Crafting a Custom Sauna with 115-Year-Old Timbers

A Vision Rooted in History

When our client, a seasoned custom home builder, approached Spaworxs to design his dream sauna, he brought a vision steeped in history: he wanted to incorporate 115-year-old beams and boards salvaged from the original cabin on his property. These weathered beams, rich with character and stories of a bygone era, were to be the heart of his sauna—a space that blended rustic charm with modern wellness. We were thrilled to collaborate on this unique project, turning his dream into a reality that honored both heritage and innovation. This is the story of how we worked together to craft a one-of-a-kind custom sauna, a perfect example of why Spaworxs’ mission is to transform your ideas into extraordinary wellness retreats.

The Spark: A Builder’s Vision

As a custom home builder, our client—let’s call him James—knew the value of craftsmanship and legacy. The century-old cabin on his property, though no longer standing, had left behind timbers and boards that carried the patina of time: knotty, weathered, and full of soul. James envisioned a sauna that would preserve this history while serving as a modern sanctuary for daily relaxation, wellness, and occasional family gatherings. During our first meeting, we listened closely to understand his goals:

• Purpose: A space for daily relaxation, wellness, and occasional gatherings with family, blending rustic aesthetics with high-end functionality.

• Aesthetic: A nod to the cabin’s history with exposed, reclaimed timbers, paired with a sleek interior featuring modern touches like a Himalayan salt wall and an oversized front glass wall.

• Must-Have Features: A state-of-the-art sauna heater and controls, extra headroom, wide comfortable benches, proper insulation to handle the reclaimed materials, and an innovative design.

  
  

James’s passion for sustainability and storytelling through design inspired us. His vision wasn’t just about a sauna—it was about preserving a piece of his property’s legacy.

The Collaborative Design Process

Working with our Spaworxs design team, inspired by the materials and the serene location, we created a detailed plan and 3D renderings to show James the most functional layout for his sauna and the connected outdoor shower he envisioned. Here’s how his input shaped the project:

• Materials: The 115-year-old timbers and planks formed the sauna’s external structural frame and interior accents, framing the stunning glass window wall. We paired them with sleek Canadian hemlock for the ceiling, floor, and benches, ensuring a cohesive Scandinavian aesthetic and a warm, inviting aroma.

• Layout: With a 9x14-foot overall building size, we allocated a spacious 9x10 area for the sauna itself, leaving a 4x9 covered space for James’s custom-designed copper outdoor rain shower. A large glass picture window wall and an extra-tall glass door, as James requested, allowed natural light to flood the space, highlighting the timbers’ texture while offering views of the surrounding property.

• Features: James wanted a state-of-the-art heating experience, so we selected the Saunum Air L, featuring a patented air-blending system that mixes cooler, oxygen-rich air from the floor with hot, oxygen-poor air from the ceiling, ensuring even temperature and better breathability. The Saunum’s Wi-Fi-enabled controls offered preset options for a tailored experience. We also incorporated lighting on the backrests, benches, and within the Himalayan salt wall feature, creating a soothing glow that enhanced the

  sauna’s ambiance.

  

Starting the Build

James, leveraging his expertise as a custom home builder, had his team take the lead on constructing the sauna’s base, framing, and exterior finishing, ensuring the 115-year-old timbers were integrated with precision. Spaworxs then stepped in to insulate the base, walls, and ceiling, using Rockwool insulation—a sustainable choice with no off-gassing, unlike polystyrene or spray foams. This eco-friendly insulation not only protected the reclaimed materials from moisture but also maintained the sauna’s clean, healthy environment, aligning perfectly with James’s vision for a wellness-focused retreat.

We then went to work on the interior walls and ceiling, using clear Canadian hemlock for its sleek, Scandinavian aesthetic. As we installed the Himalayan salt wall feature, James’s vision began to come to life, with the salt’s soft glow complementing the rustic timbers. Once we received the Saunum Air L equipment, we forged ahead with installing the Canadian hemlock floors, designed with minimal board spacing for comfort. This thoughtful detail allowed sauna users to place a yoga mat on the floor for stretching or hot yoga.. The layout was crafted to seat six people comfortably or allow three to fully lie down. The upper benches, extra wide at 24 inches, and lower benches at 20 inches, provided ample space, while a freestanding bench could be tucked under the upper bench to create more floor space for stretching or floor exercises.

The Reveal: A Timeless Sanctuary

When James stepped into his finished sauna, he ran his hands over the weathered timbers and grinned. “It’s like the cabin lives on,” he said. The warm scent of Canadian hemlock mingled with the earthy notes of the reclaimed wood, and the Himalayan salt wall glowed softly under the integrated lighting. The oversized glass wall framed a breathtaking view, while the Saunum Air L provided consistent, breathable heat. The copper outdoor shower, just steps away, completed the experience, perfect for James’s contrast therapy routine. He now uses the sauna daily for relaxation and wellness, and has hosted family gatherings where the space’s history sparks conversation.

Why Collaboration Makes It One-of-a-Kind

This project was a true partnership. James’s vision for the 115-year-old timbers, combined with his builder’s insight, shaped every decision, from the Himalayan salt wall to the innovative Saunum heater and oversized bench layout. Our role at Spaworxs was to listen, refine, and bring expert craftsmanship to the table, creating a sauna that’s not just a wellness space but a living piece of history.

Your Turn: What’s Your Sauna Story?

Do you have a unique vision for your sauna, like James? Whether it’s incorporating heirloom materials, a Himalayan salt feature, or a layout for hot yoga, we’d love to hear your ideas. Share your thoughts in the comments, or contact Spaworxs to start your collaborative journey

Here’s to crafting a sauna that’s uniquely you.

With warmth,

The Spaworxs Team