The starting material for the construction of Turkish baths (hamams) are structural, heat-insulating panels . There are two types of rigid foam polystyrene " LUX ELEMENTS " Germany - there are NO other analogues, extruded polystyrene "WEDI, RUS PANEL, A-PANEL..." Germany, Italy, Russia.. They are similar in their physical properties, they differ in the country of origin and the manufacturer , and accordingly the pricing policy.
Based on extensive experience in the construction of Turkish baths (hamams), our installation teams prefer to work with panels made of foamed polystyrene “LUX ELEMENTS” - the properties of the material allow us to create more correct and even geometry, complex surfaces, without unnecessary leveling layers.
Hammam and its features
The hammam is of ancient Roman origin and is derived from the thermal baths. The underground floor, which was built on stilts, was heated with a stove, and steam was supplied to the room through special holes in the wall from the next room where water was boiling. Hamam became widespread thanks to the Prophet Mohammed, who obliged all Muslims to visit it regularly, since the body of a true Muslim must be kept clean. In Russia, the first hammam appeared on the territory of Tsarskoye Selo and was built according to the design of the architect Ippolit Monighetti.
In Europe, Turkish baths became popular in the 19th century. Here they were called a panacea for many ailments and were used to treat cholera and bronchial asthma. The hammam was always built large and spacious, and marble, natural stone and mosaics were used for its luxurious decoration. A special feature of this structure was the dome-shaped vault. This architectural technique allowed droplets of moisture to accumulate only in the corner and not drip from above onto visitors.
Using lighting devices to illuminate the hammam Source 3d-sauna.ru
The hammam, familiar to Europe, in the Turkish bath is just one of the steam rooms, which is called the stream room. It is on this principle that steam rooms are built in country houses or even apartments.
The interior of the Turkish steam room is created on the principle of maximum comfort for the visitor. It is very important that the atmosphere here is conducive to rest and relaxation. The design is accordingly chosen to be oriental. The integral attributes of the hammam are mosaics, natural stone (most often light-colored marble) and ceramic tiles. Arches and domes predominate among the structural elements.
The basic principle of a Turkish bath is that the heating of each element in the room should be uniform. For this use:
- electric heating;
- special pipeline for water heating.
Installing a steam generator allows you to create soft steam. Previously, this task was accomplished by a large boiler, which was completely filled with water and heated. In classic hammams today, the required humidity is achieved by the evaporation of water droplets from surfaces heated to a certain temperature.
The loungers in the eastern bathhouse are made of marble. But, if you want to reduce the cost of construction, it can be replaced with mosaics. Moisture and thermal insulation panels made of polyurethane foam are laid under the ceramic tiles. The seats are heated thanks to water heating pipes installed in them. The loungers are made of brick, which is lined with marble tiles on top.
The walls and floors in the room are always warm. This can be achieved using pipes with heated water or electric heating. The optimal room height is considered to be 2.6 meters. Thanks to the combination of natural and forced ventilation, it is possible to achieve high-quality air exchange.
If you are going to build a hammam in a house or apartment, an air duct is connected to the hood, which ensures the removal of air from the building. Thanks to this, air, steam and odors from the hammam will not enter the living space.
Necessary tools and materials, drawings
Layout plan of rooms and elements of the hammam health complex
Hammam designs can be different, involving the use of various construction and finishing materials. But there are only two technological solutions for the construction of these premises:
- multi-layer (traditional);
- lightweight (panel).
Multilayer method
The first option involves performing a complex of construction works on heat, steam and waterproofing. The pie in the direction from the wall to the room looks like this:
- plaster;
- insulation;
- reinforcing mesh;
- metal-plastic pipes;
- facing material.
The total thickness of the layers is 8–10 cm. The advantages of this construction method include uniform heating of the walls and the ability to install heavy vertical marble finishing elements. This is the most suitable option for building a hammam in a separate building, an extension to a residential building, or in a basement.
Lightweight method
A lightweight method of installation consists of gluing pre-leveled walls with reinforced polystyrene foam panels. This is a new building material, characterized by low thermal conductivity, high strength and tightness. The most popular panels are Wedi, Do it, Luxelements. This construction method is optimal for installing a hammam in an apartment in an apartment building, in fitness centers and spa salons.
