Expert guide to thermals: Sauna360

100 years of design and manufacturing expertise have made Sauna360 one of the world’s largest sauna and steam brands, with bases in Finland, Sweden and the US

What makes Sauna360 a great partner for thermal experiences?

We start by being very easy to work with. We have a dedicated team that listens to the client before drawing up a custom design. No two projects are the same but the core quality remains. We start with an old-fashioned hand sketch to outline one or two concepts.

The knack is to get the right thermal experience in the best position. Steam, feature showers and ice need to be close to the plant room. Herbal and salt saunas can be well away.

From the doodle we go to CAD drawings where we add the details and interfaces. We can produce realistic CGI’s to assist in pre-opening marketing or to help the selection of finishes. Finally, thorough commissioning and staff training is provided with essence programmes, cleaning regimes and maintenance plans to keep the installation in the best condition.

What are the main considerations for spas installing thermal equipment?

Give consideration to the plant space. The staff operating a spa on a daily basis are well-dressed people meeting the public, they do not want to have to turn the equipment on and off in a glorified cupboard. Also, keeping your equipment well ventilated will help it last years longer.

Another factor is to get the balance right of thermal room and relaxation capacity. Relaxation loungers and seats are often lacking, particularly in a day spa or hotel. Guests are likely to spend equal time in both areas.

How does your company demonstrate its commitment to sustainability?

Our Finnish company has traded for over 100 years and our Swedish company over 70 years. To trade on primarily timber products for this long shows sustainability is part of our DNA.

On the operations side, we provide equipment that can be cleaned and serviced rather than replaced. For example our steam generators are made of elements that are easily cleaned with citric acid. Electrode-based generators need regular replacement which can add up to many thousands of pounds.

Operating costs are at a premium for spas, how can Sauna360 help them?

When energy costs started to spiral we researched and analysed the operation of both steam rooms and saunas, then produced a ten-point plan for each with ideas and practices to carry out.

Our ECO-SAUNA initiative contains innovations new and old. The older ones have become revised with the increase in fuel costs. We have developed a stainless steel plenum that combines the steam, essence and fresh air prior to safely entering the thermal room. This is part of our Wellness System, which creates the ideal steam environment for the bather and for economical operation.

What are the trends currently shaping the delivery of thermal experiences in spas?

We are part of a slowly evolving industry. For over 2,000 years people have created thermal experiences for relaxing and wellbeing – it is an industry of longevity, not sweeping trends. The ‘big three’ – a quality sauna, steam and spa – are still the best experiences we can provide.

Current trends include the use of very large-format tiles in ceramic rooms – beautiful marble-patterned pieces up to 3.2m x 1.2m in size. It’s not the number of tiles per square metre that is important now, but the square metres per tile.

Glass is also very popular for all thermal rooms. It makes the whole health suite area look spacious, reflecting the beautiful internal finishes, and it creates a comfortable spacial awareness for bathers.

In saunas the range of finishes is extensive. We have created all-black interiors, kelo planking, wide horizontal panels in numerous finishes and shades. Sauna heaters are now available in stylish anthracite or white, designed especially to be viewed through glass frontages. In addition, automatic infusion to the heater adds an element of theatre to the room as well as a boost in humidity.

www.sauna360uk.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

New Line spa cabins – a range of twin sauna and steam cabins suited to luxury suites or VIP areas within exclusive spas, with an array of beautiful floating bench options.

Sauna360 Wellness System – we provide a total solution that doesn’t compromise on quality but gives you the highest guest satisfaction and the lowest energy bill with our ECO-SAUNA initiative.

Steam Plenum – combining steam, essence and fresh air prior to safely entering the thermal room, this is part of our Wellness System, which creates the ideal steam environment.