Iceland
Slow Sauna

An environmentally responsive structure carefully orients a sequence of articulated spaces to frame the site’s distinct landscape conditions.

A fitting geometry that will stand the test of time and the harsh environmental conditions. The generous sauna space offers a carefully curated view of the surrounding landscape, while the added verticality enhances the user experience. The coherent material palette and well-developed construction details contribute to a thoughtful and convincing design.

A nice and simple solution with a very relevant and strong character. Among the best, if not the best, in my opinion.

An efficient and well thought-out design and plan. The material palette feels harmonious, with some nice quirky touches that give the project character. I would consider orienting the sauna benches toward a direct outward view rather than sideways. Also keep in mind that heat rises in saunas, so very high spaces combined with low benches are not ideal. Several stepped bench levels would provide more heat options. The greenhouse currently feels reduced to a few decorative pots and could play a stronger role in the overall concept.

A beautiful and humble design, combining simple forms, thoughtful material choices, and an efficient architectural approach.

This is what you want a sauna to be like. It is not trying too hard to be more than that. I really like the shape and materiality, which evoke the tranquility you want. Saunas are always appealing because they offer the possibility of self-building. This one feels as though it could be built with love and care. It feels completely at home in its setting.

The project establishes a strong initial approach through a rigorous investigation of form and climatic context. The mixed-use proposal is clearly explained through comprehensive drawings and visualizations. Its scale, materiality, and constructive feasibility are well defined, demonstrating a clear concern for the irregular nature of the site. However, greater rigor is required in the development of the construction detail drawings.

This project stands out for its clear architectural character and atmospheric restraint. The procession of descent, rather than the more typical upward movement, is a distinct and meaningful interpretation of the sauna ritual, giving the project a strong spatial premise. The use of simple, almost primitive geometric forms for both the external enclosure and internal layout creates a productive tension between modernist abstraction and a highly atmospheric material expression. The pristine forms, rendered through condensation, mist, water, and reflected light, are particularly compelling and give the project a memorable visual identity.

However, the programmatic response feels less fully explored. The translucent second skin is presented as a mediating environmental layer and is described as having a greenhouse-like role, but this is not convincingly developed through the drawings or visuals, where vegetation is absent. The relationship between the internal sauna volume and the outer greenhouse skin also raises functional questions, particularly regarding circulation, maintenance, environmental control, and how the intermediate zone is actually inhabited. The project is drawn and visualized with clarity and elegance, and its atmosphere is one of the strongest in the shortlist, but the functional and environmental logic behind the double-skin strategy would benefit from further development.

The proposed stepped access enables a compact yet powerful volume that delights visitors. It is a minimal proposal with fantastic interiors, a restrained material palette, and well-developed detailing. One concern is that the almost flat roof may struggle under significant snow loads.

A simple and elegant volume with an almost Zumthorian sensibility. Excellent use of the ground plane and the experiential sequence.

Beautiful visualizations and drawings. The concept is strong, particularly the lantern-like shell and the two circular forms. It would be worthwhile to strengthen the outward visual connection from the sauna toward the surrounding landscape. I would also like to see a view of the sauna interior to better understand its atmosphere and materiality. The wash area could become even more inviting with the addition of planting or greenery.

The proposal employs a straightforward architectural strategy that results in a distinct landmark within the volcanic landscape. The greenhouse is highly commendable for its spiritual and ethereal atmosphere. By deliberately avoiding the conventional approach of densely planting the interior, it offers a contemplative experience that resonates with the vast landscape beyond. However, the submission suffers from a significant lack of interior architectural representation. Most notably, there is no visualization of the sauna itself. This omission weakens the intended spatial narrative and fails to communicate what could have been the project’s strongest architectural moment: the contrast between the intensely hot, enclosed core and the expansive, atmospheric greenhouse.

A beautiful modular design that conveys both warmth and simplicity while integrating naturally with its surroundings.

Yes! This one gets it all right. The space feels modern and ancient, almost sacred, at the same time. Technically refined and beautifully executed. A great achievement.

The project presents a strong and practical concept that is thoroughly developed through a clear explanation. The visualizations effectively complement the drawings. However, the proposal risks exceeding the intended scale of the competition while losing constructive feasibility due to the limited explanation of its material systems. The technical language does not clearly describe the relationship between the external envelope and the interior materiality.

Blurring the boundaries between inside and out, this elegant translucent building uses one simple interior form to establish multiple elemental architectural spaces surrounded by the greenery of nature.

The project proposes the sauna as a central volume and concept, with peripheral uses supported by the energy generated through heat. The programme dynamics and drawings are clear. However, the material decisions could have been explored in greater depth.

Geometric clarity and atmospheric enclosure combine to create a richly nested sequence of ritual spaces.

The jury highly commends this proposal for its innovative “box-within-a-box” floor plan, which elegantly optimizes thermal efficiency and energy utilization. The spatial organization creates an effective sensory contrast within a remarkably short sequence. The transition from the intensely dark sauna core to the naturally lit greenhouse establishes a compelling duality between light and dark, hot and cold, artificial and natural, active and calm, and hard and soft. This rapid spatial shift engages multiple senses through changing daylight, temperature, humidity, vegetation, and scent. As an informative critique, the jury notes that the overall architectural volume appears somewhat enclosed. Optimizing the envelope to better adapt to varying weather conditions would strengthen its environmental performance. In addition, refining the entrance through accessible design solutions would ensure the retreat is welcoming and usable for a wider range of visitors.

Simple, beautiful, yet original. I am not entirely convinced it makes sense to open the main planted area directly to the cold exterior.

A refined material palette, seamless integration with the landscape, and a strong understanding of the sauna ritual result in a simple and beautiful proposal.

Striking form. Many different experiences in a compact space. Exciting architecture with a concept that is thoughtfully developed.

The project demonstrates a rigorous investigation into the site context. The drawings lack dimensions and technical notation, making it difficult to assess the relationships and distances between elements. While the mixed-use proposal and diversity of programmes are of interest, the explanation of the system’s overall operation remains insufficient. It does not clearly demonstrate how the various functions coexist without interfering with one another. Furthermore, aspects of the timber foundations, structural support, and material resolution shown in several visualisations suggest construction challenges that require further development.

The project elegantly integrates the sauna, greenhouse, and recovery spaces into a single architectural form. Its distinctive pitched profile establishes a strong presence within the landscape while referencing Icelandic vernacular traditions, volcanic silhouettes, and the surrounding terrain. The siting strategy is particularly well considered, responding carefully to prevailing winds, solar exposure, and the protective qualities of the existing berm. The sectional organisation is among the project’s greatest strengths, creating meaningful relationships between heat, planting, recovery, and framed views while maintaining a restrained footprint. The openings are carefully integrated into the overall composition, balancing outward views, interior atmosphere, and controlled daylight. The proposal is represented with clarity through strong visualisations, informative diagrams, and a convincing level of technical development. While the programme risks becoming somewhat dense, particularly regarding the greenhouse and recovery spaces, this remains a highly resolved project with a strong architectural identity and a convincing relationship between form, programme, and place.

Reusing heat from the sauna to support the greenhouse is an excellent concept that deserved greater exploration across the competition. The overall building is striking and memorable. However, the sauna itself feels somewhat secondary, occupying relatively little space compared to the variety of recovery rooms. The upper-level spaces may also prove challenging to use comfortably in practice.

A cleverly designed scheme that references traditional typologies while looking confidently toward the future. The interiors are carefully crafted, offering rich spatial and visual experiences despite the compact footprint. The construction strategy, material selection, and overall configuration are thoughtfully considered.