Planning the Room
The Sauna should be planned for ultimate enjoyment and relaxation. If possible, the space should be large enough for adequate seating and reclining. As a guide, allow 2' of bench space per person, for sitting purposes; it is necessary to have a min. 6' long bench to accommodate a reclining bather. Bench widths should be 20" for an upper bench and about 16" for a lower bench.
Do not plan a Sauna that is unsymmetrical (which will cut bench space and add wasted cubic footage. Two levels of benches are very important in a good Sauna - the upper bench is necessary to make use of the heat (which rises to the ceiling level). The lower bench can be used as a step up to the upper bench or as a sitting bench at the lower temperature level.
For complete relaxation, a small dressing room with cooling bench or benches should be located next to the Sauna. This room might also be used as a combination/exercise area.
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An example of the importance of pre-planning when designing a Sauna. Plan A and B have exact shape and size. Plan A uses the entire space as a Sauna, resulting in benches with little seating space and no reclining area. There is too much walking area - with a waste os space, building materials, and efficiency. Plan B creates 2 useable room from the same space, allows a Sauna with a more comfortable bench area, and leaves necessary walking space. The linen closet is a bonus. |