Continuing the theme of architectural intervention that both shelters and opens up to the alpine environment. Opuke Sauna is positioned at the edge of the thermal pool environment, designed as a singular, refined volume that is subtly integrated into the landscape. Its foundation utilises a specialised beam structure that allows the building to span gracefully over an existing swale, addressing the site's topography while maintaining a minimal footprint.

The structure features a raw material palette that echoes the main facility's design language: one flank is protected by an extensive gabion wall, tying the new element directly into the existing network of stone forms and retaining walls that define the Ōpuke site.

In contrast to the protective stone and timber-slatted exterior, the interior experience is defined by a singular, expansive panoramic window. This aperture provides an unobstructed and intimate view of the Canterbury plains, directing the eye toward the dominant peak of Ōpuke (Mount Hutt). The design intentionally frames this vista, allowing bathers to detoxify within the warmth of the natural timber lining while engaging directly with the dramatic, often snow-capped, high-country scenery.

Constructed off-site and craned into position, the sauna delivers a precise and high-quality thermal experience, a harmonious blend of sophisticated modular construction and raw, natural materiality. It is a dedicated sanctuary where the journey culminates in serene immersion and a commanding view of the mountain from which Ōpuke draws its name.