Spaces is an exercise in curiosity about communal living and domestic activity. Each week we’ll select a Nation amenity and explore some of our other favourites from around the world, often drawn from fiction and throughout time.
As summer begins to tail off and the cooler months approach, we're starting to think about transitioning our lazy poolside days into warming sauna nights. As one of the key ammenities at Nation, we like to think of our saunas as little portals to heat, health, and humanity.
A sauna is more than a hot room, it is a communal space for ancient ritual, and a gateway to physical and mental renewal. The practice of heating stones to create steam dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early saunas found in indigenous cultures across the world. Saunas function by exposing the body to intense heat — typically between 70° and 100° — which induces sweating to expel toxins, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Traditionally, saunas were dug into the earth or built as small wooden huts, heated by wood-burning stoves. Today they can be spaces for architectural and technological invention, but the basic sauna equation remains: heat plus steam equals goodness.
In Finland, it is said that one should behave in a sauna as one would in church. The intimate setting, often entered without clothing or social barriers, creates a sense of equality. Whether in the frozen north, tropical climates, or here in our own cities, they provide shared and solo experiences that bridges generations and cultures.
löyly
Löyly, a prefab sauna designed by Swedish architect Trolle Rudebeck Haar, embodies the best of Scandinavian design with a modern, modular twist. It reinterprets the traditional Finnish sauna with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and elegance. As part of the growing trend of prefabricated structures, Löyly blends simplicity and functionality, offering a high-quality, easy-to-install solution that fits seamlessly into both urban and natural environments.
The design of Löyly features clean, minimalist lines and natural materials, particularly wood and glass, creating a harmonious balance between the sauna and its surroundings. Large windows open the space to nature, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining a sense of privacy and relaxation. This connection to the environment is central to the Löyly experience, making it feel like a sanctuary in any setting.
Löyly’s modular structure allows for easy customization and transportation, making it a practical and flexible option for those looking to embrace the health benefits of sauna bathing. Its prefabricated design ensures quick assembly, offering a streamlined experience without compromising on quality or style.
With its timeless aesthetic and thoughtful design, Löyly brings the ancient tradition of sauna bathing into the modern world, addressing contemporary needs while honoring the Finnish love for saunas and their restorative power.
grotto sauna
Hidden among the rugged landscapes of Ontario’s Georgian Bay, the Grotto Sauna is a private retreat that seamlessly blends with nature. Designed by the Toronto-based architecture firm Partisans, this sculptural structure is built into the rocky shoreline, with its undulating wooden interior mimicking the natural curves of a cave.
Unlike traditional saunas with boxy interiors, the Grotto Sauna features smooth, organic forms that create a cocoon-like experience. The structure is built using sustainably sourced cedar, designed to withstand the harsh Canadian winters. A large glass window faces the bay, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding water and cliffs, turning each sauna session into a sensory immersion in nature.
The remote location and integration with the environment make this sauna unique. It is a private sanctuary where architecture and landscape merge, inviting visitors to lose themselves in heat and stillness while feeling strongly connected to the elements.
Kuuma Sauna
Kuuma Sauna brings a distinctly Finnish tradition to the southern hemisphere, offering Tasmania’s first floating sauna experience. Nestled on the waters of Lake Derby, this wood-fired sauna provides a tranquil retreat for cyclists, adventurers, and those seeking a unique wellness experience.
What sets Kuuma apart is its connection to Tasmania’s wild beauty. After heating up in the cedar-lined sauna, visitors can plunge directly into the cool freshwater lake—a contrast that invigorates the senses. The experience reflects the Finnish philosophy of hot-cold therapy, which is said to boost circulation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Designed with sustainability in mind, Kuuma Sauna operates with minimal environmental impact. It has quickly become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering not just warmth but a deep reconnection with nature in one of Australia’s most pristine landscapes.
sankaku Sauna
The Sankaku Sauna, designed by Japanese architect Taichi Kuma, is an exceptional fusion of contemporary design and traditional sauna culture. Located in the Japanese countryside, this sauna offers a serene, minimalist retreat that reflects Kuma’s signature approach—blending natural materials with innovative architectural concepts. The sauna’s name, Sankaku, translates to “triangle,” which directly influences the sauna’s unique design. The triangular form not only defines the aesthetic but also represents the harmony between geometry, nature, and human experience.
Constructed primarily from wood, Sankaku Sauna has a warm, organic feel that connects it to its environment. The angled roof creates a sense of openness, while the carefully crafted interior encourages relaxation and reflection. Large windows surround the sauna, offering expansive views of the lush surroundings, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites users to connect deeply with nature while enjoying the full benefits of the sauna experience.
The sauna’s small, compact size and angular design make it a striking yet unobtrusive addition to the landscape, emphasizing the simplicity and quiet beauty of Japanese architecture. Sankaku Sauna’s clever use of space and materials enhances the therapeutic qualities of the sauna, offering a space for rejuvenation both physically and spiritually. Kuma’s design philosophy shines through, creating a harmonious environment where the sauna feels at once both intimate and expansive, capturing the essence of Japanese design with its focus on minimalism, nature, and tranquility.
belafonte sauna
In The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), director Wes Anderson imagines a whimsical world where a research vessel, the Belafonte, is outfitted with a sauna. This fictional sauna appears in the “Let Me Tell You About My Boat” scene, where Bill Murray’s character, Steve Zissou, gives a guided tour of the ship’s quirks:
"The Belafonte was a long-range sub hunter during the Second World War which we bought from the U.S. Navy for $900,000.... The sauna was designed by an engineer from the Chinese space program. And we keep a Swedish masseuse on staff."
Although it is a brief moment in the film, the sauna on The Life Aquatic adds to the vessel’s eccentricity. It represents the mix of luxury and absurdity that defines Zissou’s world — a space of reflection, camaraderie, and comic relief in an otherwise chaotic oceanic adventure. It also happens to be a place relaxing enough that Steve is blissfully steaming himself away while is boat is boarded by pirates.
