cooling-down swims after the heat of the sauna.

The sauna is – although small – a building in its own right; a piece of architecture. The geometry is a rectangular box with walls and roof at angles inside. Creating a simple – yet intricate spatiality.

The simple functions are

Sauna room with glass wall toward the lake
Small closed dressing room
Shower under the stars (inside the walls but without roof)
Sun deck to drip-dry

The basic construction is wood clad on wood frame, on a plinth foundation. Electricity for simple lighting and for the heater. Running water (cold) for the showers.