Derby Floating Sauna by Licht Architecture

ArchiPro Project Summary - A unique floating sauna in Derby, Tasmania, blending modern design with the natural landscape, offering relaxation and recovery amidst the stunning backdrop of quarry cliffs and rainforest.

Title:: Derby Floating Sauna
Architect:: Licht Architecture
Category:: Community/; Health and Wellness

On a lake, in a small North East Tasmanian town, floats a sauna.

Derby, once a booming Tin mining town, then almost ghost town, is now home to Tasmania’s world-class mountain biking trails.

Leaving your shoes on the shore and crossing a small bridge, guests can store their bikes and get changed before soaking in the heat of the timber-lined sauna. Taking cues from Derby’s contrasting history of boom and bust (then, fortunately, boom again) two black and white gable sheds sit quietly against the dramatic backdrop of quarry cliffs and rainforest. A charred timber exterior clads the sauna, contrasting against the light-filled shed where changing silhouettes are cast upon the Ampelite cladding.

The buildings float together in the landscape, offering a unique opportunity for isolation and relaxation. The floating sauna is a place of stillness and recovery - immerse yourself in the landscape, take a plunge in the lake before retreating back into the soothing warmth.

Photography by Anjie Blair

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Licht ArchitectureArchitects

Licht Architecture

Architects

lichtarchitecture.com.au

Licht Architecture. Jason LichtRegistered Architect (TAS & VIC), M.Arch, B.EnvDes. I have extensive project experience in commercial, heritage and conservation projects, restaurants, boutique hotels, multi-residential & boutique residential projects. I graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Tasmania in 2008. Since graduation, I’ve worked on a range of projects in a number of Tasmanian firms including David Denman and Associates (2007-2008); Bullock Consulting now 6ty (2009-2014); and was an Associate at Cumulus Studio (2014-2019). I love to work on projects big and small and currently am working on projects all across Tasmania - from Hobart where I’m based, all the way up to the northwest coast where I grew up on a dairy farm. I’m also working on projects across the ‘ditch’ in Victoria. When I’m not designing… I’m a keen fly fisherman, a lover of all things sport, a whisky sipper, a dabbler in oil painting, and a self-proclaimed car trip karaoke king. With back pockets full of learning, project experience and knowledge I’m always looking for new opportunities. I’d love to catch up for a coffee or a beer to discuss your project. Licht = it’s dutch… sounds like light!