Exploring a sauna on an existing pontoon

The brief

The owner wanted a sauna on an existing pontoon, with glazing that could open up. The idea had to be considered alongside weight distribution, access to the engines and swim ladder, and the limited deck footprint.

How it went

Frame the questions before detail design

I reviewed the brief and discussed weight, access and safety questions. These were topics to investigate, not validated engineering conclusions.

Use the existing vessel as context

I reviewed supplied scans and photographs and requested a more useful point-cloud format where needed. I assembled a moodboard and generated concept visuals to explore the direction.

Refine the layout with the owner

The owner supplied measured alternatives. I responded to the arrangement that preserved access to the swim ladder and engines, and we planned further discussion before advancing the design.

The decision I would defend

The concept was anchored to the owner’s existing vessel and practical access needs, rather than developed as a free-standing visual fantasy.

Outcome

Concept visuals and a shared moodboard were presented, and the concept/research milestone was paid. The contract remains active; the latest visible messages request further renderings and discussion.

Delivered

• Concept moodboard
• Early concept visualisations
• Layout discussion and documented questions

Scope and limits

No completed structural calculations, stability validation, certified plans, build approval or finished boat are established in the retrieved record. Concept visuals include AI-assisted exploration. Later WhatsApp discussions are not part of this review.