Visitors’ experience in focus as DAP architects shapes the new Yasuragi in Sweden

Architecture and design agency DAP was given the opportunity to design an overall strategy for Yasuragi Hasseludden’s Japanese Spa and has been working intensively with the project over the last twelve months. An entirely new spa focusing on experience, recovery and inspiration will open its doors in January 2018.

“This is a real dream project and we are incredibly pleased about the close and productive cooperation we have had with the customer and the project group,” says Mats Hansson, co-owner, architect and creative director at DAP. Together with lead architect Jenny Johnfors and case architect Nina Bobinac, the group has developed the new concept that enhances the guests’ total experience of the popular spa.

The assignment included accentuating the spa’s Japanese character while also creating harmony with local Swedish traditions. Creating better flows and spaces for the large number of guests that visit Yasuragi Hasseludden every day has also been one of the challenges. The starting point of the concept has been the inspiration and interpretation of traditional Japanese spa culture, which was carefully studied during a study visit to Japan.

The old, concrete trade union building from the 1970s, designed by the Japanese architect Yoji Kasajima, helped the architects at DAP to shape a clear concept to which they have adhered throughout the project. Tradition, balance, nature, contrast, enjoyment and tranquillity have been the watchwords of the concept.

“The building was a real asset that gave us momentum in our efforts to strengthen the Yasuragi brand. We decided at an early stage to use the building’s characteristic raw concrete and clean lines as a basis.Other materials used include ebonized oak, light oak, patterned tiles and various louvered ceilings,” says Mats Hansson.

The result was a modern, asymmetric version of a Japanese emperor’s courtyard, with a large swimming-pool as its architectural heart. Several small concrete huts, with trellis-clad components, were created around the pool for different purposes. The experience of cold and warm are constantly in focus, everything from salt steam sauna to carbonated bath, rain showers and alpine tub.

“Between the huts, we created new areas which give the guests much more space. True to Japanese tradition, we have also used the natural environment as our starting-point; the light and transparency in the building materials have played an important role,” says Jenny Johnfors.

The transformation has also given Yasuragi Hasseludden a new spa reception and more meeting-places adjacent to the pool itself. Windows have been opened up so that visitors catch a glimpse of the pool as soon as they arrive.

“First impressions are incredibly important and we wanted to take a holistic approach to the guest’s spa experience and stay,” says Mats Hansson.

For more information, please contact:

Mats Hansson, Architect SIR/MSA, Creative Director & Partner, +46(0)70 540 8454

Jenny Johnfors, Architect SIR/MSA, +46 (0)737 088 711