For a Mediterranean country like ours that gets its own fair share of heat for many months of the year, the idea of installing a sauna to sweat it out inside our homes might seem a little offbeat. But not for long.
As wellness trends around the globe continue to gain traction, the popularity and demand for saunas, which come with a surprisingly long list of health benefits, has grown slowly and steadily. This age-old practice has been a part of Nordic culture for centuries, which in turn has shaped their approach to designing saunas that are suitable for and adaptable to fit inside (or outside) even the humblest of homes.
As exponents of sauna culture, Finnish brand Harvia, represented by Bathroom Design, has developed a targeted product line since its founding in 1950 that seeks to provide “relaxing experiences and natural wellbeing to people” – leading to a whole range of saunas that can be adapted and also personalised to the user’s preferences. Here’s a look at what they offer.
A sauna for any home
Space and location permitting, saunas could be installed as separate cabins outdoors or within your very own home, be it in the bathroom or wherever space permits.
“In sauna design, you need to consider how many people will be using it at the same time and how often. If you want to have as many seats as possible in the sauna and the space is fairly small, a simple straight bench is usually the best solution,” the brand explains.
“If you try to install a corner bench or even a U-shaped bench in a small sauna, the end result may feel cramped and uncomfortable to use. This means that you need to be realistic and consider the space when choosing the type of bench.”
Selecting sauna materials
Typically composed of wood with an interior that resembles a cosy cabin, the type of timber chosen for the bench contributes towards the overall aesthetic of the space. There’s brown alder with its reddish hue, light-coloured aspen or dark, heat-treated aspen, as well as a combination of pale-coloured spruce and black.
For the wall surfaces, timber panelling achieves the closest result to traditional saunas, with the option of adding character to the walls with a touch of stone or even Himalayan salt cladding for a more contemporary appearance. Alternatively, replacing the front wall of the sauna with a glass panel brings spaciousness and a modern feel to the area, particularly when fitted within a bathroom.
At the core of any sauna is the quintessential heater, the so-called powerhouse behind it that comes in varying shapes and styles. “The right heater is the heart, and part of the interior and atmosphere of the sauna,” says Harvia, which offers a choice of electric, wood-burning or combination-type heaters to suit different needs.
“In the wood-heated sauna, you will enjoy the sauna culture in its most authentic way. The atmospheric light of the blazing flame, the scent of wood, and the pleasant hum from burning wood relaxes your mind and takes you away from the everyday rush.”
An equally important component of the sauna is the stones, which are quarried specifically for this purpose to ensure they are safe under intense heat, and also retain heat for maximum efficiency.
Refining your choice
Creating an even more bespoke sauna environment is possible with the choice of wall panels, wood, surface treatments and indirect LED or coloured lighting. Further still, a hybrid sauna – meaning the addition of an infrared radiator installed behind the upper bench – creates a warming feeling for the person seated in front of it, which is believed to penetrate deeper into the skin tissue by up to 5cm.
This is but one health benefit among a long list of using high temperatures to promote physical and mental healing, including arthritis and cardiovascular health. “For centuries, people have recovered in the sauna, as it provides the perfect space for healing,” says Harvia. “Our products are designed with quality and comfort in mind, making it easy to enjoy the numerous health benefits of sauna bathing right at home.”
Imagery: Harvia
