Visitors can take a plunge into a cold lake after warming up in this floating wooden sauna by Seattle firm goCstudio ? the latest example of the trend for buoyant architecture (+ slideshow).
The structure is intended to be used all year round on Seattle's lakes and can accommodate up to six people. It is called WA Sauna, a name derived from the abbreviation for Washington State, where Seattle is located.
It follows the growing trend among architects to explore the possibilities afforded by building on water rather than land.
"Following in the Scandinavian tradition of saunas as a place for gathering, WA Sauna provides a place for Seattle's community to share a unique experience on the water," said goCstudio, a firm founded in 2012 by Jon Gentry and Aimée O'Carroll.
The floating vessel totals 240 square feet (22 square metres) and is 14 feet high (four metres). It weighs approximately 4,500 pounds (2,040 kilograms).
Inspired by the concepts of fire, water and community, the designers aimed to build a structure that engaged the local waterways and encouraged people to use them throughout the year.

"The idea for the floating sauna was born on a cold and wet winter's day in January 2014," added the firm. "Combining our love of the water, the relaxing dry heat of saunas, and floating structures, the project began to take shape."

Related story: Raumlabor builds industrial-looking sauna above the waters of Gothenburg po...