Naoshima, Kagawa, Japan
Taichi Kuma of Kengo Kuma & Associates has created “Sazae”, a private wood-clad sauna pod inspired by seashells made of plywood and concrete under the supervision of TTNE — a sauna specialty brand, for the Sana Mane glamping facility in Naoshima art island.
“Designs that imitate living things are called biomimicry, and this time, I was inspired by the unevenness of seashells,” explains Taichi Kuma.
Kuma has described the sauna pod as a “cave-like space cut off from the outside world by a thick wall. The only light pouring in comes from the oculus. In order to feel the light, I created countless folds and undulations with laminated plywood.”
In order to succeed in the spiralized shape, the architect used about 5,000 pieces of CNC-cut plywood assembled on-site like a puzzle, resulting in the intricately pleated and textured volume that shape-shifts from different vantage points.
The curved seating area is softly lit, with an oculus, a small round opening, at the top to let in natural light and air, and white step lights that illuminate the floor of the sauna.
“Normally, a space with such a high ceiling would not be suitable for a sauna. This is achieved by performing forced ventilation with intake from the top and exhaust from the bottom. By controlling the model with 3D CAD and programming software, we were able to detail everything from shape to paneling and iterate heat simulations,” he continues.
Project: Sazae Sauna Pods
Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Lead Architect: Taichi Kuma
Supervision: TTNE
Client: Yusaku Sanada
Photographers: Keishin Horikoshi