US architects launch floating sauna to promote wellness in Seattle
by Kim Megson | 12 Nov 2015
Seattle-based architects goCstudio have built and launched a floating sauna in Seattle, providing locals with a new perspective of their waterfront city.
The designers wanted to create a tranquil refuge which could tour Seattle’s many lakes. Designs were drawn up in January 2014 and a successful Kickstarter campaign raised over US$40,000 to keep the project afloat. Construction was completed in Q3 this year, and the vessel – named the wa_sauna – has now been tested and registered to sail.
The sauna is transported from lake to lake by its operators and is propelled through the water by an electric trolling motor. Heat is provided by a wood burning stove.
Waterside spas and saunas are currently all the rage. Architect Anne Holtrop has designed an artificial Floating Gardens Spa to be located on a lake in Amsterdam, while German studio Raumlabor have built a 20-seater sauna out of recycled materials in Gothenburg harbour.
Meanwhile, Italian designer Michele Puzzolante has unveiled a solar-powered floating resort, which will contain a five-star, 54-bedroom luxury hotel, and Serbia-based Salt & Water have embraced a similar concepton a smaller-scale.
The sauna is propelled by a motor and heated by a wood-burning stove Credit: goCstudio
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FEATURE: Spa – Floating away
Seattle-based architects goCstudio have built and launched a floating sauna in Seattle, providing locals with a new perspective of their waterfront city. The designers wanted to create a tranquil refuge which could tour Seattle’s many lakes. Designs were drawn up in January 2014 and a successful Kickstarter campaign raised over US$40,000 to keep the project afloat. Construction was completed in Q3 this year, and the vessel – named the wa_sauna
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by Megan Whitby | 19 Jan 2024
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by Liz Terry | 11 Jan 2024
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Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
by Megan Whitby | 05 Jan 2024
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by Kath Hudson | 04 Jan 2024
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Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
by Megan Whitby | 03 Jan 2024
Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group has announced the location of its first Asia Pacific project. The upcoming resort will open in South Korea’s Incheon City as part of its Golden Harbor development. A memorandum of agreement was signed on 20 December by Therme’s senior vice president Stelian Iacob and Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) commissioner Kim Jinyong. The identification of the Golden Harbor site follows an initial letter of cooperation
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
by Kath Hudson | 29 Dec 2023
Universal Studios is assessing the feasibility of opening its first European resort in the UK, following the purchase of a former brickworks in Bedfordshire. The theme park operator has confirmed it’s in the “very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience in Bedford.” Parent company, Comcast Corporation has purchased the 480-acre site, which previously had planning permission for 1,000 homes. Universal Destinations and Experiences
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
by Megan Whitby | 20 Dec 2023
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Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
by Kath Hudson | 19 Dec 2023
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by Kath Hudson | 18 Dec 2023
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Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
by Megan Whitby | 12 Dec 2023
Aman’s sister brand Janu will launch its flagship property in Tokyo in March 2024, representing the first in a 12-strong global pipeline of projects across city, country and coastal destinations. Meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu is a hotel, residence and lifestyle brand based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction. With reservations now open for bookings in March, the first Janu will feature 122 rooms and suites, eight dining venues,
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