The OND SAUNA, designed by AMANE ARCHI, has been recognized with the Popular Choice Award in the Spa & Wellness category at the 2025 Architizer A+Awards. This distinction highlights the architects' innovative approach to communal bathing spaces.
Situated within the ONDPARK complex in Takeo City, Japan, the OND SAUNA is conceived as part of a regional revitalization effort. The project design strives to balance privacy with shared experience and foster a subtle yet intentional sense of community among users.
The architectural concept revolves around neutrality and controlled intimacy, addressing the cultural nuances of Japanese public bathing, where close physical proximity does not always equate to social openness. By employing discreetly arranged walls made from 150mm cross-laminated timber (CLT), the space maintains a delicate equilibrium. The vertical slats frame views of the surrounding forest and modulate visual and spatial connections between bathers. The irregular floor plan and beam-free structure further enhance this effect.
Award-Winning Sauna Designs
AMANE ARCHI Designs the Modern and Aesthetically Pleasing OND SAUNA
Trend Themes
1. Innovative Sauna Architectures - The OND SAUNA demonstrates a breakthrough in designing communal bathing spaces that harmonize privacy and social interaction through architectural innovation.
2. Reimagined Communal Spaces - A new wave of communal space design emerges, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and modern aesthetics to attract a global clientele to traditional practices.
3. Biophilic Design Integration - By incorporating natural materials and views, the OND SAUNA exemplifies the growing trend of integrating nature into modern architectural designs to enhance user experience.
Industry Implications
1. Wellness & Spa - The global wellness industry can capitalize on unique architectural innovations to differentiate spa experiences and foster community amongst users.
2. Sustainable Construction - Employing cross-laminated timber demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, providing opportunities for the construction industry to explore eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Tourism & Regional Development - Revitalization projects like ONDPARK indicate a growing industry trend of leveraging innovative designs to boost local tourism and economic development.