SLAVIC SAUNA
SAUNA - PAVILION - RESIDENTIAL - CLIFFSIDE - TIMBER
FREELANCE
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA
SUMMER 2024
SOLE DESIGNER: EDWARD SERGEYCHIK
CONSTRUCTION CO: VLADIMIR GARGUN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
The Slavic Sauna is a standalone structure designed as a freelance commission for a private residence situated on a cliffside backyard. The project features a main sauna room, a wet room, and a lounge area, reinterpreting traditional Slavic bathing rituals through a modern architectural language that complements the contemporary home.
Positioned twelve feet above the ground, the structure captures panoramic views while maintaining a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. The design integrates natural materials such as wood and stone with clean, modern detailing, creating a balance between warmth and precision. Beyond its cultural inspiration, the project applies an engineering mindset—utilizing passive thermal strategies, water management, and efficient ventilation to achieve a self-regulating microclimate without heavy mechanical systems.
The Slavic Sauna serves as both a retreat and a performance of atmosphere: an elevated space where cultural memory, craftsmanship, and environmental awareness converge in a modern interpretation of wellness.