Northern Europe is known for its sauna culture, evolved to combat the cold and gather people in the dark of winter, but this seaworthy version adds a mobile twist to a longstanding tradition.

Built from recycled wood, floating on salvaged plastic barrels and powered by an outboard motor, the Saunalautta was created by friends who have since decide to rent out the structure.

More than just a nautical sauna, onboard amenities include a barbecue as well as tents and hammocks for overnight adventures and relaxation outside of the super-heated central space.

The crow’s nest at the top provides a lookout point and diving platform as well as shelter for the cooking space located directly below. They have even tested putting a trampoline on the second story, but safety concerns won out in the end.

More from Architizer on the long cultural history of saunas in the region: “The chilly Nordic country of Finland is known for its deeply-rooted sauna culture. Dating back to as early as the 16th century, saunas became a popular way to beat the dangerously frigid winter temperatures. In a country with around 5.5 million inhabitants, there are more than 2 million saunas scattered about the land — that’s an average of one sauna per household. In Finland, these heated refuges are not thought of as a luxury, but rather, a necessity to protect people against the cold. Before modern healthcare, most Finnish mothers even gave birth in saunas, as the warm rooms were thought to have hygienic, purifying qualities.”

A small cubic condo with windows on only one side hardly seems an obvious candidate for a complex and dynamic plan, but from concept through execution, this design embodies its creator’s and clients’ visions for space in motion.

As the diagrams by designer Alex Bykov illustrate, the layout started with a central kitchen, acting as a modern-day hearth and center of activity around which the rest of the mostly-open rooms revolve.

The raised-level library area, framed in richly variegated plywood, feels like a cozy and separate space, but also remains an extension of the main volume. Its shelving shapes play into the puzzle theme that inspired the overall plan.

The steps leading up to this little library serve two purposes, acting as stairs but also forming a corner breakfast nook on the main floor – another one of many turns and angles throughout the project that add to its dynamism.

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Constant Motion Open Plan Puzzle Piece Apartment Design