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There are strong links between Japan and the Nordic region (a grouping of countries that includes much more than just Scandinavia). That’s especially true when it comes to sauna culture. Though the word is Finnish, translating as bathouse, the concept of pumping steam through enclosures firmly roots in Neolithic Greenland and Newfoundland. It’s been an integral part of daily life across these, especially frigid, Northern reaches for eons.
Akari Greenpoint
Akari Greenpoint
In Japan, sentō and onsen facilities have been around since the 1200s. While the former is generally defined as a communal bathhouse, the latter is specified as geothermal hot springs that are encircled by traditional inns.
Akari Greenpoint
Gaining popularity as an alternative, far less harmful, type of third place, saunas and other types of bathhouses have cropped up across bustling metropolises like London and New York. While many tout unique amenities—some more gimmicky than others—few of these highly publicized venues hold true to the Japanese traditions mentioned before.
Akari Greenpoint
Akari Greenpoint
Cue Akari, two immersive saunas in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn that are as comprehensive as they are unassuming. There’s no need for flashy light shows or poolside DJ-sets at these quaint, smartly outfitted wellness spaces. Comprising dry saunas, cold plunges, and quiet relaxation areas, both membership—non reservation—based venues champion the idea that New Yorkers should slow down more often and go to the bathhouse in order to reset rather than party. While the entirely renovated Williamsburg location features an incredibly rare outdoor cold plunge pool, the Greenpoint one was imagined in partnership with celebrated thermal consultant Kiel Moe.
Akari Greenpoint
Akari Greenpoint
International architecture firm Stroop Design staged the latter with intentional detailing. The aim was not to overpower the restorative act of saunaing with bold finishes or sculptural elements but to succinctly facilitate the experience with a consistent design vocabulary. Many of these accents—2 by 2 inch light green tiles—harken back to traditional sentōs. Tabletops laminated in washi paper by master craftsperson Hanato Watar were repurposed as wall art throughout.
Akari Greenpoint
Akari Greenpoint
Sparingly placed furnishings and fixtures are modestly modern, solidly made but light, reflecting the brand’s name Akari, which translates as light in Japanese. The idea here is to make saunaing a daily ritual—one that has both physical and mental benefits—and remove any of the social expectation or architectural fanfare that might make it feel like a chore.
Akari Greenpoint
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
Akari Williamsburg
To learn more about the creative synergy between Akari Sauna and Stroop Design, visit akarisauna.com and stroop.design.
Photography by Crooked Letter, Yannis Malevitis, Slope Agency, Shayna Olsan, Jess Tran.
