Jellyfish - The Concept of the Floating Sauna

Idea projektu

The floating sauna project draws inspiration from a unique natural phenomenon found in the Norwegian fjords: the mysterious jellyfish that occasionally rise from the depths. Just like a jellyfish, the sauna "rises" from the water, creating and enhancing an emotional and visual connection with the surrounding nature. The concept emphasizes harmony with the environment while offering a striking architectural form and an immersive experience.

Popis projektu

The architectural form of the sauna consists of two primary elements: a white frosted glass shell enveloping the colorful and intricate inner structure reminiscent of a jellyfish. The inner core is crafted from recycled, moisture-resistant styrofoam, glowing in warm shades of red and orange. This eco-friendly material not only forms the heart of the floating sauna but also creates a captivating interplay of light and texture. Depending on lighting angles, the glass shell shifts from opaque matte to nearly transparent, creating a dynamic visual effect.

The sauna floats on a lightweight and sustainable cork composite platform, known for its excellent buoyancy and ecological properties. The deck’s upper layer is finished with thermally treated larch in a terracotta hue, offering natural aesthetics and high resistance to moisture. This thoughtful material selection ensures both durability and an eco-friendly footprint.

The exterior deck includes several functional zones: a water entry point with an outdoor shower for easy fjord access, a hydroponic garden fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem, a bar counter with a mini-fridge and filtered water system, and a comfortable lounge area with soft seating. Inside, the sauna features two changing rooms, two shower rooms, two toilets, and a captain’s bridge with a control panel. The sauna itself, equipped with an electric stove, accommodates up to six people and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and underwater world through its transparent shell.

A unique feature of the project is the glowing spheres attached to adjustable cables, serving as ballast to regulate buoyancy. As these spheres descend into the water, they emit light that transitions from warm ochre tones to cooler blues and violets, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle observable directly from the sauna.

Technické informace

The floating sauna is built entirely on eco-friendly and sustainable technologies. Solar panels installed on the dome supply energy for all the structure’s needs. A hydroponic system on the deck creates a closed-loop ecosystem for growing greens. Advanced water filtration systems include black water filters for the toilets, grey water filters for showers and sinks, and additional fjord water filters that clean the natural water and return it purified, minimizing environmental impact and aiding ecosystem restoration.

For movement within the fjord, the sauna uses an environmentally friendly electric motor powered by hydrogen fuel cells, reducing harmful emissions. Located in the technical section alongside the water purification system, this motor ensures efficient and sustainable navigation. The structure’s buoyancy and stability are maintained through adjustable glowing spheres, whose cable lengths can be modified to adapt to varying water conditions.