We know the Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to enjoy a backyard sauna. With cool, damp winters and mild summers, the climate here is perfect for year-round use—if the sauna is designed right. Our goal is a sauna that looks beautiful, holds up to the elements, and performs like a dream. We pulled our sauna designer Leif aside to talk about our process.
Built Like a Home
In our climate, moisture is always a concern. That’s why our saunas aren’t just backyard boxes—they’re fully engineered buildings.
“Building a building, just like your house, that’s what we basically do with these units.”
Each sauna starts with a proper siding layer, followed by Tyvek house wrap, then traditional stud framing filled with Rockwool insulation. From there, we install a foil heat barrier to keep the warmth in and moisture out. Finally, we add cedar on the inside for that authentic sauna feel.
This layering doesn’t just make for a warm, cozy space—it ensures your sauna won’t become a moldy mess after a wet Oregon winter.
Sauna Ventilation
One of the most common mistakes in sauna design is poor ventilation. Without proper airflow, moisture lingers, and mold becomes a serious issue. That’s why we strategically place vents in every unit.
“You have to have vents strategically placed so that the building can breathe.”
Our standard setup includes:
A fresh air intake vent near the stove
A higher exhaust vent above the seating area
A mid-level vent near the bench
Optional floor drains that double as ventilation in some designs
Together, these create a circulation pattern that dries the space after each use—especially when paired with a stove that has a built-in drying cycle.
Inspired by Finnish Tradition, Designed for the PNW
While we build to modern standards, we’re also heavily influenced by traditional Finnish saunas. From bench heights and ceiling proportions to stove placement and ventilation, we draw from proven Scandinavian design.
“We follow the strict Finnish science… It’s in that layering system, the bench heights, the ceiling heights, the ventilation.”
That respect for tradition, paired with modern materials, helps our saunas stand up to Portland rain or a frosty Hood River morning with ease.
Customize Your Sauna
Every homeowner has a unique vision, and we love helping bring it to life. Some want their sauna to blend right into their home:
“We did the same exact siding that’s on the house, same trim details, same color, same overhangs… it’s going to match the house very closely.”
Others want the sauna to be a focal point in the yard. In those cases, we can create something totally modern—with big windows, bold shapes, and thoughtful landscaping.
In one recent project, a client was unsure at first, but once they saw the design visuals integrated into their garden space:
“They were like, ‘Stunning.’”
Design That Performs
We don’t just build and walk away. Each sauna is tested for real-world performance.
“We’re gonna come and test it out… go through a full session or two… and see, how is it performing?”
That includes using multiple thermometers to monitor temperatures at foot, seat, and ceiling level. We do this because we believe your sauna should not only look great but feel perfect every time you step inside.
