emmett mcnamara's sauna offers atlantic views from a comfy seat

architect emmett mcnamara’s ‘sauna’ offered warm coastal views on the shores of inisheer, one of a small group of remote islands off the irish mainland. the piece was developed over several months for the biennial ‘drop everything’ festival held on the island; an event that presents contemporary art from a rustic perspective.

overlooking the beach
images © emmett mcnamara

the ‘sauna’ was influenced by local landmarks such as ‘currach’ and the standing stones. once visualized, construction was constructed over three months at the fire station artist studios in dublin before being shipped to the island for on-site assembly. the form is composed of modular triangles built using traditional timber framing methods. a foil moisture barrier and rock wool insulation keep the ‘sauna’ warm, and three large windows look out over the vast atlantic. the ‘sauna’ was designed by emmett mcnamara to participate at the 2016 ‘drop everything’ festival.

waiting for a look

sunrise / sunset views 

chimney

video projections

modular sections

studio manufacturing

visitors at the sauna’s second home, a local school

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom

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