Le Sauna is a serene Japanese-style retreat designed to soothe both mind and body, blending timeless architectural elements with thoughtful craftsmanship. Its dignified earthen walls and the warm elegance of a handcrafted wooden roof create a harmonious connection with nature.
Key features of Le Sauna include a beautifully curved entrance and a tokonoma (alcove) that incorporates bamboo latticework into pine posts, preserving their natural bark for added rustic charm. The bathing area features a Kiso cypress bath, renowned for its durability and fragrance, placed by a large window with Kyoto-style sliding screens for privacy. Adjacent to the bath, a cypress sauna—an original Sobokuya design—features a thick wooden door, soft indirect lighting, and panoramic forest views, offering a deeply relaxing experience.
The shake (red cedar) roof was meticulously crafted, with each shingle carefully installed and finished with bamboo sourced from the Yatsugatake region. This detailed work, paired with the addition of wood chips, creates a cohesive aesthetic that blends the building’s interior and exterior.
Inside, the space is adorned with half-sized Ryukyu tatami mats, offering a modern, minimalistic touch. Exposed hand-carved beams, typically concealed in ceilings, showcase Sobokuya’s craftsmanship while sliding doors allow the space to transform into an open-plan layout. Gathering around the irori (traditional sunken hearth) invites warmth and connection, enhanced by the efficient heating of a pellet stove.
Natural stones placed thoughtfully throughout the garden complement the building’s design, while indirect lighting enhances the serene ambience. Together, these elements create a tranquil haven where traditional Japanese techniques meet innovative design, offering comfort and beauty.
