The project brief called for a home good inspired by a meaningful space.
In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of bartending at Elk Island Retreat, where I experienced Canada’s first Nordic mirrorless sauna, imported from Estonia. The matte-textured black exterior paint, the warmth of the flames, the wood chips, the stone, and the black clay. All elements seem to have their own texture that contributes to the greater harmony. What resonated most was the harmonious interaction between human-made and natural elements. Neither overpowering the other, but they exist in symbiotic balance. Standing inside the sauna, I was just gazing out at the trees, birds, and scattered leaves. I suddenly felt a sense of calm and connection to the place we live in.
In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of bartending at Elk Island Retreat, where I experienced Canada’s first Nordic mirrorless sauna, imported from Estonia. The matte-textured black exterior paint, the warmth of the flames, the wood chips, the stone, and the black clay. All elements seem to have their own texture that contributes to the greater harmony. What resonated most was the harmonious interaction between human-made and natural elements. Neither overpowering the other, but they exist in symbiotic balance. Standing inside the sauna, I was just gazing out at the trees, birds, and scattered leaves. I suddenly felt a sense of calm and connection to the place we live in.
This inspiration led to the design of the “Rhythm” tealight holder. As well as the cultural influence from New Brutalism. The tealight holder's form allows it to be positioned at any angle, which offers a different visual experience from every perspective. Cutout birds swirl around the tealight plate, referring to the mesmerizing murmurations of European starlings – an avian spectacle closely tied to Estonian culture and the sauna’s origins.
The finishing is done through custom powder coating by a local Edmonton business.
They did a good job in request of a deep, textured, and sophisticated surface that echoes the sauna’s tactile qualities.
– New Brutalism Influence –
This exposed backbone structure is simple, honest, and functional, with accommodating its purpose for supporting weight and holding the lights. It uensures the coherence of the holder as a visual entity with being modular. The design choice of putting weights on the top reduces its visual heaviness. It also mirrors the sauna’s architecture, which rests lightly on a wooden deck that blends seamlessly into the ground.
The base represents roots, anchoring the piece, while the upper structure grows upward, just like how things grow in nature. When lit, the form of the tealight holder creates patterns reminiscent of the sauna’s exterior lighting at night.
The finishing is done through custom powder coating by a local Edmonton business.
They did a good job in request of a deep, textured, and sophisticated surface that echoes the sauna’s tactile qualities.
– New Brutalism Influence –
This exposed backbone structure is simple, honest, and functional, with accommodating its purpose for supporting weight and holding the lights. It uensures the coherence of the holder as a visual entity with being modular. The design choice of putting weights on the top reduces its visual heaviness. It also mirrors the sauna’s architecture, which rests lightly on a wooden deck that blends seamlessly into the ground.
The base represents roots, anchoring the piece, while the upper structure grows upward, just like how things grow in nature. When lit, the form of the tealight holder creates patterns reminiscent of the sauna’s exterior lighting at night.
“Rhythm” is my poetic and brutalist response to the EIR mirrorless sauna – a gesture of gratitude to my life mentor and best friend, Shweta Hanneman.
And a tribute to the harmony between design and nature that defines Elk Island Retreat.
And a tribute to the harmony between design and nature that defines Elk Island Retreat.
Visit their website: https://elkislandretreat.com
Use code "JJDesign" for 1% off? Let me talk to Shweta real quick.
Use code "JJDesign" for 1% off? Let me talk to Shweta real quick.
Behind every minimalistic design
There were countless calculations, self-questioning, burnouts and crashouts.
Some prototyping and testing never hurt.
Until it reaches a point where it's too much.
Did anyone ask me how I spent my winter reading week?
– Joy Jia
Using spot welding, I was able to maximize the material usage by reusing the cut-out material.
And the tealights are now able to sit on top instead of having to float!
And the tealights are now able to sit on top instead of having to float!
