When the client for my latest mobile sauna project contacted me, he told me he needed something that would look and feel like a sauna from back home in Finland. He wanted it to be wood-fired and to get really hot. He wanted the clean lines and rustic charm of Finnish design and even requested a traditional pine tar finish like what the Vikings used on their boats. As small as it was to be, it was to have the standard two rooms- the sauna room and a dressing room. He also wanted to use the latest solar technology to light it with a soft glow.
But, working for an American company, where he might get moved from time to time, he wanted it to be un-tethered to his house, to be portable so he could always bring it with him, like a cherished possession.
I enjoy challenges–in fact, I thrive on them. One of the advantages of having my own company is that I get to decide how much to put into each project and which projects to really focus on. On some projects, like this one, I get to expand my repertoire. The goal, as always, was to bring my client’s dreams into reality. The result: a mobile sauna on a 81 by 120 inch trailer, under 3000 pounds, with two rooms, solar powered lighting, custom wood stove, northern white cedar interior, and pine tar exterior finish, did just that. I created a little oasis— a reminder of Finland—to park in his back yard, a dream come true.
Saunas are like that. When you have your own, it is a dream come true, a special place to escape into, to relax and unwind. It is tied to old traditions but for many, it is a new experience and can be life-changing. As designer and builder I get to be the midwife for people’s dreams and help them usher in a new way of living or rekindle a past love. As we turn the page to a new year and think about resolutions, what dreams do you want to come true?
mobile sauna by rob licht Custom SaunasSolar powered lights on mobile sauna by Rob Licht Custom Saunas
My family name, Licht, literally came from my German ancestors who made candles–the family crest features a candle–so it’s no wonder that I think about lighting a lot.
The most important thing about building a sauna is creating the right atmosphere. It’s not just about temperature, it’s about engaging all of the senses in a soothing way. The sauna is a sweat bath, light therapy, aroma therapy and talk therapy session all rolled into one.
With that in mind I really think about the quality of the light in the sauna room.
Although all sorts of colored LED and optic fiber lights are available I try to avoid any electric lighting; in fact, if it is a traditional wood burning unit, I avoid electricity entirely. Not only it is not needed to run a wood burning sauna, but if there is an electric line to the building then there will a temptation to add outlets and harsh outdoor lighting. The next thing you know, someone is plugging in some beeping device or the light is blotting out the night sky and the whole experience is compromised. What you want is dim light that will let your eyes adjust to the darkness and that will make even the most modest bather feel comfortable, even if their towel happens to slip off. A few candles can be just enough to light the sauna room. The problem with candles is that they will melt in the sauna– even if you don’t light them! To solve this, I install a candle window above the mantle so the candle (or lantern) stays in the dressing room and lights both rooms.
I also consider day-lighting and place windows to allow for natural light without compromising a sense of privacy. When rough framing the windows I leave space so that the window placement can be adjusted to frame the perfect view when seated on the bench (but not the “perfect” view in).
In an electric sauna I will often put a light under the bench, with a dimmer, so that there is no harsh light, only a soft glow that sweeps across the floor. No one wants to stare at a glowing light fixture-which is exactly the situation in most commercial units. Whatever the situation, I work with the light to create just the right ambiance.
