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Wool Sauna at Ziedlejas Wellness Resort

Architect: Open AD
Location: Krimulda Parish, Latvia
Type: Wellness Spa
Year: 2021
Photographs: Alvis Rozenbergs

The following description is courtesy of the architects. The Wool Sauna building is the latest addition to the Ziedlejas Wellness Resort, and the only sauna of its kind in Latvia. It is an intrinsic part of the resort, but also self-sufficient. The stilted building sits on a hilltop at a distance from other saunas and the overnight cabins. Guests access the Wool Sauna via a winding wooden walkway, which is more than a means to get from A to B. The snaking path encourages introspection and helps clear the mind in time for the ritual. 

Concealed in the black timber facade is a yurt-like canvas structure – the actual sauna room – which was bought as a ready-made facility. Our task was to “dress” it and tie it in with the overall Ziedlejas story.

The walkway leads into the 67 m2 wooden structure. Here, bespoke furniture assists in getting ready, storing clothes and personal items without creating clutter. At every step of the way Open AD considered the wellbeing of saunagoers and the sauna masters who facilitate the experience. Where possible, the architecture and design team introduced elements to enhance the ritual. For example, during breaks from the heat guests can lie on a giant outdoor hammock and feel the soothing effect of the surrounding nature. Since there is no natural body of water nearby, Open AD introduced a plunge pool within metres of the sauna room. 

Inside the sauna room, the walls are clad in wool, which is a borrowed tradition not typical of Latvia. When hot, the wool releases lanolin, which is said to have healing properties. Because of this added dimension, the room is round, centred around a wood stove. Again, custom furniture answers to guests’ and sauna masters’ needs during the body and mind cleansing ritual. 

The Wool Sauna’s material palette of wood, concrete, metal and natural fabrics connects it to the other parts of Ziedlejas – its overnight cabins, the Glass Sauna and Smoke Sauna buildings. The resort is a work in progress, but has the long term goal of becoming a self-sufficient destination. It’s founded and designed with the idea to encourage rest, rejuvenation and guests’ connection to themselves, loved ones and their surroundings.

Project Details

• Team: Zane Tetere – Sulce, Beatrise Dzerve
• Construction: Valdis Stepanovics, Kaspars Strazdins
• Suppliers: Kadiki ARV (sauna stove), Priezavoti (timber), Tikkurila (paints), Karuzo (wood details), Lidulula Ceramics (accessories), Archouses (furniture)