The Vision: Commercial-Grade Luxury Above the Cityscape
When this client approached us to design a wellness sanctuary in their penthouse, their vision was expansive. They wanted a space to wind down that rivalled the scale and luxury of the high-end commercial steam rooms and saunas found in five-star spas. Their goal was a highly spacious, 10-person bespoke sauna that integrated flawlessly with their stunning panoramic window view. Our challenge was to engineer a residential wellness facility with the robust capacity of a commercial build, creating an all-in-one retreat right in their own home.
Mastering Materials: The Pinnacle of Thermo Alder
To achieve a truly elite finish, the benches, ceiling, and back walls were crafted exclusively from Thermo Alder.
The Premium Choice
In the bespoke sauna market, Thermo Alder is widely regarded as the gold standard. The thermal modification process naturally darkens the wood to a rich, luxurious tone while entirely removing moisture. This means the wood will not warp, shrink, or secrete resin, even under extreme commercial-grade heat.
Architectural Fluting
Moving away from standard flat cladding, the client requested a highly unique aesthetic. We utilised precision-milled fluted panels throughout the interior. This ribbed texture adds profound architectural depth and a modern, tactile elegance to the space, ensuring the walls are as visually engaging as the view outside.
Framing the View: Glass, Light, and Privacy
The layout was meticulously designed to capitalise on the penthouse’s existing architecture.
The See-Through Experience
We installed a full-glass front wall that perfectly aligns with the opposing exterior window. From the moment you approach the sauna door, you are greeted with a breathtaking, transparent view straight through the sauna and out across the skyline.
Strategic Privacy
Because the sauna adjoins a lounge area, balancing this openness with intimacy was key. We integrated a sleek "privacy blind" design on either side of the glass door. This ensures that anyone relaxing in the lounge area enjoys a sense of separation, while those inside the sauna maintain their immersive, panoramic experience.
The Heart of the Sanctuary: The Harvia Virta 13kW
Heating a 10-person cabin requires immense, commercial-level power. We selected the Harvia Virta 13kW, a powerhouse of traditional Finnish engineering.
Robust Performance
The Virta series is famous for its sturdy construction and exceptional heating elements, designed to withstand heavy, frequent use.
The Perfect Löyly
Its massive stone compartment is the secret to its success. When water is ladled over the stones, the 13kW engine produces a phenomenally soft, rich, and consistent steam (löyly). It fills the large room effortlessly, enveloping all ten users in a deep, traditional heat that penetrates the muscles and soothes the mind.
Atmosphere and Contrast: The Complete Wellness Loop
To elevate this project from a beautiful sauna into a comprehensive wellness facility, we focused on sensory details and contrast therapy.
Sunset Illumination
Lighting was crucial for the evening ambience. We installed therapeutic, warm LED ambient lighting concealed beneath each tier of the spacious L-shaped benches, as well as along the roof and back wall. As the sun sets outside the penthouse windows, the sauna glows from within, creating a deeply peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
Hot and Cold Therapy
No modern sanctuary is complete without contrast therapy. Just outside the sauna, we installed a premium ice bath, allowing the client and their guests to seamlessly transition from the intense heat of the Harvia Virta to an invigorating cold plunge.
The Lounge Integration
To complete the all-in-one facility, we incorporated cosy, high-end seating adjacent to the suite. This acts as a comfortable, private changing area and a place to rest between hot and cold cycles, perfectly tying the entire wellness sanctuary together.
The Final Result: A Masterpiece Realised
This penthouse installation is a testament to what is possible when commercial capacity meets residential luxury. The client was left with a breathtaking, highly functional sanctuary that maximises their stunning view while providing an elite, daily retreat for themselves and their guests.
Elevate Your Property with Commercial-Grade Wellness
Whether you are looking to design high-capacity commercial steam rooms for a development or a sprawling, 10-person bespoke sauna for your private penthouse, our expert team is ready to bring your vision to life. If you have been inspired by this panoramic wellness sanctuary and want to explore the ultimate in thermal and cold therapy, we would love to hear from you.
We invite you to reach out for a personalised, no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can engineer the perfect, tailored wellness experience for your space.
