second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden

ika.architekti employs discarded materials for DIY sauna desiGN

 

Architecture studio ika.architekti transforms salvaged materials into Upcycled Sauna, a functional six-square-meter sauna, designed as a weekend DIY project and located inside a garden in Brno, Czech Republic. The Upcycled Sauna began with a simple goal: to create a space for relaxation using second-hand finds. Tomáš Dvořák and Lenka Bažík, the duo behind ika.architekti, collected leftover materials from construction sites, friends, and local sources. The foundation is built with wooden sleepers, while the load-bearing structure comprises wooden pallets reinforced with hardware plates and brackets. Mineral wool and cement-bonded particle boards form the flooring, which was pieced together from various offcuts.

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
all images by Tomáš Slavík, courtesy of ika.architekti

 

 

reclaimed wood adds warmth to the structure

 

The Brno-based architects took a hands-on approach, cleaning and stuffing raw sheep wool from a local shepherd into the walls and ceiling for insulation. Reflective foil and facade foil provide additional thermal protection. The exterior is clad with a wooden grid overlaid with second-hand corrugated fiberglass panels, arranged like shingles. Curved corners soften the angular form of the ika.architekti’s structure, adding a sleek detail to its utilitarian design.

 

Inside, the sauna features wooden planks for a warm, natural aesthetic, while cement-bonded particle boards line the area behind the stove for enhanced heat resistance. The roof, constructed from leftover beams and pallets, slopes gently to facilitate rainwater drainage. Every element is crafted with resourcefulness in mind, showcasing the potential of upcycled materials.

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
ika.architekti transforms salvaged materials into Upcycled Sauna

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
the functional six-square-meter sauna was designed as a weekend DIY project

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
located inside a garden in Brno, Czech Republic

second-hand-materials-compact-sauna-ika-architekti-czechia-designboom-1800-02

ika.architekti, collected leftover materials from construction sites, friends, and local sources

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
creating a space for relaxation using second-hand finds   

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
the load-bearing structure comprises wooden pallets reinforced with hardware plates and brackets

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
mineral wool and cement-bonded particle boards form the flooring

second-hand materials shape compact sauna by ika.architekti inside czech garden
stuffing raw sheep wool into the walls and ceiling for insulation

second-hand-materials-compact-sauna-ika-architekti-czechia-designboom-1800-01

reflective foil and facade foil provide additional thermal protection

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the sauna features wooden planks for a warm, natural aesthetic
the sauna features wooden planks for a warm, natural aesthetic
curved corners soften the angular form of the ika.architekti’s structure
curved corners soften the angular form of the ika.architekti’s structure
adding a sleek detail to its utilitarian design
adding a sleek detail to its utilitarian design
second-hand corrugated fiberglass panels are arranged like shingles
second-hand corrugated fiberglass panels are arranged like shingles
the exterior is clad with a wooden grid overlaid
the exterior is clad with a wooden grid overlaid
every element is crafted with resourcefulness in mind
every element is crafted with resourcefulness in mind
the roof is constructed from leftover beams and pallets
the roof is constructed from leftover beams and pallets
cement-bonded particle boards line the area behind the stove
cement-bonded particle boards line the area behind the stove
showcasing the potential of upcycled materials
showcasing the potential of upcycled materials
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axonometric by ika.architekti
axonometric by ika.architekti
axonometric by ika.architekti
axonometric by ika.architekti
detail by ika.architekti
detail by ika.architekti
plan by ika.architekti
plan by ika.architekti

project info:

 

name: Upcycled Sauna
architect: ika.architekti | @ika.architekti
location: Brno, Czech Republic
dimensions: 2.3 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m
usable floor area: 4 square meters
built-up area: 6 square meters

 

lead architects: Tomáš Dvořák, Lenka Bažík
photographer: Tomáš Slavík | @tomasslavik_photography

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architecture in the czech republic (149)

saunas (94)

spaces under 50 sqm (296)

wood and timber architecture and design (1144)

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