In the quiet forests of Saga Prefecture, OND SAUNA offers a refined escape where architecture, nature, and Japanese philosophy converge. Designed by Taro Shimokawa, this timber-clad sanctuary invites guests into a world of elemental warmth, spatial harmony, and contemplative design.
Nestled in the lush forests of Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, OND SAUNA is more than a public bathhouse – it’s a meditative retreat that reimagines the Japanese sauna experience. Designed by Taro Shimokawa of Amane Architecture, this serene structure is the heart of ONDPARK, a regional revitalisation project that blends wellness, nature, and community.
A Japanese Sensibility of Space
OND SAUNA’s architecture is a quiet dialogue between material and landscape. Using domestic wood and cross-laminated timber (CLT), the building’s vertical walls echo the surrounding forest, drawing nature inward while regulating intimacy among guests. The structure’s irregular plan and discrete wall modules create a sociopetal¹ space – one that encourages social interaction without intrusion. It’s a subtle choreography of proximity, crafted for the Japanese sensibility.
Shimokawa’s design philosophy – “ordinary, yet special” – is evident in every detail. His use of natural materials that age gracefully over time reflects a deep respect for impermanence and wabi-sabi. The elimination of beams and perpendicular joints simplifies construction while enhancing spatial fluidity. This rational elegance is not just aesthetic – it’s a reflection of Japanese craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability.
The sauna’s atmosphere is contemplative, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect – with themselves, with others, and with nature. It’s a space where silence speaks, and the architecture listens. The gaps between walls allow the forest to breathe into the room, while the warmth of wood and the scent of cedar envelop the senses.
Shimokawa, who draws inspiration from both Japanese tradition and his experience in France, bridges East and West with a design language that is both universal and deeply personal. His work is rooted in cultural nuance, yet it transcends borders. OND SAUNA is a testament to this balance – a place where modern design meets timeless ritual.
In a country where public saunas are still evolving as communal spaces, OND SAUNA offers a new model: one that honours privacy while nurturing connection. It’s not just a building – it’s an invitation to experience architecture as a living, breathing part of daily life.
¹ Sociopetal refers to environmental or spatial arrangements that encourage social interaction.
Discover more at www.ondsauna.jp