The small size of the steam room is not a reason to abandon the stages of designing, performing calculations and drawing up drawings. Keep in mind that a hammam is a room with a high level of humidity that requires high-quality hydro- and vapor barrier. When designing your Turkish bath, you can rely on standard designs and drawings.
Layout plan for ventilation, heating circuits, steam and water supply
Room requirements and choice of materials
The project should include a ventilation and air drying system
Regardless of where the hammam will be located, in a building specially built for this purpose or in an existing premises, a number of rules are observed:
- ceiling height - 250–260 cm;
- minimum number of rooms: steam room, shower, for relaxation, storage of technical equipment and equipment maintenance;
- ceilings and walls must withstand significant weight loads;
- ventilation and sewerage are required;
- the ceiling should be domed.
The choice of materials depends on the method of building a hammam with your own hands: traditional or lightweight. Free-standing buildings are erected from brick, foam, gas or cinder blocks. A good choice is wood concrete. These building stones are made from sawdust concrete, which has low thermal conductivity. The construction of walls made of wood concrete makes it possible to save on insulation.
The following materials are used for interior decoration:
- natural marble;
- smalt;
- ceramic tiles.
You can make patterns of any complexity from mosaics and combine them with natural marble cladding
Mineral wool and polystyrene foam act as thermal insulators for walls and ceilings. When choosing thermal insulation panels, it is recommended to pay attention to domestic developments - the Deluxe and Teplofom brands. These products are made from extruded polystyrene (EPS) reinforced with fiberglass mesh. The main difference between these materials is the composition of the polymer-cement layer necessary to fix the reinforcing mesh. The technical specifications are largely identical.
Technical equipment
To install water heating, you will need metal-plastic pipes with fittings. In addition to them, you will need:
- a collector or comb to create a heating circuit;
- circulation pump;
- metal mesh for reinforcement;
- concrete for screed;
- plaster mortar.
Electric heating is carried out using cables laid in the walls, ceiling, and sun loungers. The system is equipped with a thermostat that allows you to set the required temperature. This is a more economical method of heating surfaces than water heating. But more expensive during the operation of the premises due to high electricity tariffs. However, it is advantageous in that it does not require maintenance.
If the hammam will receive visitors on a regular basis, it must be kept heated all the time. This will eliminate the intense formation of condensation and will save energy resources required for heating the screed and finishing materials.
Tools
To perform construction and finishing work you will need a set of tools.
- concrete mixer;
- perforator;
- screwdriver;
- Bulgarian;
- tile cutter;
- set of spatulas;
- metalworking tools;
- stepladders or platforms;
- tools for performing electrical installation work.
Pros and cons of hamam
The main advantage that a Turkish bath has is its gentle heat, which can slowly open the pores on the skin, saturating it with moisture. Being here allows you to improve blood circulation and cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and waste. It is recommended to visit it for:
- treatment of insomnia;
- restoration of strength and energy after a long illness or intense physical activity;
- fight against colds;
- improving the functioning of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive systems;
- combating excess weight and improving metabolic processes in the body;
- reducing pain.
Although the humidity in the hammam is usually at 100%, the heat here is easily perceived by the body.
Hammam decoration in brown tones Source sami-stroim.ru
The disadvantages of hammams are:
- high energy intensity (high-quality heating of the room will require at least 3 hours);
- huge load on floors and foundations due to the use of natural stone and massive structures;
- the complexity of arranging a steam room;
- the high cost of equipment and materials used to decorate the Turkish bath.
Hammam design
Before you start building a hammam, it is important to plan everything correctly. The process of constructing a Turkish bath is lengthy and requires significant financial investments. Each step must be properly thought out and calculated:
- First, measurements of the room are taken, taking into account its height and width.
- A design project is being drawn up. This includes determining what the finishing will be like and where the beds and sun beds will be located.
- It is planned to place lamps, ventilation holes, a steam generator, sewerage, etc.
- The heating system for sunbeds, walls and other surfaces is calculated.
Shower in a Turkish bath Source thermall.com.ua
If you plan to make a hammam in a residential building, it is important to consider the option of covering the walls and constructing thermal insulation. To prevent moisture from having a detrimental effect on the walls, they are pre-treated with a special compound. Waterproofing in the hammam is done in such a way as not to cause damage to the building. Proper thermal insulation will keep the room warm without heating up neighboring rooms.
