WHAT MAKES THIS SAUNA SPECIAL
Located in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, a region characterised by dense pine and oak forests as well as dramatic hillside terrain, this sauna was created within the lower level of a spacious villa and is almost entirely immersed in its natural surroundings. Despite featuring a large floor-to-ceiling window, it remains nearly invisible from the outside, carefully screened by the mature woodland that surrounds it. Only after dark do the lights of the adjacent terrace softly reveal its presence, while also highlighting a striking decorative tree root positioned in front of the window and illuminated from the side.
Occupying an entire room, the sauna is fully clad in light-coloured timber that lends the space a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Rather than conventional straight benches, the interior features a sculptural arrangement of angled seating and reclining platforms with fully enclosed end panels. This composition introduces a distinctive sense of movement and spatial dynamism, setting the sauna apart from more traditional interiors.
Indirect LED lighting follows the contours of the walls and accentuates the geometry of the benches. The light emerges from a narrow continuous slot and gently washes upwards, creating a refined and sophisticated ambience throughout the room.
Combining privacy, a strong connection to nature and meticulously crafted interior architecture, this sauna offers a harmonious retreat dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing.
DESIGN DETAIL
A consistent timber finish defines the sauna interior, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic throughout the space. The distinctive character of the design comes from the geometry of the seating and reclining platforms, which are shaped by a series of angled surfaces rather than conventional straight lines. The upper bench level also incorporates the sauna heater, seamlessly integrating it into the architectural composition of the room.
PROPERTY / LOCATION
Villa in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
SAUNA DESIGNER:
Luciano Gerbilsky Arquitectos
www.gerbilsky.com
