This small building is imagined as a ‘vertical bath’ consisting of three volumes containing a shower, sauna and a coldwater pool.The experience of each is heightened by a distinct contrast in volume, light and materiality.

The structure itself is inspired formally by the Norwegian ‘Stabbur’ – a building used for the storage of food dating back to the 9th century. These structures are a common sight in the interior agricultural landscapes in Norway and although this new building shares little in common functionally, it’s distinctive ‘stepped’ form is a familiar sight.

The bath is imagined to be publicly accessible from a track that connects a popular skiing area and a village, serving both winter skiers and summer hikers.

credits

architect: James Barber  |  client: Unknown  |  status: Research  |  location: Undefined  |  climate: Undefined  |  materials: wood, stone  |  environment: Mountain  |  visualizer: Studio  |  scale: 30 m2 extrasmall  |  types: cabin, microarchitecture  |  views: 618