Wood-Stack Sauna Zaježová
Concept and Context
The sauna is located within the grounds of the Zaježová Educational Centre in Pliešovce. The center focuses on ecology, sustainability, and personal development—values that served as the primary determinants for the architectural proposal. The project also addresses the insufficient comfort of the original sauna, which will be repurposed as a firewood store following the completion of the new structure.
Situated in the southern part of the campus, the building sits on the edge of a small orchard and a dense forest. Its placement sensitively responds to the rugged terrain and surrounding landscape. Through its longitudinal massing, the object naturally separates the public area of the center from an intimate zone facing the forest, creating a sheltered private space for visitors.
Architectural Design and Realization
The design draws from local morphology and the genius loci. Conceived as a linear volume placed perpendicular to the slope, the structure maintains minimal contact with the ground, allowing the landscape to flow freely beneath it. The mass steps up and opens toward the slope, graduating from a low technical section to an elevated rest room—a principle that directly reflects the internal functional zoning.
To avoid invasive interventions into the subsoil, the entire building is elevated on a subtle timber frame structure anchored by concrete footings. The construction process followed a direct design-build approach by the architects, enabling a seamless connection between the architectural concept and refined craft details.
Layout and Construction
The interior is organized as a three-part space. Entry is via a wooden platform into a central vestibule that acts as a circulation hub and dressing area. The lower section houses the sauna room (potiareň), designed as a compact and thermally stable space. Conversely, the upper section contains a generous rest area with large-scale glazing, providing a direct visual connection to the forest. Opposite the entrance, an outdoor terrace with a cooling tub offers a secluded spot with undisturbed views.
The structural system consists of larch timber frames arranged in a regular rhythm. These frames remain exposed in the exterior, creating visual depth on the facade. The building envelope features cassette inserts within the structural skeleton, while the interior surfaces are lined with large-format spruce boards that provide structural bracing.
The facade and roof are inspired by traditional methods of drying timber—a "wood-stack" paraphrase that echoes the process of sauna bathing. This functional form is common in the local rural environment, utilizing a simple lightweight metal sheet for the roof to allow for natural ventilation of the structure.
