A sauna or bathhouse in a private home is already commonplace. But the idea of installing a steam cabin in your apartment, using modern advances, is still new to our country.
Compared to a Russian bath, saunas are much simpler to set up, to use, and to organize free space for them. Of course, a lot depends on the funds a person has, the project, and the desires and requirements for the premises.
What is a sauna? It's simple. Sauna is “bathhouse” in Finnish. Modern saunas may not have a heating source using wood, which means they are practically fireproof. Infrared elements are used as a heating element, which heat not the air in the room, but directly the human body. This method allows you to set up a sauna even in a city apartment or in any room of a country house. It is very pleasant to relax in the sauna after a hard day, especially in winter; spend time there with friends.
The principle of heating in an infrared camera
Where to begin
It will be necessary to decide how many people the sauna is intended for. If for one or two, then a sauna cabin will be quite enough, but if you plan to receive guests or spend time there with family and friends, then you will need a larger area, and you will also need to arrange a place to relax.
Home sauna for two people
Now you can buy a ready-made cabin, and make it yourself, choosing any finish you like, the main thing is to decide on the requirements, design, and optional features of the sauna.
Beautiful examples
Small steam rooms are perfect for small bathrooms. The glass walls of the sauna make the structure visually lighter.
The compact cabin, lined with wooden slats, fits perfectly into the stylish interior of the bathroom.
External lighting with spots and decorative cladding of the front wall makes the sauna even more original and attractive.
In spacious rooms you can install larger steam rooms with a lounger. Wooden structures look quite attractive without additional painting of external walls.
You can set up an apartment balcony for a sauna. To make a steam room, you don’t have to build a frame and make lathing - just trim the walls with wooden panels, cover the surfaces of the floor and ceiling and install a stove.
A home sauna can become not only a place for taking water procedures, but also an independent piece of room decor.
Types of saunas
Barrel sauna
An ideal modern and original option for a small apartment is a barrel sauna. This type of steam room has an amazing beneficial effect on the body: strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves immunity, removes the effects of cellulite, and restores skin elasticity. However, despite the simple design, it is better to entrust the installation of a miracle mini sauna to professionals.
Barrel sauna in a home bathroom
This sauna is controlled using a remote control, and with the help of additional options, the procedure for taking steam treatments becomes even more comfortable. For example, it has the option of a balm sprayer. The most common options are with cedar wood and a built-in steam generator.
Internal structure of a barrel sauna
Sauna cabin
A cabin that is not too large in size can be placed directly in the bathroom, but an important condition for such installation will be the presence of a reserve near the floor and ceiling (a few centimeters). Typically, the height of finished booths is no more than two meters, otherwise their ventilation will be impaired.
Cabin-sauna for the bathroom
Cabin for one person
You can place such a booth even in a cramped bathroom, in a Khrushchev building. Such a cabin for one person resembles a “wardrobe”. The main advantage of ready-made saunas is that the equipment in them is placed according to all the rules.
Single sauna cabin
Sauna with glass doors
In miniature saunas, the doors are made of glass, or they are a wooden structure in the form of a frame into which glass is inserted. This was done more for the psychological relief of the person who will be in the sauna, so that the space does not put pressure.
Sauna idea with glass doors
Salt sauna
Another innovation is the salt sauna. Since ancient times, salt has been a unique natural material that people have used to benefit and strengthen their health. The salt sauna uses unique Himalayan salt that works wonders. As a result of the visit, the functioning of the circulatory system and organs of the cardiovascular system is normalized, and the body gets rid of harmful bacteria. In addition, there is a pronounced effect on the central nervous system. The condition of the skin improves, the functioning of the respiratory system improves, allergic reactions disappear, and the conditions of chronic patients are alleviated.
Salt sauna
Such a sauna can be easily and simply set up in a country house. Its arrangement is no more complicated than a regular sauna, and the benefits are obvious.
Salt sauna in a country house
Sauna with window
It is advisable to install a window in the sauna if the wall allows this technologically. Firstly, natural light will penetrate into the room, and secondly, again, from a psychological point of view, this will unload the room.
