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HAVN Saunas
By : Martin Walker, Nick Van Buren, Kurtis Vallee
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture : Grand Winner
Categories : Public Building / Sports & Leisure Building : Platinum Winner
Categories : Special Award / Building Conversion & Adaptive Reuse : Platinum Winner
HAVN Saunas (HAVN) is an innovative Nordic spa and wellness facility situated on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbor. The transformative conversion of a 1943 naval vessel into a floating sauna represents a groundbreaking approach to urban design. This unique project seamlessly integrates wellness experiences into the transitional spaces that connect urban and natural environments, drawing inspiration from world-class examples like Oslo’s SALT saunas and Helsinki’s Loyly sauna. The aim is to transcend traditional sauna experiences and fulfill the community’s desire for a dynamic and socially vibrant waterfront.
The HAVN team invested nearly two years in a meticulous design process, emphasizing the creation of spaces that foster a profound sense of belonging. Central to the design philosophy was the incorporation of community input, resulting in a successful rezoning application process with unanimous support from both Victoria’s City Council and the local community.
The vessel unfolds across two main levels. The main floor hosts essential facilities such as the reception area, a universal changing room, and a 1,300 square-foot lounge set to open in 2024. This multifunctional lounge serves as a cultural hub, providing a space for live music, art exhibitions, lectures, conferences, and community gatherings. It represents a commitment to enriching Victoria’s downtown harbor with creativity and vibrancy.
Ascending to the second rooftop level, guests are treated to panoramic views of the city and harbour. Here, a garden-like hydrotherapy circuit and relaxation spaces offer a unique escape within the heart of the city. Nicholas Van Buren’s, HAVN’s designer and co-founder, architectural vision becomes evident in his intentional use of juxtapositions. Circular forms symbolize water, plants, and light, while square forms represent the built environment of buildings, furniture and walls. This design approach creates a harmonious conversation between the natural elements of the sea and the constructed elements of the city.
From the round changing room light fixtures to the bespoke cedar and lavender-scented shower wash, every design choice purposefully contributes to an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Choosing to retrofit an old vessel rather than constructing new concrete floats presented challenges, but it aligned with HAVN’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The vessel’s transformation involved repurposing steel and converting stainless steel wine vats into cold plunge tanks. Approximately 33 cubic meters of beautiful local cedar, sourced from ocean-salvaged logs, were used exclusively for saunas, ceilings, siding, trim, and fencing.
HAVN’s commitment to sustainability is not merely in its materials; it reflects a collaborative effort from a diverse and talented team from Vancouver Island. Builders, suppliers, fabricators, engineers, and consultants have joined forces to create an architectural beacon of innovation seamlessly blending wellness, creativity, and community engagement.
Collaboration