Turkish bath construction projects are carried out by specialists. But if you have certain knowledge and skills, you can do this yourself. It is important to take correct measurements and select finishing materials.
Drawing up a work plan begins with designing the ceiling. The future layout will depend on its size. Here it is important to correctly calculate the angle of inclination so that moisture can easily flow along the edges without forming drops directly on the surface of the ceiling. The extreme point of the ceiling structure must be at a height of at least 2.7 meters. At a level of 2.2 meters, the dome turns into a container where condensate will flow. Moreover, the angle of inclination itself should be minimal.
If the structure is not designed correctly, a significant area of the room will be lost. The room can be rounded, flat, or have the appearance of a honeycomb. A step-down transformer is installed in the steam room for lighting fixtures.
Using mosaics to decorate surfaces in a Turkish bath Source bani.org.ua
In order for the steam room to fully function, it is necessary to make a technical room where the support systems and the steam generator will be located. Usually this is a small room or even a compartment combined with the main steam room. The ideal technical room area is 1.5 m².
Another point that is important to pay attention to is the ventilation outlet, where steam can cool and collect on the surface of the air duct. If a mistake is made when creating the channel, then all the moisture will begin to accumulate in the recesses, and can cause the formation of mold or the development of fungus.
Spacious hammam with columns Source helo.com.ua
Design features of sun loungers and seats
To relax in the hammam they use:
- massage tables;
- seats;
- sunbeds;
- domes.
Production is carried out on the basis of polystyrene foam, which has different densities. At the same time, seats and loungers differ from each other in shape and purpose. Each model can be made wall-mounted, adjusted in height, set a certain slope or planting depth. All this can be adjusted either during individual production or installation. To handle corners or trim the body, you will need a carpenter's tool. In this regard, polystyrene, regardless of density, lends itself well to drilling .
Features of polystyrene for structures
You can purchase chairs or loungers of standard sizes and shapes, or order them according to your individual wishes.
And to give them the required density, it is best to use the densest material. Then the product is covered with glass mesh, after which it is treated with a waterproofing polymer-cement composition. Such models do not have voids and have a filled structure.
In order to increase adhesion, the surface of sun loungers and seats is treated with reinforcing acrylic, which provides excellent adhesion to any tile mixture and various cement-based solutions. After this treatment, the structures have a hard surface and can be further coated.
For the manufacture of tables, seats and loungers for the hammam, polystyrene foam is used for the following reasons:
- zero moisture permeability;
- ease;
- vapor permeability;
- long service life.
Errors in finishing hamam beds
When producing a hammam, finishing is very important, and it is no less important than the frame and the equipment itself. Many people do not pay special attention to the material used to make benches and sun loungers, believing that the most important thing is to correctly place the heating elements. But there is a difference, and sometimes a very significant one.
Thus, mosaic is not capable of heat transfer compared to properly selected natural stone. Therefore, if you have chosen mosaic as the key finishing material for cladding the structure, then it is recommended that all horizontal elements be made from solid real stone . This applies primarily to seats and sunbeds.
Ventilation diagram
The hammam must always maintain a certain air temperature, which must circulate in the room. The ventilation system can be flow-through or forced. For this purpose, ventilation pipes can be installed. In this case, it is necessary to take into account:
- room layout;
- design features of the hammam.
The pipe through which air exchange will take place must be sealed. The ideal option would be a stainless steel pipe. In most cases, during the construction of a Turkish steam room, mixed ventilation is created. To do this, make several holes in the walls, which will be located opposite each other.
Construction of a dome in a hammam from plasterboard Source hamamtorg.ru
When designing multi-level ventilation, recesses are made at different levels. This design option will allow you to maintain a certain temperature level inside the room throughout the year.
Hammam dimensions
When determining the area of the room, you must remember that the larger it is, the more powerful the generator you need to buy. If the bathhouse will be used by a family of 4-5 people, a room of 2.5 * 2.5 m will be optimal. A larger steam room is made if it is planned to install a massage table here. For one steam generator to be enough, the room size must be at least 3.5 m².
The optimal height of a massage table is 70 cm. If it is higher, it will be uncomfortable for a person of average height to do a massage.
Turkish steam room with massage table Source turistics.com
It is worth considering that the materials used for waterproofing and finishing the room take at least 3-4 cm. If you plan to reinforce the walls, then another 2.3 cm will be lost.
