

partisans’ grotto sauna in canada features bold sculptural forms

all images courtesy of partisans

perched on a private island, north of the canadian city of toronto, this sculpted sauna was constructed using three-dimensional technology to scan, model and build the scheme. designed by local studio partisans, the realized project was the result of comprehensive research informed by the imagining of the space as a ‘grotto’ – a cave-like volume often found near water.



the space is imagined as a grotto – a cave-like volume often found near water

the sauna’s interior boasts bold sinuous forms that reference dynamic air movements, as well as providing comfortable and welcoming areas of seating. large apertures offer views across the bay, while a skylight positioned in the roof plane brings natural light inside the 75 square meter plan. smooth internal forms are contrasted on the structure’s external façades, where simple timber-clad elevations blend against the region’s rugged terrain.



a skylight positioned in the roof plane brings daylight inside the 75 square meter plan

the majority of the prefabricated design was constructed before being transported to site by boat and secured atop the island’s prehistoric rock formation. details within the scheme were developed in close collaboration with millwork and steel fabrication partners, ensuring a high degree of integrated craftsmanship.



details within the scheme were developed in close collaboration with a millwork fabrication partner



large apertures offer expansive views across the bay



smooth internal forms are contrasted on the structure’s external façades



simple timber-clad elevations blend against the region’s rugged terrain



the building was transported to the island by boat and secured atop the site’s prehistoric rock formation