Japanese Ofuro Spa

Location: Minsk, Belarus
Designed and executed in 2011
Scope: interior design + construction administration
860 sq.ft

The very first Japanese bath spa in Belarus, the Ofuro Spa was developed in 2011 and still continues in operation. 

Although Ofuro is considered a cultural and social tradition in Japan, where it is seen as an important way to promote relaxation and social bonding, we conceptualized Ofuro as an intimate space for close circle groups. Ofuro is a type of Japanese soaking tub that is traditionally made of wood, such as Hinoki or Cedar, and the spa has two Ofuros with different water temperatures, as well as a warm fermented sawdust bath and a hot stone bath. After the main bath ritual, there is a massage room and a retreat room for the tea ceremony.

Throughout the spa development process, we cooperated closely with the spa management and therapists to research better ways of space flow and functionality.