Floating Sauna Derby

National Commendation for Small Project Architecture – 2021 National Architecture Awards

Floating Sauna Derby | Licht Architecture | Photographer: Anjie Blair

National Commendation for Small Project Architecture – 2021 National Architecture Awards

Floating Sauna Derby | LICHT ARCHITECTURE

Traditional Land Owners: The Pyemmairrener People of Lutruwita

On a lake, in a small North East Tasmanian town, floats a sauna. Taking cues from Derby’s contrasting history of boom and bust (then fortunately boom again) two black and white gable sheds sit quietly against the dramatic backdrop of quarry cliffs and rainforest.

The pontoon is connected to the shore by a small pedestrian bridge. One pavilion is a changeroom, the second is the sauna. The concept was influenced by fixed parameters of the pontoon and glazing size, both items of which were predetermined.

The design concept focussed on the sensory experience and progression of privacy and containment. The material choice reflects its function. The dark recessive burnt larch offers solitude and privacy for the sauna. In contrast, a light-filled changing pavilion casts subtle silhouettes of the users within against the Ampelite cladding.

The buildings float together in the landscape, offering a unique opportunity for isolation and relaxation.

Floating Sauna Derby | Licht Architecture | Photographer: Anjie Blair

Client perspective:
How does the design benefit the way you live/work/play/operate/educate/other?

“Apart from the obvious aesthetics created by the design of the floating sauna to sit peacefully in the environment and the subtle play on hot/cold and black/white, the actual layout of the sauna has a huge impact on the running of the business. The arrangement of the functional areas (bike storage, change room, shelter, sauna and cold plunge ladder) allows the experience to feel natural and seamless.

Practice team:

Jason Licht, Project Architect

Construction team:

PFG Group, Pontoon Float

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