The MFG Mobile Sauna, located
in Halle, Germany, was manufactured
by Friedrich Gerlach, Emil Löber, and
Sophia Reissenweber with the aim of
making use of public spaces in urban
areas. The sauna — designed to fit
on a small footprint, such as a car
parking spot — offers a unique space
for relaxation and interdisciplinary
exchange for students and teachers at
Burg Giebichenstein University of Art
and Design Halle.
Inspired by the university’s scenic
location along the Saale River, the
creators envisioned a mobile sauna
that users could enjoy on or around
the campus, with the opportunity
to cool off in the river afterward. It
accommodates four to five people, and
can be assembled and moved by just
three individuals.
Contrary to traditional saunas’
wooden structures, the MFG Mobile
Sauna uses materials — translucent
polycarbonate panels — that
emphasize transparency, blurring the
lines between the interior and exterior.
To ensure safety, the stove is fired from
the outside, preventing exhaust fumes
from entering inside.
Another standout feature is its
transport mechanism: The standing
leg converts into a foldable drawbar,
allowing the sauna to be maneuvered
on one axle, similar to a wheelbarrow.
The overhanging roof acts as a
counterweight during assembly and
disassembly, ensuring stability. These
features, combined with its lightweight
frame, make it usable in various
campus locations and public urban
spaces.
Accessibility for students and
teachers was a key consideration
in the design process. To ensure
this, the project was integrated
into the university’s website, along
with a dedicated website providing
instructions on proper sauna use.
The energy source for the sauna is
waste wood from the university’s
model construction workshops,
made accessible through the internal
ordering system managed by the
employees.
The MFG Mobile Sauna
demonstrates how thoughtful design
can enhance utility and accessibility
of everyday structures, making it a
valuable addition to the University, and
certainly a perk for students and staff
alike.
