covering just 4.4 sqm, mobile scandinavian sauna pops up on the danish coast

Native Narrative designs an OAK-CLAD mobile Sauna in Denmark

Native Narrative constructs a mobile sauna for the Scandinavian Sauna brand, matching the oak cladding of the existing host residence located on the Danish Coast. The brand’s smallest sauna to date covers only 4.4 sqm of the property standing on the open garden and overlooking the seascape scenery. The design by architect Jakob Gate aims to visually connect with the existing family building by Diener & Diener Architekten using material palettes found on the lush coastal countryside site, in Falster, Denmark. The crafted structure is set to take on the exact same shade as the oak wood sawn in the same mill using a particular mix of oil treatments, while the interior puts up slabs of Aspen timber known for feeling cooler and more comfortable against the skin.

the mobility aspect was important as the coast has very strict planning regulations | all images by Jakob Gate

timber interior walls and seating provide comfort to the skin

Designed for long-time winter bath enthusiasts, the design by Native Narrative architectural firm complements the wild swim experience by adding an outdoor shower and sauna to the existing house. An important part of the design process is the construction of a remote switch on the electric sauna oven that allows users to step straight into the heat upon arrival. Internally the stepped seating and panorama window create a comfortable setting from which the beach and sea can be overlooked from a hidden vantage point within the greenery.

Scandinavian spruce makes up the interior walls while the minimally crafted furniture is made of Aspen timber which feels colder and more comfortable against the skin compared to other types of wood. The roof slopes up to give generous headroom above the top seat, forming the sauna’s characteristic sharp minimal aesthetic. The lines of the standing seam metal roof echo the verticality of the roof of the main house. Carefully built by a family-owned Spa & Sauna specialist manufacturer with 17 years of experience, the sauna trailer is custom-made and factory painted particularly for this project, yet EU-type approved and can be transported on any road. Along with the standing seam metal roof, it matches the light features of the existing building. The mobility aspect is very important to avoid planning permission in the difficult coastal area. To make the floor highly resilient and waterproof a type of paint often found on yachts is used in a similar tone to the existing house. structure. An integrated herb tray provides an aromatic experience using oils and a mix of herbs grown by clients on-site. The project takes specific aspects and characteristics of the Scandinavian Sauna reformatting them to meet the clients’ needs and to visually belong on a site with particular material qualities and textures. 

particular care was taken to match the oak cladding of the clients’ existing house

the sloping roof gives generous headroom while shaping the sauna’s characteristic form and sharp minimal aesthetic

the toughened glass door allows the minimal materials palette to be even further reduced

the sauna provides open views of the sea through a large glass window

internally the stepped seating and panorama window forms a comfortable setting

the hidden dimmable LED lighting system creates an almost candle-lit atmosphere

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the hidden control panel remotely switches on the electric sauna oven allowing users to step straight into the heat

rope door stopper for airing out the sauna after use

over time the cladding will take on the exact same shade as the same oak wood sawn in the same mill

detail of the wooden glass door handle

project info:

name: Premium Oak clad mobile Sauna

designer: Native Narrative – Jakob Gate | Scandinavian Sauna

project leader: Cecilie Wang

existing house architecture: Diener & Diener Architekten

location: Danish Coast, Falster, Denmark

photography: Jakob Gate

film: Jonas Bonde & Jakob Gate

music: Anders Eriksson

sound mastering: Joakim Karlsson

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom