Feedback sought for architecturally designed floating saunas on Lake Burley Griffin

The National Capital Authority invites public consultation on the design, materiality and location of two Licht Architecture-designed floating saunas proposed for Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin.

A potential site has been nominated between Yarralumla Beach and Blue Gum Point, off Alexandrina Drive. The setting would encourage visitors to fully experience hot-and-cold therapy by moving between the heated saunas and comparatively cool lake.

Works listed in the approval application comprise changing rooms, two 4.2-metre-tall sauna structures, a gathering space, a 78.8 square metre floating pontoon, and a 10.5 metre raised gangway connecting the saunas to land. If approved, the project would be constructed in approximately four weeks.

The proposed gable-roofed form and black-and-white colour scheme would resemble that of Derby Floating Sauna, which was also designed by Licht Architecture, in north-east lutruwita/Tasmania. That sauna received a National Commendation for Small Project Architecture in the 2021 Australian Institute of Architects' National Awards.

The National Capital Authority is seeking feedback on the proposal until Friday 23 August 2024.