Idea of a sauna with a window for a country house
Designer cabin
If you wish, you can realize all your wildest ideas for arranging a sauna in your home if you leave the matter in the hands of a designer. Such a sauna can become the “highlight” of the interior and the “highlight” of the program when guests come.
Design idea for a sauna cabin
Sauna in the attic
Modern technologies are capable of realizing such an idea. A sauna can be installed not only in the attic, but also in the attic. Why not? Even in country houses, where there is space for arranging a pantry and dressing room, attics are usually filled with unnecessary trash and outdated things. Why not have a sauna there?
Sauna in the attic of the house
Sauna with swimming pool
This is the most ideal option for arranging a steam room. Taking a dip in cool water after a hot day is just a wonderful feeling. The pool can be built right there, and it may not necessarily be long, but deep, and more reminiscent of a “font”.
Home sauna idea with a small plunge pool
Sauna with wine cellar
Such a sauna can be arranged next to a round pool, and not far from it there will be a modern cellar. Moreover, the cooling and heating systems for both rooms are made common.
Infrared sauna
This is a modern installation for thermal procedures. Currently, this sauna is very popular. It can be found in beauty salons, sports studios, sanatoriums and hotels, and, of course, in the homes of advanced people. What is it? This is a miniature cabin that has infrared heaters. They are able to create a deeper and more effective, but at the same time, gentle effect on the body by emitting infrared rays. At the same time, thermal procedures are performed with maximum comfort, because the heating temperature does not exceed 55 degrees Celsius. But there is still debate about the usefulness of the infrared sauna, and opinions are divided.
Infrared sauna in the apartment
Sauna in stone style
You can get away from the banal design of a sauna with wood and decorate it with natural stone. This material can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to destruction and moisture. Its only drawback is its high cost, but the resulting appearance fully justifies the investment. You can combine both wood and stone in decoration, and the result will undoubtedly be successful combinations.
Finishing saunas with natural stone
Sauna with stone tiles
Stone tiles can also be used in sauna design. It will contrast with the shades of red wood.
This combination is a successful design technique. By using different materials and a variety of colors, the sauna room can be given amazing variety and a stunning appearance.
Finishing the sauna with stone tiles
Porcelain stoneware, which is stylized as marble, will give the room a special chic. Raw stone brings the breath of nature into the sauna room, returning to the origins of humanity. Taking treatments in such a sauna will be especially pleasant if you are in a country house built in the middle of a forest. Complete harmony of nature and man!
Porcelain tiles in sauna decoration
In finishing you can use a material such as pebbles. This unusual design technique gives the steam room an originality. Natural materials create a natural finish, and never look pretentious or loud. In addition, walking on pebbles is incredibly useful - after all, it is a natural massage of the legs, and, as you know, there are many points on them, by massaging which you can significantly improve your health. By using pebbles to decorate your sauna, you can get home spa treatments without leaving your home.
Finishing with pebbles in the sauna
If it is not possible to complete the finishing with stone, you can decorate only part of the room with stone, for example, one wall.
What is the best place to install a sauna in the house?
A bathhouse or sauna can be placed both inside and outside the house. Let's consider the option of arranging a bath-sauna within a residential building or apartment . The most popular and economical solution is compact prefabricated sauna cabins. In this case, you don't need a large house to install them.
Planed timber painted in bright colors attracts attention
In homes, sauna cabins, if physically possible, are often placed next to the bathroom or, again if possible, in the basement. In principle, they can be installed in any room of suitable size.
It is best to plan the installation of a bathhouse or sauna already at the stage of designing a house . In this case, it is easier to ensure water supply, drainage and an adequate ventilation system, that is, to do everything as comfortably and correctly as possible.
It’s a good idea to plan a room in which a shower and a place to rest are provided next to the cabin. The heating cabin itself must be a free-standing structure or clearly correspond to the size of the room.
In turn, street baths are a solution for people who have a house with a local area, or a summer cottage. But here it should be taken into account that every time there is a desire to use the bathhouse, you will have to leave the house, which may not be very pleasant in the winter or autumn seasons. There are some other disadvantages of this solution, although there are undoubtedly some advantages.
Using lighting in a sauna
In the design of saunas, various lighting elements have begun to be actively used, highlighting shelves, steps, etc. If previously only moisture-resistant lamps were used in sauna lighting design, now entire lighting systems using LED strips are used, in various combinations and colors.
