subject: Designing A Sauna [print this page] The size of a sauna must be discussed firstThe size of a sauna must be discussed first. The number of bathers, the order of the benches, the needed space for the sauna stove and space heating method have a great effect on the square meters needed for a sauna. If the washing space is in the sauna, some space has to be reserved for bathing and heating the washing water as well.
Saunas in ordinary homes or cottages (in Finnish: mokki) are usually designed for four people. In bathroom designs, the estimate is two persons washing themselves at the same time; the showers are also designed for two. If the house is not connected to municipal water system, a place must be reserved the cold and warm water tanks in the sauna or bathroom.
The height of the sauna space is usually 2 meters. The minimum height is 1,9 meters. If the sauna is much higher than 2,1 meters, it will take extend the time for heating the sauna. For higher sauna space, the more powerful sauna stove is needed also. The heating capacity of sauna stove should be checked always before purchasing the sauna, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises of having not enough heat in the sauna.
According to the old wisdom, the lowest bench must be higher than the stones in the sauna stove, so that feet will be warm enough. This wisdom often leads to good results, but it is not because the feet are above the stove rocks. The warmth for the feet comes from building sauna benches higher and making sure that a sauna space is not too high. This is due to the fact that the hot air rises straight up to the ceiling from the stove. The heat does not spread laterally so effective than in the vertical direction.
In sauna designed for four the length of the benches should be at least 1,8 meters. The depth of the seat varies from 0,45 meters to 0,9 meters. Stair-level rise should not be more than 0,3 meters. The format and model of the benches is part of the sauna interior design. Nowadays there are lot of elegant and comfort solutions available along with the traditional straight ones.
