Tucked away in the creative, industrial shipyard district of Amsterdam North, Badhus stands as a testament to a new wave of sauna culture, one that prioritizes community, accessibility, and a deep connection to nature, even within an urban setting. What began as a pop-up experiment in 2022 to test the local appetite for minimalistic, Nordic-style bathing has blossomed into a permanent "home port" for locals and travelers alike.

The facility is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, housed within a converted garage that required a complete transformation to become the welcoming sanctuary it is today. The design philosophy divides the experience into two distinct energies: the "Yin" and the "Yang." Inside, on the newly built second level, guests find the "Yin" sauna. Kept at a lower temperature with wide, inviting benches, this space is designed for introspection and serves as the stage for weekly Aufguss rituals.

Stepping outside, visitors encounter the "Yang", a floating pontoon sauna located directly on the water. Here, the heat is higher, and the benches face intentionally inward to foster conversation and social connection. This outdoor setting encourages the brave to complete the hydrotherapy circuit by jumping directly into the canal for an invigorating cold plunge.

Badhus not only a place to sweat, but also a community space designed to help people disconnect from their devices and reconnect with themselves and each other. In the laid-back atmosphere of Amsterdam North, Julie and her team have created a simplistic, affordable, and fun environment that proves wellness doesn't need to be complicated to be profound.