I was asked by April & Johnnie @renovating_keepers_cottage to design and build a sauna for the garden. After extensive research, we finally homes in on this design.

The outside is clad in Scottish pine which has been charred à la Shou sugi ban, a natural way to preserve the timber common throughout Japan. We opted for an EDPM rubber roof for longevity and trimmed the edges with lead.

The interior is made entirely of Thermowood, a modified timber especially suited to saunas. A large glass door and window allow a lot of natural light in however there is also a ring of LEDs around the ceiling to provide more light in the evening.

The wood fired stove from Harvia is the focal point of the sauna and heats the space up beautifully. Small and compact to fall within permitted development regs, this sauna adds a whole extra layer to the enjoyment of the property.

It was an involved design process, working within the regulations, but the final outcome is certainly worth the effort. The material choices work well together and the overall look and feel sits well within the garden.