The more scandi amongst us will know the benefits of good sauna, it’s great for the skin, the chest and works wonders after a few too many glasses of wine. Well, have you ever considered that a shared outdoor space is potentially a great place to house a norwegian style cabin? Traditionally the Norwegians have prided themselves on a sauna in their countryside retreat also known as the ‘Cabin’. Cabins are like a more luxurious version of the British summer house or beach hut, usually containing a kitchenette, dining area that can be converted into bed room and often a sauna.
There is now a growing trend for ‘Urban Cabin’s’ popping up in the shared areas amongst houses and apartments in Norway’s capital Oslo. These spaces provide a much loved sauna in an outdoor area (far more practical than inside a house) and bookable rooms for your visitors. Smart Scandinavians are combining their urban cabins with other useful things like bike storage, laundries and much more.
Why not use the shared outdoor space at Fruit Market to do something that you would all love but perhaps not that practical in your home? Getting steamy in the sauna with your neighbours might not be your bag, but how about a natural swimming pond or swimming pool or a peaceful yoga area. These are luxuries but maybe there is also potential in the idea of quiet studio or study area when you need to work at home undistracted or simple want to get deep into a book.
Check out the contemporary urban cabin on Plain Magazine by JVA Architect.