YAKISUGI SAUNA

Yakisugi sauna combines the Finnish tradition of sauna bathing with the Japanese aesthetic of tanned wood, bringing a space for regeneration and community gathering to the Novohradské Mountains. The project draws on the historical roots of sauna bathing dating back to the Scythians and builds on their ritual of purification, resilience and work with fire. The result is a place that combines warmth, light and tradition in a contemporary architectural concept.

Dimensions:
Height 2,2 m (ridge 3,3 m) • Width 2,4 m • Depth 2,8 m
Project 2021

Lead architects Zuzana & Jan Kurz

Architect Elena Fialková
Completion year 2021

Dimensions:
Height 2,2 m (ridge 3,3 m) • Width 2,4 m • Depth 2,8 m
Projekt 2018 – 2020
Lead architect Zuzana & Jan Kurz
Architect Elena Fialková
Completion year –

The history of saunas dates back to the ancient nomadic tribes of Central Asia – the Scythians. According to archaeological findings, steam baths were part of their tents. They carried hot stones from the fireplace inside, poured water over them, sat in a circle around them, and relaxed. They then cooled their heated bodies in a cold bath. The Scythians believed that this ritual would improve the body's resistance to disease and help them survive. This belief was scientifically confirmed a few thousand years later! Just like the Scythians and today's Finns, for whom sauna bathing has become an integral part of their daily lives and who are among the happiest countries in the world, we at KURZ Architects also believe in the culture of sauna bathing and all its positive effects on the body and spirit. The Yakisugi sauna was created as a community project with the aim of supporting and strengthening the relationships within the Novohradské Mountains community.

Many people say that Finland and Japan have a lot in common, from their cultures and people to their social norms. Our sauna concept fuses Finnish tradition with Japanese aesthetics. You have probably heard a lot about Finnish saunas, but what about the ancient Japanese yakisugi technique? The ancient Japanese technique of charring wood is a diverse and quiet beauty, sometimes also called shou sugi ban. 'Yaki' means 'heat of fire' and 'sugi' represents cedar wood. However, other types of wood can also be charred. This unique technique dates back to the 16th century. Fire carries strong symbolism and meaning. It is essential for human life on Earth, providing warmth, light, pleasure and joy. Fire is also an ancient symbol of transformation and purification.

Materials

Stell structure • Larch (exterior) • Sheep wool (insulation) • Larch (interior) • Harvia wood stove from Sauna.cz

Materials