Seattle-based architects goCstudio have successfully built and launched a floating sauna in Seattle, providing locals with a new perspective of their water-surrounded city.

The designers wanted to create a tranquil refuge which could tour Seattle’s many lakes. Designs were drawn up in January 2014 and a successful Kickstarter campaign raised over US$40,000 to keep the project afloat. Construction was completed in Q3 this year, and the vessel – named the wa_sauna – has now been tested and registered to sail.

The sauna is transported from lake to lake by its operators and is propelled through the water by an electric trolling motor. Heat is provided by a wood burning stove.

Waterside spas and saunas are currently all the rage. Architect Anne Holtrop has designed an artificial Floating Gardens Spa to be located on a lake in Amsterdam, while German studio Raumlabor have built a 20-seater sauna out of recycled materials in Gothenburg harbour.

Meanwhile, Italian designer Michele Puzzolante has unveiled a solar-powered floating resort, which will contain a five-star, 54-bedroom luxury hotel, and Serbia-based Salt & Water have embraced a similar concepton a smaller-scale.