Residential sauna

The sauna emerged as another experiment exploring the level of comfort and basic needs expected from a structure. In principle, the structure fulfills everything expected from a dwelling, i.e., providing shelter, warmth, and hygiene.
The structure utilizes basic principles of thermal zoning and, despite its minimal dimensions, has three zones: sauna, sleeping loft, and relaxation area. In the spirit of minimalism and maximizing the use of all resources, residual heat from the sauna is used to heat the sleeping loft, which, together with the sauna, is insulated and located above it. There is a closable opening in the sauna ceiling, which, when opened, gradually distributes heat from the heated stones on the stove upwards. The construction is framed, the rear section with the sauna and sleeping loft is made of a sandwich system with insulation. The structure is clad in white polycarbonate, which has a partially insulating function, but primarily allows soft light into the interior. From an architectural perspective, the aim was to show that even inexpensive material with a poor reputation, usually used for unattractive pergolas, various shelters, etc., has its qualities when used specifically. The entire construction process was also minimized financially, resulting in details such as the placement of stones around the stove, as they are recycled from a previous project. The sauna is located on the bank of the Jizera River, which serves as a cooling area after sauna use. The sauna is adjacent to a two-level terrace with a fireplace.