For those in the process of designing or renovating their dream home, the considerations often extend far beyond finishes and floorplans. Increasingly, today’s most discerning homeowners are investing in features that support not only daily living, but long-term wellbeing, incorporating spaces that restore, rejuvenate and create a true sense of retreat. One of the most quietly powerful additions to emerge in luxury design circles is the traditional sauna – a time honoured wellness ritual that brings architectural integrity, cultural heritage and deep physical benefits into the home environment.
The story of the sauna begins amidst the misty pine forests and tranquil lakes of Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and Russia. For centuries, these cultures have perfected a simple yet profound tradition – stepping into a purpose built room warmed by a large rock mass, whether heated by wood fire or electric coils. Seating is tiered with higher benches delivering hotter, more even heat, while carefully engineered ventilation ensures fresh air circulates as steam hissing off hot stones (Löyly) creates a balance of heat and humidity. Temperatures in a traditional Finnish sauna sit around 85-90 degrees Celsius, with most authentic saunas operating above 75 degrees. This core design ethos; purpose-built spaces, large rock mass, tiered seating, and precise airflow, defines what makes a sauna truly authentic.
Bringing that knowledge and tradition to Australian homes is Wilderness Saunas, a design led company dedicated to delivering the full spectrum of the authentic sauna experience. Founded and led by Drew Neiht – a sauna master with nearly 20 years of building experience and connections to Northern European traditions, Wilderness Saunas delivers the full spectrum of the authentic sauna experience. Devoted to using premium materials and guiding sauna experiences that honour Finnish and Estonian heritage, their expertise ensures every sauna they build meets the highest standards of authenticity, quality, and wellness.
More Than Just a Room
A true sauna isn’t built to trends – it’s built to perform. Beneath the clean lines and timber cladding lies a sophisticated system of engineered layers, each one essential to delivering consistent heat, safety, and longevity. Wilderness Saunas specialises in custom designed sauna structures, each constructed in a way that is authentic to the Northern European model.
A typical wall assembly begins with weather resistant outer cladding. Inside, a breathable cavity is layered with mineral wool insulation, a sealed aluminium vapour barrier, and internal battens that create a ventilation gap behind the interior lining which is essential for preventing moisture build up and ensuring airflow behind the timber. These construction principles, often overlooked in commercial or DIY builds, are standard in every Wilderness Saunas project, because they are critical to both wellness and structural performance.
Interior finishes are equally intentional. Wilderness Saunas uses only premium, sauna grade timbers such as aspen, alder, spruce and thermally modified wood selected for their ability to endure extreme temperatures without warping, releasing resin, or deteriorating over time. Thermally modified timbers in particular offer outstanding stability, resistance to decay, and a smooth, natural finish that ages beautifully. Each element is sourced and specified not only for durability, but to honour the sensory warmth and aesthetic purity that define traditional saunas.
Designed to Breathe
In authentic sauna design, heat alone is not enough, the real magic lies in how air flows through the space. Proper ventilation is a reflection of quality and Wilderness Saunas integrates precisely calculated airflow systems into every build.
Vents are carefully placed to ensure a continuous cycle of fresh oxygen, allowing heaters to perform efficiently and heat to be evenly distributed within the space. Without this, stale air builds up, cold zones form at the feet, and CO₂ levels can rise creating a stifling, unbalanced experience. Every custom designed sauna by Wilderness Saunas undergoes ventilation planning that mirrors the standards found in the finest Nordic spas, resulting in a sauna that feels clean, breathable and truly immersive.
Authentic Sauna Design by Wilderness Saunas
While the majority of saunas on the market are mass produced ‘infrared’ saunas, Wilderness Saunas focuses on delivering high quality, authentic sauna solutions that are built offsite and installed with minimal disruption. From compact backyard wellness pods to larger, architecturally integrated spaces, each unit is crafted to meet the highest standards in design, construction, and performance.
This modular approach ensures consistency, efficiency, and a low-impact path to creating a wellness sanctuary whether as part of a new build or a property upgrade. In addition to their core modular designs, Wilderness Saunas also provides consultation services to homeowners, builders, and architects, helping ensure that any sauna installation, custom or modular, meets correct technical and cultural standards.
Image: Jess Okenfull
Timeless Wellness
With a population that is increasingly focused on mindfulness, health and longevity, the sauna is emerging as a signature feature in premium Australian homes. But to deliver its full potential, it must be built with authenticity, skill, and reverence for its origins. Wilderness Saunas provides just that: timeless wellness, redefined for the Australian landscape.
Whether perched beside a coastal pool, tucked within native bushland, or installed in an inner-city courtyard, each Wilderness Sauna is an investment in architectural integrity, cultural tradition, and everyday restoration.
Contact Drew at Wilderness Saunas today to discuss your custom sauna design.
P 0431 007 504
E contact@wildernesssaunas.com.au
W wildernesssaunas.com.au
