Kengo Kuma & Associates

Sauna Sazae

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.

SAUNA SAZAE

Kengo Kuma & Associates

COLLABORATORS
Studio Nora

DESIGN TEAM
Taichi Kuma

COOPERATION
Ejiri Structural Engineers

FACILITY
SANADA DENKI, Kimura Propane, BSA

ILLUMINATION
ALG-Architectural Lighting Group

PUBLICATION
GA JAPAN

AREA
8 m2

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Naoshima, Japan

CATEGORY
Sauna

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.

The organic wooden sauna “SAZAE” is built at the center of the glamping facility “SANA MANE” near the small inlet of Naoshima.

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.

The biggest challenge was the wood masonry, made by stacking 150 layers of CNC-processed 28 mm thick plywood.

The solid wood sauna has an average wall thickness of 450 mm to ensure the performance of heat insulation and heat retention.

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.

The exterior has countless folds like a shell, giving the surface an impressive shadow.

Inside, the pleats are shaped gently to conform to the body and provide a comfortable sitting experience. Only the oculus lets light in, creating a meditative experience.

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.

Although this spiral pleated geometry was complex using 1,500 plywood sheets, the design of the shape and the plywood paneling were controlled by 3D CAD and programming. 

Unlike a general sauna, despite the high ceiling, the temperature and humidity are kept at an optimum level by making full use of environmental simulations and designing forced ventilation airflow.

Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.


Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.
Sauna Sazae
© Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.


Sauna Sazae
Plan
Sauna Sazae
Plan - Pool


Sauna Sazae
Sections
Sauna Sazae
Section
Sauna Sazae
Elevation
Sauna Sazae
Diagram


Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram
Sauna Sazae
Diagram - Pieces
Sauna Sazae
Diagram - Pieces
Sauna Sazae
Diagram - Pieces
Sauna Sazae
Diagram

Kengo Kuma & Associates
T +81 3 3401 7721 F +81 3 3401 7778
Kengo Kuma & Associates
2 Chome-24-8 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan