Imagine indulging in a sauna experience while gazing over still waters beyond the organically rounded openings – where would your mind wonder from this place? Spreading over 800 square feet, this experimental sauna we stumbled upon rises from the rocks of a private island along the Georgian Bay in Canada. Designed by PARTISANS, the free-standing structure built by the lake was inspired by natural geography that also gives the name of this snug sauna. The modern Canadian prefab construction was created with customized help from a millwork and steel fabrication partner, ensuring details are sculpted to perfection.
Grottos, historically, have been known as natural or artificial caves that are embedded deep behind the curvature of streams, and thus discovered by those who would take the time to explore. The site is a prehistoric large-scale rock formation, and understanding it intimately was the first step toward architecture. The selected concept prescribed a solid, simple presence on the exterior, while the interior followed dynamic air movements in curvature forms; requiring design solutions. Challenging the standards of current practices in the construction industry, we worked directly with a millwork and steel fabrication partner on every detail. Together, we developed a new process of fabrication; utilizing state of the art 3-D technology to scan, model and build the Grotto.”
Understanding natural design and infusing it with our heart’s intentions is a powerful thing. Just imagine what could be created by paying even closer attention to our organic heritage.
