Sauna Malabar, “Test the waters.” Have you ever imagined enjoying a sauna, in the middle of a farm in the outskirts of São Paulo, surrounded by native trees and all in front of a lake?
© Rodrigo Pacheco
Completely composed of certified wood, this is the first in a series of buildings being created at the Malabar Farm (Itatiba, SP). They will all follow the same construction method.
© Rodrigo Pacheco
To test the waters, we chose to build the sauna first, so the proprietors could start enjoying the site, while the remaining buildings in the complex are constructed.
© Rodrigo Pacheco
It sits there suspended, preserving the topography of the natural terrain.
© Rodrigo Pacheco
To maximize light capture and provide ample views of the scenery, the roof has been designed with an inverted inclination.
© Rodrigo Pacheco
And there’s the result!
© Rodrigo Pacheco
Stay tuned for more to come!
Project Info
Architects: Bela Gebara Arquitetura
Country: Brazil, Itatiba
Area: 829 ft²
Year: 2020
Photographs:Rodrigo Pacheco
Project Team: Arq.Tetê Soubhia
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.