Municipal sauna in Dúbravica by H3T Architects

S the idea of building a community sauna in Dúbravica in Podpoľanie in central Slovakia, the guys from the civic association Periferná Centra (Andrej and Igor) approached us at the beginning of 2013.
We prepared a conceptual study that considered the traditional operation of a typical “savasauna” – namely, a smoke sauna that is heated by energy accumulated in the stove, which, however, does not have a device for flue gas removal. Such a process is very complicated for preparing the sauna experience, and for simpler use, we decided during the work on the production documentation to change the heating method to a standard wood-burning stove, which significantly simplifies the preparation process for use.
The formal impact of the building has been conceived from the very beginning with an emphasis on simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the construction. It also draws from traditional local shepherd's huts. Thus, not only in form but also in construction and materials.
The load-bearing framework is wooden, with an exterior cladding of overlapping charred boards, and an interior cladding of untreated boards. Heating is provided by a masonry stove. The building is founded on dry-stacked stones. The realization took 7 days and involved volunteer helpers from among artists and architecture students, several local residents, and also our studio.

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