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A Relaxed Queenstown Experience is Afloat
Set against the alpine backdrop of Lake Whakatipu, WATERSHED is a design-led wellness experience founded in Queenstown, New Zealand. The low-profile form and considered material palette allow the landscape to remain the focus, with the structure positioned quietly on the water at St Omer Wharf. Large openings frame uninterrupted views across the lake, reinforcing a constant connection between the interior spaces and the environment.
Developed by WATERSHED, in collaboration with CTRL Space and Makespace, the project brings together a traditional Finnish sauna experience with a distinctly New Zealand feel. Two saunas sit on a floating pontoon, creating a contrasting sequence of heat, cold, and rest that encourages a slower, more considered pace. The experience centres on bringing the outside in, with movement through the space closely tied to the surrounding landscape with a curated selection of natural materials.
Timber plays an important role in supporting the overall experience. JSC supplied sustainably sourced Vitex, is used as exterior decking as well as in the interior of the saunas, creating a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces.
Within the reception and lounge areas, TMT Amba introduces a subtle contrast with its lighter tones to bring warmth and softness to the transitional spaces.
As a new addition to Queenstown’s wellness offering, WATERSHED Sauna reflects a broader shift towards more nature-led, experience-driven design. It also offers an experience complementary to the regions usual high-energy activity options. It’s a project that celebrates the surrounding landscape in a way that feels both grounded and quietly playful, creating a space for rest and connection.
