The Enigmatic Gem: An Enthralling Perspective on the Serene Sauna Design in the Stockholm Archipelago

Nestled within a comprehensive development encompassing a residence, spa amenities, and a guest house, a captivating minimalist sauna design emerges on the edge of the water, on a picturesque island in the Stockholm Archipelago. Crafted by Swedish-based architect Matteo Foresti, originally from Italy, this private sauna finds its place delicately nestled between two rocky hills, just meters above the lake, on a small, flat patch covered with earth and sparse vegetation.

For Foresti, the paramount consideration was to carefully choose a location that harmoniously blended with the untouched splendor of the surrounding area. Striving to embrace both an awe-inspiring vista and optimal exposure to sunlight (facing south), Foresti was equally committed to minimizing the sauna's footprint to preserve the natural environment. By employing a thin layer of heat-treated pine and aspen wood on both the exterior and interior, the need for extensive and costly foundations on the rocky terrain was gracefully sidestepped.

Modest in size, spanning approximately 15 square meters, the sauna adheres to the customary dimensions of such structures. Foresti ingeniously incorporated the conventional Nordic sauna design to infuse his creation with modesty and practicality. The minimalist aesthetics and an expansive glass facade gazing out to the sea accentuate the essence of the natural surroundings and the sauna experience. "Instead of invention, our primary pursuit was to identify the ideal proportions, scales, and materials," explains the architect. The result is an intimate and elemental space that allows for indulging in the sauna and savoring the allure of nature's magnificence.

Having previously worked on private sauna projects, Foresti was enticed by the opportunity to embark on a venture with a more "human" perspective. "It provides us with a chance to explore novel methodologies and ideas," he expressed. The allure of this particular undertaking also stemmed from the enchanting beauty it offered. According to Foresti, the privilege of coexisting harmoniously and exhibiting profound reverence for the surroundings is an inherent obligation that accompanies such a task.