In Pictures: Patricia Urquiola’s Baluar Sauna and Hammam for Effe
By Arlene Scott
Senior Wellness Correspondent & Hospitality Consultant
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Effe’s new Baluar images show Patricia Urquiola’s modular sauna and hammam in light and dark linden, from freestanding rooms to paired layouts.
In this story4 sections
Effe has released a new set of images of Baluar, the modular sauna and hammam collection designed by Patricia Urquiola. Shared on October 8, the images show the light and dark timber finishes, the interiors, and how the two rooms sit together. Baluar first appeared at Salone del Mobile in April 2026; this gallery follows that debut with a closer look at the design.
The collection takes its name and form from the medieval bastion: a projecting structure that offers shelter while looking outward. Here, curved walls, vertically ribbed linden wood and overhead lighting define separate sauna and steam-bathing spaces. Effe offers each module on its own or as a combined sauna-and-hammam arrangement.
The light finish: two rooms, one composition
The opening image shows the paired system head-on. The hammam is on the left, with its shower fitting visible; the sauna is on the right. Each has its own glass door and entrance step. The views below show the freestanding modules and the paired layout from another angle.
The dark finish: exterior, threshold and interior
The darker version brings the timber ribs, glass door and illuminated ceiling into sharper view. Effe specifies light or dark heat-treated linden for the sauna. Linden is also called lime wood in the English press release.
Paired layouts in both finishes
The final views bring the two bathing environments together. Effe describes Baluar as a modular system for standalone installations or larger wellness spaces. The dark hammam pairs its timber exterior with Nocci mosaic inside; walnut travertine cladding for the external step is optional.
Dimensions and materials
- Single sauna or hammam: 220 × 220 × 230 cm high.
- Combined sauna and hammam: 440 × 220 × 230 cm high.
- Sauna: light or dark heat-treated linden wood.
- Hammam: light linden exterior with Conchiglia mosaic, or dark linden exterior with Nocci mosaic.
- Optional step finish: walnut travertine cladding.
These are the dimensions and finishes in Effe’s press materials. The new image release does not announce a new model or provide pricing, regional availability or installation specifications.
Read our earlier coverage of Baluar’s debut for the background to the collaboration.
Sources and image credits: Effe’s October 8, 2026 image release and supplied Baluar press kit, including the folder marked “BALUAR IMAGES updated Sept. 2026” and the April 2026 English release. All nine gallery images courtesy of Effe; design by Patricia Urquiola. See Effe’s original Salone del Mobile announcement.
