Sauna & wellness area

Withdean, Brighton

Our client wanted a truly unique, bespoke sauna & wellness area built in a previously unloved & under-used woodland part of their large garden . We came up with the design together, maximising the views north towards the South Downs in the distance. We also wanted the sauna building to blend in with the woodland surroundings & to be made from materials that would age naturally over time. The exterior is clad with locally sourced cedar shingles & a galvanised steel roof that will develop a beautiful patina over time.

The 8 by 3 metre sauna structure has the sauna area to one side & the changing / relaxation area next door. The entrance area & veranda is actually to the rear of the building where you will also find the cold shower & plunge pool. This was intended so there would be uninterrupted views from the front through large panels of glass towards the south downs. The windows to the changing area are shutters so that they can be folded back to ventilate the area after a hot sauna.

Inside, the sauna has a Harvia remote controlled electric heater & is finished with thermo aspen cladding & two tiered benches. The changing area is lined with locally sourced cedar to match the shingles on the exterior. We also handled all the plumbing & electrical requirements for this outstanding project which has now featured in various national design, architecture & lifestyle magazines.

Modern wood-shingle sauna with large reflective windows, surrounded by trees and a landscaped gravel garden.
Outdoor cedar-shingled shower with a wooden deck, towel, and galvanized soaking tub surrounded by trees
Outdoor shower with a metal barrel on a cedar-shingled garden shed deck surrounded by trees
Rustic wood-paneled sauna interior with benches, a rocking chair, towels, hats, and a wood-burning stove.
Wood-paneled outdoor sauna with benches, thermometer, hygrometer, and rocking chair
Wood-paneled sauna with tiered benches, Harvia stone heater, wooden bucket, and forest view
Wood-paneled sauna interior with benches, towels, felt sauna hats, an open door, and glass sauna room.
Modern cedar-shingle backyard studio with large windows, surrounded by trees and white gravel landscaping
Cozy wood-paneled cabin room with an open picture window overlooking a wooded hillside, rocking chair, and stump table with metal cups
Wooden outdoor sauna with an open door, bench seating, and white towels hanging outside
Cedar-shingle outdoor bathhouse with a galvanized soaking tub, wood deck, outdoor shower, and towels in a wooded backyard.
Wood-paneled sauna interior with tiered benches, a wall light, and a stone-filled sauna heater