The following can be used in the hamam:
- seating areas with a flat surface;
- curved shelves;
- structures for sitting or lying.
When determining the location where there will be holes for the steam to escape, make sure that it cannot burn your feet. The height at which the hole is located is 20-30 cm from the floor.
Features of the construction and decoration of the hamam premises Source teplodar.in.ua
Functions of hammam sun loungers
A stone-based lounger or a special table has the following functions:
- when heated, the stone can warm up joints or muscles well;
- on a sunbed you can take special foam treatments typical for a hammam;
- Stone loungers are also used as massage beds, which is especially important after preheated muscles.
To make it convenient for a massage therapist to work, the optimal height of the lounger is 80-90 centimeters .
Requirements for the hamam premises
When planning to make a hammam at home, it is important to remember the following rules:
- All surfaces in the steam room must be strong and finished with natural stone. Ceramic tiles can become a cheaper alternative to natural materials.
- A hammam will require at least 4 rooms. In one of them there will be a steam room itself, in another there will be a technical room, in the third there will be a shower and in the fourth there will be a place for relaxation and preparation for water or health procedures.
- The ceiling height cannot be less than 2.5 meters.
- The ventilation system and sewerage are important components of any hammam.
If the construction of a hammam is planned on the territory of a private household, then the technical room must be moved outside the building no more than 15 meters. The rest room should not be adjacent to the steam room. To build a hammam, it is better to use bricks or blocks. If the room is made of wood, then it must be pre-treated with a special protective compound.
The hammam room is round in shape Source asc.cv.ua
How to choose material?
The material that will be used for the construction or decoration of the hammam must be:
- durable;
- withstands high temperatures;
- moisture resistant.
The ideal material is natural marble. This material is strong, durable, pleasant to the touch and has a status appearance. The only drawback of the stone is its high price. To reduce possible temperature changes, marble can be replaced with telcochloridote. The cost of this material is almost the same as that of marble, but its heat capacity is higher.
Features of the construction of a Turkish bath Source banyabest.ru
Instead of marble, you can use ceramic tiles or mosaics. Using smalt, you can create beautiful designs in oriental style. This material can be plates or small tiles. Their surface can be bright or colorless, smooth or rough. The advantage of smalt is that it can be laid even on a curved surface, while for tiles it must be perfectly flat. Other advantages of smalt include:
- frost and heat resistance;
- variety of shades;
- zero water absorption.
The only drawback of this material is the installation time. Therefore, manufacturers began to make ready-made panels that made work easier. The most budget-friendly and easiest-to-install material is ceramic tiles.
Decorating a sun lounger in a Turkish bath Source ideaspa.ru
What is hamam
What in Russia is commonly called a “hammam” is actually a steam room of a whole complex of premises - a Turkish bath. This steam room has its own name - steam room (“steam room”). Based on the principle of its construction, we set up hammams in private houses, apartments and dachas.
In the design of this interior, everything is subject to one rule: the convenience of the visitor. Great importance is attached to the aesthetic perception of the steam room, which promotes relaxation and good rest. Since the bath is Turkish, its design is made in oriental style. The main decorative elements are ceramic tiles, mosaics, and natural stone. White marble is predominantly used. Arched and dome-shaped structural elements are required.
If you are interested in looking at the most beautiful baths in the world, we recommend that you read the article /bani_mira/krasivye-bani.html
Hammam in Turkey is a traditional place where relatives and friends get together to relax, socialize and resolve family matters in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
Unlike the Russian bath, the Turkish bath does not use brooms, which allow you to control the amount of heat supplied to the body. Despite the high level of air humidity, reaching 100%, the sensations completely depend on the temperature. Pain threshold of skin sensitivity +45°C. Low-temperature steam allows you to stay in this room for quite a long time. Staying in a Russian steam room is always short-term.
The process of creating a hamam
If the Turkish bath project is ready, you can begin the process of its construction. To do this you will need the following tools:
- level;
- plumb line;
- perforator;
- hammer with rubber surface;
- putty knife.
Construction work begins with choosing a suitable location. On average, construction will take several months. It is not necessary to build a special structure under the hammam, which will be located separately from the residential part of the house. Any building is suitable for this; it is important that all requirements are met.
