oslo works' wooden sauna perched above norwegian shore invites remote relaxation

hotspot’s pine shingle facade echoes the coastal landscape

A remote retreat engulfed in the Norwegian natural landscape, Hotspot is a communal sauna that is breaking new ground for cool cabins with warm purposes. Crafted by Oslo Works, the sauna ensures minimized environmental impact and visual presence as it hovers above the shoreline intertwining elements of sustainable design. The studio has utilized robust wood modules, adorning its facade with burnt and oiled ore pine shingles as it blends into the natural coastal landscape.

The sauna’s modular design allows for easy transportation and assembly, making it accessible even in remote locations. Divided into two sections connected by a narrow open passage, it features changing rooms and storage on one side, while the other houses the sauna chamber complete with a wood-fired oven. Here, an inviting, rounded wall allows users to relax as they take in soothing views of the city skyline beyond.

all images by Marte Garmann

oslo works’ sauna minimizes environmental impact 

In the last few years, sauna culture in Scandinavia has significantly been on the rise, with communities coming together to create shared spaces for relaxation and socializing all along the shore. Along the Nesodden peninsula, just a short ferry ride from the Norwegian capital, Oslo, the local community sought to expand its increasing number of communal saunas. They envisioned an eco-friendly sanctuary with scenic panoramic views, where residents could unwind amidst nature’s embrace. Oslo Works’ concept integrates the sauna with its surroundings while fostering a sense of togetherness, adopting a design approach rooted in simplicity and purity. ‘Constructing a sauna has very few rules,’ notes the team.

The design integrates ample insulation in order to heat up without using too much energy, a heating device, and ensures access to cooling water (or snow). ‘The rest is up to imagination and building permits,’ they continue. Hotspot is also a basic yet versatile module that can be tailored to resident’s preferences – extendable with several optional add-ons, including diving boards, showers, roof terraces, or solar cell panels. The modules can also be connected to other Hotspots in a row for a communal cluster.

Hotspot sauna ensures minimized environmental impact and visual presence

a remote retreat along Nesodden’s shoreline

robust wood modules adorned with burnt and oiled ore pine shingles

the sauna blends into the natural landscape

Oslo Works integrates the sauna with ample insulation, a heating device, and access to cooling water (or snow)

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project info:

name: Hotspot

architecture: Oslo Works | @oslo.works

lead architect: Francis Brekke

design team: Adam John Williams, Elin Schnipper, Janancija Arulanantham

location: Nesodden, Norway

built area: 16 square meters

photography: Marte Garmann | @martegarmann

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