Yakisugi Yoga Sauna

This custom-designed six-person outdoor sauna was created for our client with an intricately detailed roofline that reflects the form of the existing glasshouse. The alignment allows the two structures to sit comfortably together, maintaining a clean visual line within the carefully landscaped Mount Eden garden.

The entire exterior is clad in Japanese Yakisugi (charred timber), a traditional technique prized for its durability and weather resistance. The charring process creates a deep black finish with a rich textured grain, forming a dramatic contrast with the warmth and natural tones of the western red cedar interior.

The interior is scaled to feel open and flexible, with enough room for yoga, stretching, or lying down comfortably between sauna sessions. Two folding cedar bench seats allow the space to adapt easily, providing seating when needed while opening up the room for movement and relaxation.