Nesodden Peninsula, Norway
Oslo Works design a communal sauna/retreat minimizing environmental impact and visual presence by hovering above the shoreline, seamlessly integrating sustainable design elements.
Reflecting the ethos of togetherness, Oslo Works has designed this sauna as a communal space where people can relax, connect with nature, and enhance their well-being.
The architects’ design philosophy is adaptability, sustainability, and minimal maintenance.
Constructing a sauna has very few rules: it needs to be fairly insulated to heat up without using too much energy. It needs access to cooling water (or snow), and it needs a heating device.
The primary goal was to minimize the climate footprint, as well as the visual dominance and maintenance requirements.
Hence, the cabin was constructed of massive wood modules and clad with burnt and oiled ore pine shingles.
The modules could easily be transported to the not-so-accessible lot on the edge of the smooth seaside rock.
The Hotspot sauna concept consists of two parts, divided by an open narrow passage towards the water and the bathing ladder.
To the right, is a section with two small changing rooms and storage for necessities.
To the left, is a hot room with a wood-fired oven, a rounded, socially inviting back wall, and a panoramic window towards the big city skyline.
Hotspot is a basic module that can be extended with several add-ons, such as a diving board, shower, roof terrace, solar cell panels or connected to other Hotspots in a row.
Project: Hotspot Sauna
Architects: Oslo Works
Lead Architect: Francis Brekke
Design Team: Adam John Williams, Elin Schnipper, and Janancija Arulanantham
Photographers: Marte Garmann