Lighting in the sauna using LED strips
Despite the fact that the sauna may have glass doors, as well as windows with natural light sources, lighting will not interfere with it at all, but on the contrary, it can give an atmosphere of comfort and will advantageously place the necessary accents on the decoration.
Lighting will help place accents in the sauna
Microclimate types
A bathhouse in a bathroom is a functional design for creating a special microclimate that promotes relaxation and healing of the body. Home models provide three different types of microclimates:
- Dry sauna – air heating temperature ranges from 85 to 110 degrees with humidity up to 10%.
- Wet sauna - the air heating temperature reaches 90 degrees with a relative humidity of 24 to 42%.
- Steam sauna – the temperature does not exceed 62 degrees, and air humidity is artificially pumped up using a compact steam generator.
The most comfortable thermal regime for the human body is considered to be an air temperature of 40–45 degrees with 100 percent humidity.
When choosing the optimal microclimate in the first two types of saunas, it is recommended to follow a simple rule - 110. It involves the summation of two values - the heating temperature of the air and its humidity, the result should be 110. For example, temperature - 70 degrees, humidity - 40%.
Requirements for materials for finishing a sauna
Materials for finishing a sauna should not only be beautiful and capable of transforming the appearance of the room, but also meet safety requirements, be environmentally friendly and durable.
The finishing for the sauna should be:
- durable (this is not a room where you can do repairs every year);
- durable (high temperatures and humidity can destroy many materials);
- environmental friendliness (under the influence of high temperatures, harmful substances can be released from low-quality materials);
- with a high ability to retain heat;
- with low thermal conductivity qualities (so that a person does not get burned during operation);
- resistance to high humidity and temperature changes.
The sauna finish must be resistant to temperature changes
Wood is considered a traditional material for finishing saunas, since it fully meets all the qualities listed above. The tree has high aesthetic properties, is capable of aromatizing the air during steam procedures, and has an additional healing effect on the human body.
Wood is a traditional material for sauna finishing
Visiting a home sauna with friends at the end of the work week - what could be better? The following types of wooden materials are used for sauna cladding:
- rounded log;
Sauna finishing from rounded logs
- lining;
Finishing a home sauna with clapboard
- block house.
Covering a sauna with a block house
All these elements will go well with brickwork, natural stone finishing or tiles.
Mandatory rule: when decorating saunas, applying paint and varnish to any surface of the room is unacceptable! This, firstly, is very harmful, and secondly, it will not withstand even the first dose of paired procedures.
Nowadays, a sauna is not only an object of hygiene, but also a place for leisure and relaxation. Therefore, it can consist of several rooms: a dressing room, a steam room, a shower. Other saunas may include a small kitchen area, a bathhouse, a bathroom, or a playroom.
Sauna consisting of several rooms
Safety rules for installation
Redevelopment of the premises for a sauna is not prohibited, you just need to remember that you need to follow fire safety rules:
- Supply ventilation must be installed for air circulation;
- You should also think about partitions for the room, which will have increased fire resistance;
- The steam room should accommodate no more than 10 people at a time. Larger quantities are prohibited by fire regulations in a residential building;
- There should be at least 20 centimeters between the wall and the electric stove;
- It is better to choose an electric oven with automatic shut-off, adjusting the shutdown timer to suit you.
Waiting room and its purpose
This room is necessary so that those eager to take a steam bath can calmly undress; it also protects the steam room from cold air and dirt. Here you can prepare for bath procedures and prepare accessories.
Waiting room in the sauna
If the size of the room is limited, then a table is placed in the dressing room, where they then chat with friends over a cup of aromatic herbal tea.
The owners, as a rule, approach the design of this room with a creative approach, especially since there is now a large selection of various accessories for saunas: these are funny wooden signs, clocks, thermometers, original wooden buckets, felt hats. All this creates a unique flavor and sets you in the right mood.
Relaxation area in the waiting room
To decorate the dressing room, you can use coniferous wood, for example, Scandinavian spruce and pine. The design of the waiting room provides a lot of room for creativity. In its decoration you can use various styles and directions:
- English style;
- Oriental;
Oriental style dressing room project
- country style;
Waiting room in a country-style sauna
- Art Nouveau style;
- eco style.
