OND Sauna in Takeo City sauna, Saga Prefecture property design, Japanese public bathhouse architecture images

OND Sauna in Takeo City, Japan

23 July 2025

Architects: AMANE ARCHI

Location: 18293 Ikenoue, Nagashima, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, northwest of Kyushu, Japan

Photos: Akinobu Kawabe (helico)

OND Sauna, Nagashima, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture

OND SAUNA was designed as the centerpiece of ONDPARK complex, which was developed for regional revitalization within a natural park in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, Japan. The complex offers exercise, healing, dining, and learning opportunities.

Walls of neutrality
In the sauna space, strangers place themselves in close proximity to each other, almost naked. From a proximity perspective, saunas are supposed to be quite intimate communities, but public saunas in Japan are not yet at that stage. However, if a space can be created that fits well with the unique proximity and mentality of the Japanese people, a new community space may be born.

Amane Architecture’s intent was to create a social space (sociopetal) that is not intrusive or too intimate, but where people can share a common understanding. They sought a way to resolve such a relationship by means of a wall that is both attached and detached. The verticality of the wall resonates with the forest, and its gaps draw the forest closer, while its discrete arrangement regulates intimacy with the neighbours.

The irregular plan was adopted to allow the eye to pass through and expand, and to adjust the degree of intimacy, which was rationally solved by the use of 150 mm CLT floorboards.

The elimination of beams eliminates non-perpendicular joints in the structure and contributes to labour-saving on-site work. The rational walls of the scale module are discretely assembled and connected by CLT slabs. This discrete structure form itself may also be described as a sociopetal structure.

“We believe that we won the Popular Choice Award in the Spa & Wellness category at the 13th Architizer A+Awards because we created a space where visitors’ experiences expand from the inside out, from the individual to the community,” says Shimokawa, representative of Amane Architecture. “We hope this recognition will inspire a rethinking of the concept of public space.”

OND Sauna in Takeo City, Japan – Building Information

Architect: Taro Shimokawa, Amane Architecture – http://www.amane-llc.jp/

Project Name: ONDSAUNA New Construction Project
Main Use: Public Bathhouse (Sauna)
Construction Site: 18293 Ikenoue, Nagashima, Takeo-cho, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, Japan
Project owner: Asahi I&R Holdings Co., Ltd.
Producer: Jun Kobayashi/RE FACTORY

Structural design: Yūki Kuroiwa, Kuroiwa Structural Design Office
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design: Yamazaki Design
Stove: Ken’s Metalwork
Food Menu Supervision: Masato Yamazaki
Logo: MARUKAJIRI

Photography: Akinobu Kawabe (helico) and Kazuyoshi Miyamoto (fusion graphic)

Website design: Fusion Graphic

Structural System: Traditional Wooden Construction (Partially CLT Structure)
Building area: 151.59 sqm
Total floor area: 117.50 sqm
Construction period: March–August 2024

Awards
A’ Design Award & Competition 2025 Bronze Award (Italy)
Architizer A+ Awards 2025, Spa & Wellness Category, Popular Choice Winner (United States)
DNA Paris Design Awards (France)

AMANE ARCHI

Amane Architecture‘s design philosophy is to create “ordinary, yet special” spaces where people can experience small moments of happiness in their daily lives. The firm values balance between universality and individuality, and is known for blending traditional Japanese techniques with Western design.

Representative Taro Shimokawa draws on his work experience in France to participate in international projects, and he is also fluent in French. He designs with natural materials, such as domestic wood and plaster, that age gracefully over time.

Shimokawa is also dedicated to educational activities, striving to nurture the next generation of architects. As a father of two who has taken paternity leave, he incorporates this perspective into his designs for childcare facilities and residential spaces.

He connects Japanese tradition with modern design to create architecture that harmonizes with people’s lives. This is the “ordinary, yet special” space.