For a Turkish bath you need to make at least 2 rooms. The steam room itself will be located in one, and the technical compartment in the other. The necessary communications (sewage, water supply, electricity, ventilation, heating) are carried out here. The area of the room will depend on the wishes and needs of the owner. The technical compartment is necessary to accommodate the cleaning filter, steam generator and other devices that ensure high-quality operation of the steam room.
Foundation and walls
Such a structure will require the creation of a strip foundation. Do it as follows:
- The surface of the site is leveled and a pit is made on it.
- Based on the planned dimensions of the structure, pegs are driven in, along which wooden formwork is created.
- The fittings are being installed.
- Concrete is poured.
Decorating walls in a Turkish bath with marble Source teplodar.in.ua
It is important to leave the foundation for at least 30 days for proper drying. After this, the construction of walls begins:
- Waterproofing material is laid on the base.
- Several levels of the selected building material are laid out on top of the edge, starting from the top corner.
- The seam between blocks is up to 5 mm.
- The reinforcement mesh strengthens the base.
Decorating the walls in the hammam with blue and white mosaics Source sauna-psp.kiev.ua
Features of the hammam device for a dacha, apartment and house
The hammam is convenient because it does not require large areas. At a dacha or in a private house, you can build a Turkish bath in the form of a separate building or an extension to an existing one. In this case, special attention will need to be paid to the hydro- and thermal insulation of walls and ceilings. The project will require significant financial costs.
Even if you have a small free area in the bathroom, you can arrange a part for a hammam by insulating and finishing the walls and floor with your own hands
It’s easier to set up a hammam in an existing room, carefully insulating it and heating the walls, ceiling and floor. This is exactly what they do when building a steam room in an apartment. A room is allocated for the hammam, and it is equipped with independent natural or supply and exhaust ventilation. This method is more profitable in terms of financial and labor costs: there is no need to install communications, build foundations and walls. It is enough to insulate and cover all existing surfaces.
The construction of a hammam is a labor-intensive and lengthy process. But upon completion of the work, you will be able to enjoy pleasant healing procedures. An element of oriental culture will allow you to join the traditions of the peoples of Asian countries. A hammam built with your own hands in an apartment, house or country house will become a source of pride for the owner and will arouse the admiration of guests.
How to use the hammam?
Unlike the Russian bathhouse we are used to, the hammam is less hot. Thanks to this, water treatments here are more comfortable and do not tire you even after a long stay in the steam room. Since the humidity here is very high, it is easy to recreate tropical conditions in the hammam, which will make it possible to stay here with health benefits.
The air temperature in the locker room should be about 30 degrees. In the steam room this figure is much higher and can reach 70 degrees. To make your stay here comfortable and tireless, it is recommended to set the temperature at 37-40 degrees.
Illumination of a lounger in a hammam Source goodpools.ru
When visiting the hammam, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- It is important to warm up your body first. In this case, you just need to lie down and wait until droplets of sweat appear on the skin.
- The appearance of sweat indicates that the body is ready for further procedures. Only then can you begin a massage session, during which a solution of soap and a mixture of oils is applied to the skin. Olive and peach oils are usually used. To better cleanse dead skin cells, massage is best done with special gloves made of natural wool.
- Using warm water in the kurna, wash off the soap and oil mixture from the skin.
- To close the pores, take a cool shower.
If you ignore these recommendations, you may harm your health.
Using red mosaic to decorate a hamam Source yuventa.com.ua
Components of hamam
A real Turkish hammam must be equipped with special devices , including:
- steam generator – the production of a hammam involves the installation of a steam generator, since such a bathhouse is difficult to imagine without steam. This device should be installed in a technical room from which steam flows into the steam room through channels;
- Kurnas are special bowls made of stone, which are called qurans in Turkish. Previously, they were partly with cold and partly with hot water. However, in a modern hammam, especially one located in a private house, you can install one kurna with two taps. You can use a round sink under it, or you can buy it ready-made in special stores. You also need to know that the kurna is not connected to the sewer;
- tropical downpour - to cool down after taking a hammam you should take a shower. In a traditional Russian spa, after the procedures they jump into an ice hole or into a pool, but after the hammam it is customary to douse yourself in the steam room itself. In a public hammam, visitors are watered by the bathhouse attendant, but at home it is best to install a tropical shower;
- a lounger is a key element of a steam room in a hammam. It is made of stone and is installed in the middle of the room. You can also install narrow stone sun loungers additionally along the walls.
