Traditional Finnish saunas embody a rich history and have long been deeply embedded within the lifestyle of many. In Finnish culture, Saunas are associated with socializing and many families bathe together in the home sauna. The principle of a traditional Finnish sauna room is simple; it is a space heated using a sauna stove creating a unique environment. Three core principles that are considered to be essential to sauna design:

• Heating; there must be sufficient heat to allow the hot stones to generate steam which causes perspiration. The amount of steam is controlled by the amount of water poured on the stones.

• Ventilation; fresh air to cleanse the sauna of perspiration, CO2, and accumulating steam is important. This should ideally not affect the temperature and is achieved by a small vent built into the sauna’s design.

• Surroundings; the view, setting, and design of the sauna’s interior are important aspects of preparing and assisting your mind and body into a more relaxed and calm state. Many modern saunas include a window for this purpose.

Sauna History & Heat Sources

Traditional heat sources in saunas include both wood-fired and electric, and both of these options are still very popular today. Wood-fired stoves were popularized in the 1930s when the continuous wood-fire stove was considered to be an incredibly innovative invention. The wood-fired sauna was claimed as an integral tool in WWII, where Finnish soldiers on the Russian front would utilize saunas to treat ailments and reduce disease. As of 1944, there was a reported 200+ saunas on the Russian front heated by the recently invented wood-fired stove. Wood-fired stoves are typically best for off-grid properties and locations.

In the late 1930s, the invention of the electric sauna heater popularized the sauna even further. The electric sauna was a revolutionary invention as it allowed saunas to be built indoors in flats, gyms, basements, and public swimming pools. The popularity of the sauna was further increased as the standards of living were on the rise as well as the reduced safety concerns. By the 1960s and 1970s, large apartment buildings and housing blocks were commonly outfitted with a private sauna attached to the bathroom. Electric heaters are a safe, efficient choice for properties with access to hydro and require less effort to start than building a fire for a wood-fired heater.

Health Benefits of Saunas

There are many health benefits that a sauna can provide, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and high blood pressure.

Recent studies concluded that sauna usage is linked to several health benefits, very similar to moderate exercise. Several studies revealed that the practice of using a sauna four to seven times per week resulted in a 60% lower rate of heart disease and stroke than those who visit just once or less weekly. A lead researcher from the University of Eastern Finland noted that sauna usage can be considered a third factor in addition to diet and exercise.

Design Considerations

There are many considerations and decisions to make during the design process. Steam Hut is here to assist you throughout the entire process, ensuring you choose a sauna style that is fit to your specific needs. We take care of all of the essential design considerations and functionalities including proper insulation, safety measures, and

• Stove Type; one of the first considerations when choosing a sauna style is heat source - wood-fired or electric. As we build in a variety of areas and remote locations within Canada, access to hydro is critical to an electric-style stove, whether through the grid or a generator. A wood-fired stove often offers our clients a more rustic feel and experience to utilizing the sauna at lakeside and remote locations.

• Seating Arrangement & Capacity; the number of persons using your sauna will be an integral consideration in the sauna’s size, design and seating configuration.

• Windows & Light; as one of the key considerations of a sauna is the surroundings, often times our clients enjoy looking out of windows if they reside in a natural area or next to a lake. Natural light is an integral part of the traditional Finnish sauna tradition, and we do our best to offer these traditions to our clients. Should natural light not be available, we can offer custom lighting solutions based upon your specific needs and design preferences such as LED or pot lights.

• Outdoor Seating or Porch; lastly, you may want to have an outdoor seating area or porch as an addition to your sauna. At Steam Hut, we offer custom-built sauna designs that fit your vision and we are able to accommodate large porches for the inclusion of a hot-tub or cold plunge, seating arrangements, and more!

SAUNAS IN THE NEWS