Heat, wood, stone, steam-the sauna's appeal lies in its elemental simplicity. Yet beneath that minimalist façade lies a surprisingly complex design challenge that has architects and homeowners rethinking how to integrate wellness spaces into contemporary living. The expanding home sauna market, projected by Kohler Co. to reach $4.6 billion globally by 2033, reflects more than just a trend toward self-care; it signals a fundamental shift in how we conceive of domestic luxury.
Contemporary architecture often references ideals from modernism - canonical elements like clean lines, open plans, and material honesty - further tempered to suit current tastes and needs. This Highland Park residence, designed by SmithArc with interiors by Joshua Rice, belongs firmly in that lineage. While expressing its modernist DNA, the home reconsiders what it means to be a "machine for living," with an emphasis on how color, material, and built-in conveniences will impact a growing family.
Surrounded by existing buildings on three sides and facing a road to the north, the site presented limited opportunities for natural light. The design introduces a 40 sqm courtyard positioned on the north side of the house. This open void functions as the primary light source, channeling daylight deep into the interior while also supporting natural ventilation. Enclosed by walls, the courtyard establishes a private yet semi-outdoor space that shields the interior from surrounding views.
Ever since she was a kid, Emily Lindberg has been interested in how things are constructed. Crafting dollhouse furniture, reigning as the only girl in woodworking class, repairing boats with her grandfather-these experiences and more all foretold a future in design. "Making, fixing, and dreaming, that was our family language," recalls the AD PRO Directory member, who studiedinterior architecture at RISD, including a formative year abroad in Rome.
Designer Wendy Smit's light-filled interiors prove that a family-friendly home doesn't need to sacrifice beauty in favor of function. Southern California-born Smit combines the casual vibe of the West Coast with the polished style of the South in her warm and welcoming residential interiors. Custom millwork, performance materials, and comfortable furnishings come together in spaces that are designed to last, while graceful lighting, vintage pieces, and elegant materials elevate the look.
The project features a palette of earthy tones, natural wood, and textured stone, balancing visual calm with tactile richness. Vertical wooden slats and monolithic surfaces create rhythm and depth throughout the open-plan kitchen, dining, and hallway areas.
Pojeon-jip, designed by sukchulmok and BRBB, is a residential project that embraces its agricultural surroundings in Gyeonggi-do, integrating cultivated landscapes into the living experience.
