modulorbeat stacks concrete frames to create a one man sauna

modulorbeat stacks concrete frames to create a one man sauna
all images courtesy of modulorbeat

as part of the art festival das detroit-projekt in bochum, germany, architecture office modulorbeat has realized the ‘one man sauna’, a temporary structure located on an abandoned factory site. the 7.5 meter tall tower is constructed of stacked precast concrete frames, which were originally used for building shaft mines. inside, three volumes interconnect, containing a sauna sized for one person at the middle level, a pool to plunge into below, and a relaxation space above which opens to provide a view outward. vertical ladders link the three zones, as well as provide initial entry.

the 7.5 meter tall tower is constructed of stacked precast concrete frames

the structure is composes of three stacked volumes with interconnected spaces

the project results from the architects’ research titled ‘borderlands’, which investigates the edge conditions and transit spaces of bochum in relation to the overall ruhr urban district. analysis included a series of photo-collages and writings on the subject of ‘idleness’, which interpreted the interconnection between the center and peripheral areas of the city. these studies in turn helped to inform the ‘one man sauna’ design.

photo courtesy of schauspielhaus bochum

an embedded steel ladder provides vertical circulation through the tower

the sauna occupies the middle volume of the structure

a pool is located below the sauna

the upper space opens toward the sky

the top opens partially to provide a view outward

sections

project info:

location: bochum, germany
completed: 2014
client: schauspielhaus bochum
cooperation: UKR urban arts ruhr
structural design: bollinger + grohmann engineers
team: marc günnewig, jan kampshoff, sebastian gatz
photography: modulorbeat