The iconic Cotswold gables along the row of cottages provide inspiration for a robust and architectural timber frame structure that can be exposed and celebrated to the south due to the overhanging roof and covered deck. The exposed diagonal struts will be painted with the same green linseed oil paint used to the timber windows of Apple Tree Cottage, to enhance the connection between the two. The subtle green offset by the charred cedar cladding. The Shou Sugi Ban cladding treatment not only provides a traditional and lasting protection to the cladding, but along with the durable corrugated metal roof, the dark colours help imbue a depth and recessive quality to the outbuilding among the garden planting. It is not envisaged to be bold and stand out, but a backdrop to planting and the listed building, with the subtle connection of expressed structure.

The covered entrance to the sauna exposes and incorporates the existing stone boundary wall rather than conceal, the wall formerly being part of an earlier building and remnant of Mugmoor farm. Decking to the sauna and the covered walkway upto are solid battens with drainage gaps, as a higher quality and durable alternative to decking boards. It provides more of a grounding feature as a plinth to the lightweight structure’s bearing upon the earth.

Natural materials and craftsmanship are also proposed for the traditional and natural hygrothermal properties of solid logs for the sauna, rather than foil backed PIR; Polystyrene or phenolic insulations. UK grown red cedar locks in carbon and offers sustainable materials. Large overhangs and traditional detailing look to prolong the material lifespans. Metal roof coverings match local precedent while offering a low maintenance, durable and shallow roof finish. The durability helps towards the protection and lifespan of the timber constructions below.

Under the protective low pitch overhanging roof and behind the unifying exposed structure, the proposal looks to use materials and architectural language to mark the change of use and celebrate the health benefits of a sauna, over that of the store. It offers a greater chance to bring in the qualities of craft and authentic contemporary details based on traditional Finnish sauna construction without any pastiche or nostalgia.

The proposed solution offers a solid log barrel vaulted construction with carved corner junctions. It celebrates structural carpentry craft, requiring technical skills to accommodate thermal movement and the drying out of green timbers. The timbers proposed will be UK grown red cedar, suited to sauna use and reducing the environmental impact of imports. The sauna floor will utilise salvaged and recycled quarry tiles to further reduce environmental impacts of the construction.

The solid log construction not only reflects traditional sauna constructions but also helps to avoid synthetic insulation material and their negative impacts to the environment. The solid logs offer beneficial hygrothermal behaviour and an internal environment that will be enhanced by the materials oils and aromas.