This project is a sauna built in Yamanakako Village, Japan. Our Japanese client, familiar with the sauna culture of Northern Europe, aimed to introduce such a "social gathering place" sauna to Japan, initiating this project. This sauna allows both men and women to use it together while wearing swimsuits, which is still uncommon in Japan.
The site offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka. As it is managed by the client as a national park operator, the location required approval from the Ministry of the Environment. The main approval criteria, based on the Natural Parks Law, included three constraints: a "rectangular plan," a "traditional roof shape," and "glass area comprising less than half of the wall surface."
Despite these external constraints, the goal was to integrate the architecture into the landscape, connecting it to the region's unique history. Inspiration was drawn from the "Kasagumo" (cap clouds) that form over Mount Fuji. In this region, located east of Mount Fuji, people have historically predicted the weather by observing the shape of the cap clouds. Translating this relationship into the architecture, the concept was conceived to create a wooden framework resembling a mountain rising from the earth, lightly floating the steel roof. As a response beyond mere landscape imitation, the proposal features a two-layered space that shifts the perception of nature between the inside and outside of the "mountain," facilitating a transition in mental state from concentration to relaxation.
" The ground floor, enclosed by walls, offers a tranquil environment that visually and acoustically isolates the exterior, where the main function of the sauna is planned. The sauna room forms the central axis of the floor plan, with slanted "mountains" transmitting the roof's axial forces to create open ceiling above each room. Additionally, skylights and vents are positioned at the peak of the "mountain" to allow natural light to filter into the rooms from the open ceiling and to make the movement of air within the "mountain." Here, in the sauna room, people can experience the brightness of the sun, the sound and chill of the flowing water in the plunge pool, and the pleasant breeze in the inside relaxation room.
Ascending to the first floor after this inward journey on the ground floor, people enters a column-free space visually open in all directions. Here, individuals can find their own spot, lean against the faceted "mountains" under the rounded white "cap clouds" at the eaves, and sit on the tatami-covered "foothills." In this space harmonizing with the natural landscape, people can stand and leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery, spending relaxed moments.
CYCL
YU Momoeda Architects
Gold

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Markus Schwitzke
Managing Director
at Schwitzke Identity Design
Great usage of colors and structure...
6.1
7.45
7.02
5
6.39

Josemaria de Churtichaga
Founder
at Churtichaga & Quadra Salcedo
5.5
7.1
6.57
5.41
6.15

Esin Karliova
Founder and Principal
at Studio Karliova
The space is vibrant with colors an...
5.5
7
6
5
5.88

Angel Cerezo
Cofounder
at Cream Estudio
Somehow this project takes, what co...
6.5
7.5
8
6
7

Rocco Bova
Managing Director
at Grupo Hotelero 1800
I see the proportions between back...
5.88
9.59
6.24
2.74
6.11

Barbara Brondi
Architect
at BRH+
5.45
7.02
6.45
4.52
5.86

María Callís Bañeres
President
at Retail Design Institute of Spain
That the inspiration for the projec...
7.89
6.71
7.97
5
6.89

Lu Yun
Founding partner and principal architect
at Muda-Architects
The place is a bit stressful to din...
5.05
7
5.03
4.06
5.29

Catalina Maldonado
Sustainability & Technology Officer
at Actilum
5.55
5
6.31
5
5.47

Wang Chen
Founder & Design Director
at OUTIN. Design
5
6.74
5
4.95
5.42

Qin Pang
Director
at Benoy
6.38
6.1
5.81
5
5.82

Javier Robles
Founder
at Lumifer
5.29
5.4
5
5
5.17
Designer
Client
CYCL
Floor area
163 ㎡
Completion
2024
Lighting