To create a room in the chosen style, accessories will help: mirrors in frames, furniture, all kinds of bedspreads, stylized towels and sheets, lamps, dishes, decorative sculptures, as well as figurines and much more.
If desired and there is a large space, you can also equip a sleeping place for guests.
Tips and recommendations for decorating the interior of an apartment with a bathhouse, sauna
The bathhouse designs in the apartment in the photo look very different. Design and renovation specialists give the following recommendations for their design:
- the lighting is not bright, but diffused, which ensures better relaxation;
- It is not advisable to make the shelves themselves from coniferous wood;
- It is not advisable to coat wooden structures inside the steam room with varnish, but only with anti-rot compounds;
- an additional therapeutic effect is achieved by decorating the bathhouse floors or its fragments with large pebbles;
- glass doors are the optimal solution for those who feel uncomfortable in an overly cramped enclosed space.
Steam room
To decorate the steam room, you need to use only hardwood, otherwise resin will be released, which will stick to the body.
Suitable tree species include:
- Linden;
- aspen;
Finishing the steam room with aspen
- alder;
- larch;
Larch steam room
- Abashi tree.
The floor does not have to be wooden; it can be made of tiles (non-slip), stone tiles.
From a hygiene point of view, it is better to use tiles, since a wooden floor sooner or later turns black and dirty.
Tiled floor in the sauna
There are no special requirements for the design of the steam room: this place is designed in the spirit of minimalism, since the tree itself already remarkably transforms the room.
To add some variety and dynamics to the steam room, you can make multi-level sun loungers, put out wooden buckets, lay out brooms, and hang ladles on the walls. A great way to save space is to arrange corner sun loungers. You can also leave a window inside the steam room; it will hide the closedness of the room and also serve as ventilation.
Corner loungers will save sauna space
Recommendations
In order to make your own bathhouse in your cottage, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Only a factory stove is allowed as a heat source, which has an automatic shutdown when a certain temperature or operating time is reached;
- It is necessary to install a deluge sprayer to spray water; a pipe with holes connected to the water supply system will also work;
- The area of the steam room should be between eight and twenty square meters;
- For construction, lumber is used that is treated with special compounds to prevent fire and rot.
The influence of sauna design to create the desired atmosphere
True steam room connoisseurs value not only the opportunity to undergo hygienic procedures. A sauna is a place where it is customary to spend an entire Saturday or Sunday evening: chatting with friends, taking water treatments in the steam room, swimming in the pool. After such a rest, a person feels truly rested. The burden of problems that was pressing on the shoulders disappears, and the person is again ready for labor exploits.
The sauna has a healing effect on the human body, pores open, toxins and excess fluid leave the body, in addition, it is a kind of training for the cardiovascular system, prevention of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, hardening procedures that help strengthen the immune system.
Other relevant details for decision making
Electric stoves used in baths and saunas must correspond in power to the size and volume of the room. It is necessary to choose their power based on certain requirements, taking into account that 1 kW is enough to heat a sauna with an area of 1 m2.
Finnish dry cabin designed for simultaneous visits by two people
Currently, it is possible to purchase either a kit completely ready for installation, which consists of a frame, cladding, insulation, stove, lighting and ventilation, or individual structural elements. If you don’t have free time, certain skills and confidence in the possibility of setting up a booth yourself, then it would be wise to use the help of professionals.
Relax and unwind in your own steam room at any time
The smallest booths, designed for installation in apartments and houses, occupy only 1 m2, and the most popular designs are 2x2 m or 2x1.6 m. Any home owner will say that this is a really small area compared to the entire house. But thanks to even such a sauna cabin, we can enjoy the healing benefits of heat at any time for many years.
If you have the financial means, then consider a rich, or even sophisticated, version of the device, for example, like the one in the video.
Tags
bath sauna advice
Photo gallery – sauna ideas
Conclusion
In this article we talked about how you can make a cottage with a sauna. There are only three viable options: buy ready-made, order from a specialist and do it yourself. Each option has its advantages, but the latter is the most economically attractive. You can do it when you have free time, for example, on vacation. The video in this article will provide you with more information on this topic.
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