Le Sauna

Le Sauna

A serene Japanese-style space that soothes both the mind and body, blending the dignified presence of earthen walls with the gentle warmth of a wooden roof.

The building is thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, featuring a beautifully curved entrance, a tokonoma (alcove) incorporating bamboo latticework into pine posts with bark still intact, a cypress bath area utilizing Saku stone from the Yatsugatake mountains, and a sauna room equipped with an Estonian heater.

The shake (red cedar) roof was carefully crafted, with each shingle installed with care and finished using bamboo from Yatsugatake. The addition of the roof and wood chips brings a sense of harmony both inside and out.

Elements like the simple pellet stove and the natural stones in the garden further highlight the building’s unique character.

  • Construction date
    February 2024
  • Location
    Yamanashi Prefecture, Hokuto City, Nagasaka Town
  • Total floor area
    47.9㎡
  • Number of floors
    One-story building
  • Structure
    Wooden structure with a plank roof
A Japanese-style space that generously utilises half-sized Ryukyu tatami mats (square, borderless tatami mats that give a more modern and minimalistic look compared to traditional rectangular tatami).
With the combination of sliding doors and fittings, the space can quickly transform into an open area.
The exposed beams, which would typically be hidden in the ceiling, showcase the craftsmanship of hand-carved carpentry.
Gathering around the irori (traditional sunken hearth) and looking up at the exposed beams brings a sense of relaxation and comfort.
A pellet stove efficiently warms the space.
A cypress sauna room, featuring a thick wooden door that is an original design by Sobokuya.
Indirect lighting enhances the detoxifying effect; while the windows offer a panoramic view of the forest.
Kiso cypress bath is installed by the large window, with Kyoto-style sliding screens creating a private space. (Kiso cypress, from the Kiso region in Nagano Prefecture, is known for its durability, moisture resistance, and pleasant aroma, making it ideal for a wooden bath.)
The bathroom features a beautifully curved design.
The roofing work with shakes (red cedar) was done with great care and attention to detail, piece by piece.
Bamboo from the Yatsugatake region was used for the finishing touches.
With the addition of the roof and wood chips, a sense of cohesion has been achieved both inside and outside.
The natural stone, while harmonising with the building, radiates a strong presence.

Please consult with us about your project.

Consultations on moving to the Yatsugatake region, finding land, climate and topography, etc., are available. We also offer tours of a model house built using the wooden frame construction method.

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