Hinoki Sauna: Where Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Scandinavian Simplicity

The Japanese Bathing Experience with Hinoki Aroma

Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) is one of the most distinctive elements that has shaped Japan’s bathing traditions. This wood releases a unique aromatic fragrance that intensifies when it meets steam, transforming the bathtub or sauna into a sensory experience that blends relaxation with healing.

Sauna as a Cultural Extension

The idea of fully surrounding a steam room with hinoki wood is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. The Japanese have long embraced natural materials in their bathing rituals, making this practice a continuation of a lifestyle that balances nature with physical comfort.

Between Scandinavian Simplicity and Japanese Craftsmanship

The sauna designed by Wataru Kumano represents a meeting point between two distinct design schools:

• Scandinavian simplicity: Exposed wooden walls and ceilings create a sense of openness and purity.
• Japanese craftsmanship: Evident in the details of the seats, doors, and interlocking wooden joints, reflecting the precision of traditional workmanship.

A Harmonious Artistic Blend

This fusion of Scandinavian design and Japanese craftsmanship makes the sauna more than just a space for relaxation; it becomes the outcome of a shared architectural and cultural vision that unites simplicity with depth.

Design Logic: The Half-Dome

Wataru Kumano chose to design the sauna in the shape of a half-dome, a decision driven not only by aesthetics but also by functionality. Heat naturally rises, and with the upper bench positioned at the highest point of the long wall, the seated person can benefit from the warmth more effectively. In contrast, cylindrical saunas tend to concentrate heat in the middle of the space, a spot where no one actually sits.

Ease of Integration with Spaces

The half-dome shape makes it easier to place the sauna against an existing wall, making it practical in terms of installation and space efficiency. The design also allows for two units to be combined to create a larger area, offering flexibility of use according to different needs.

Precise Structural Details

From a construction perspective, the curved wall blends seamlessly with the ceiling, creating a sense of visual continuity and fluidity. The structure is secured with four stainless steel rings, a detail that highlights the balance between natural wood and metallic durability.

Sauna Dimensions and Expansion Potential

Kumano explains that the sauna design can, in principle, be extended up to four meters, the maximum length of the Yoshino hinoki wood used in its construction. However, the standard version, with its modest footprint of around four square meters, makes it easy to integrate into interior spaces and incorporate as part of a daily wellness routine.

International Expertise and a Collaborative Process

Kumano’s long experience in Finland, a country renowned for its sauna culture, made him the natural choice for this project. Yet the design was not the result of a single effort; it emerged through extensive discussions and sessions held inside the sauna itself with Hiroshi Yamanaka (CEO of Maruni) and Haruya Agematsu (from One Sauna, serving as consulting partner). These practical dialogues helped shape the design details in real terms.

Touches of Japanese Craftsmanship

The final touches come from Maruni, a company with over a century of expertise in furniture making. The precision of the details and the quality of the finishes reflect Japanese craftsmanship traditions that balance simplicity with functionality, turning the sauna into a refined architectural addition to any interior space.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Hinoki sauna can be seen as a distinctive addition that blends Japanese bathing traditions with minimalist Scandinavian touches, giving it both aesthetic and cultural value. However, the project may face certain challenges when it comes to installation in small spaces, as well as higher costs due to the reliance on limited materials such as Yoshino hinoki wood.

While the standard version is easy to integrate into interior environments, its size may not provide a spacious experience suitable for all users. Despite the meticulous craftsmanship that reflects Maruni’s long-standing expertise, the experience remains confined to a select group of users, positioning the project closer to a specialized product rather than an architectural concept that can be broadly adopted.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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