kairi eguchi studio’s private sauna bathes in light and shade

 

Based on the classic structure of a barrel, Kairi Eguchi Studio’s YOKI SAUNA sits on the site of an abandoned elementary school in Hyogo, Japan, as a rejuvenating experience rooted in nature and local heritage. Its wooden form is shaped by thinning trees collected from the engulfing forest, and is marked by a long, slender window crowned by a stepped ceiling. This distinct feature welcomes an interplay of light and shade into the space, immersing visitors in an ethereal, tranquil ambiance.

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
all images courtesy of the author

 

 

a tranquil experience rooted in nature

 

Located in Aogaki, Tamba City, the facility fosters a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding environment, with the water used in the sauna’s baths being drawn from the headwaters of the Kakogawa River. Further, extending its scope of the project beyond architectural design, Osaka-based Kairi Eguchi Studio’s branding of YOKI SAUNA pays homage to the backdrop of the nearby mountains. The project is shaped from thinning trees felled in the mountains — an operation initiated by the facility’s management company Ki-ei — which informs the sauna’s logo depicting four interconnected trees.

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
YOKI SAUNA sits on the site of an abandoned elementary school in Japan

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
a long, slender window crowned by a stepped ceiling punctuates the elevation

sdgs inspired sauna yoki sauna 9
this distinct feature welcomes an interplay of light and shade into the space

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
thinning trees collected from the engulfing natural environment shape the sauna

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
a long and narrow window from the stepped ceiling allows morning light to enter

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
the water used in the sauna’s baths is drawn from the headwaters of the Kakogawa River nearby

thinned trees from japanese forest compose kairi eguchi studio's barrel-shaped sauna with stepped ceiling
diffused natural light enters the sauna from the stepped ceiling

sdgs inspired sauna yoki sauna 8
sauna entrance

sdgs inspired sauna yoki sauna 5

sdgs inspired sauna yoki sauna 11
Kairi Eguchi Studio completes the architecture and brand identity of the sauna

sdgs inspired sauna yoki sauna 7
four interconnected trees are symbolized in the logo

 

 

project info:

 

name: YOKI SAUNA
architecture: Kairi Eguchi Studio

location: Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

 

 

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: ravail khan | designboom