The Next Generation of Luxury Wellness

Wilderness Saunas' Modular and custom Saunas

As wellness continues to shape the way we design our homes, some of the most enduring luxuries are those that reconnect us with nature – not just visually, but viscerally. One company leading that quiet revolution is Wilderness Saunas, an Australian design and build studio merging traditional Northern European sauna principles with sustainable local and imported materials and modern architectural sensibilities.

Founded by Drew Neiht, a seasoned builder with ties to Finnish and Estonian sauna culture, Wilderness Saunas is devoted to delivering deeply authentic sauna experiences, designed for the Australian climate and lifestyle. Whether creating bespoke retreats or developing innovative modular non-invasive building solutions for urban and rural living, each project is a meditation on craftsmanship, culture, and wellness.

Salvaged Beauty –  A Barrel Sauna with a Story

In Tasmania’s rugged south, amidst weathered eucalyptus and windswept coastlines, a new Wilderness Saunas barrel design has taken shape and it tells a story of renewal. Constructed from salvaged Tasmanian timber, this cylindrical sanctuary captures the rustic charm of a wilderness hideaway, while delivering the full function and integrity of an authentic sauna.

Every curve of the barrel is clad in a locally salvaged timber that originated from the central coast of California. Planted in Tasmania as windbreaks many years before, the timber was rescued from the farmers cut and burn strategy – a typical practice after having  served their purpose. Instead Wilderness Saunas gave these trees a second lease on life as this gorgeous bespoke barrel sauna. The timber was first carefully dried and stored, then custom milled in collaboration with local specialists at Ware Timbers to achieve the precise sizing required. Every stage of construction was approached with care, resulting in a barrel that celebrates the natural character of the wood, its knots, grains and history left proudly intact. Inside the timber provides an inviting, softly scented space with ultra smooth seating, complemented by a viewing window that further enhances the connection to nature.

Finished with custom-made stainless steel strapping, discreet passive ventilation and a hand selected Huum wood burning heater, this authentic barrel sauna feels like a dialogue between nature, heritage and healing.

The Kuubik – A Sculptural Statement in Wellness Architecture

Minimalist in its silhouette yet abundant in craftsmanship, the Kuubik stands as the flagship of Wilderness Saunas’ new modular collection – a refined convergence of form, function and wellness. Designed to integrate into Australia’s most distinctive landscapes, this freestanding sauna combines contemporary design with deep cultural roots.

Encased in bespoke vertical cladding of sourced Australian Stringybark, the Kuubik’s natural grain and tonal depth bring warmth and texture to its crisp architectural geometry. The expansive, frameless glass façade dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, inviting views, light, and the natural world into the heart of the sauna experience.

 

Every external detail has been carefully considered, from the matte black outdoor shower made from 316 marine grade stainless steel to precision cut stainless steel venting, each element has been carefully considered and selected based on a commitment to endurance, performance, and modern luxury.

Inside, the Kuubik is a space of calm and clarity. The interior is lined in thermally modified European Aspen, chosen for its exceptional stability, fine grain and knot-free aesthetic. Intrinsic shadow lines trace the floor and ceiling, adding subtle visual rhythm while serving a practical purpose by allowing airflow behind the timber. The effect is an enveloping palette of soft, natural tones that heightens both comfort and serenity for the bather.

At its centre, a Harvia Legend 10.8kw  tower heater anchors the space, offering even heat through a generous stone mass, controlled effortlessly via Harvia’s advanced Wi-Fi enabled Xenio system attached to the Harvia app for wireless operation. Whether activated from within or remotely, the Kuubik is always ready to restore.

Ambient lighting is placed with intention, creating atmosphere without distraction. Behind the scenes, a precision engineered ventilation system, modelled on European standards, ensures a continuous flow of fresh oxygen, enhancing every breath and supporting safe, immersive sauna sessions.

The Kuubik reflects Wilderness Saunas’ guiding ethos – that true luxury lies not in excess, but in the thoughtful convergence of authenticity, longevity, and connection to place. It is a sculptural retreat for those who seek stillness, performance, and timeless design in equal measure.

Whether it’s placed beside a pool, in a suburban courtyard, or facing native bushland, the Kuubik offers the rare combination of architectural precision combined with plug-and-play practicality. Each unit is prefabricated to exacting standards, facilitating swift installation with minimal site disruption. This approach ensures that clients receive a turnkey solution without compromising on quality or aesthetic coherence.

Sustainability Without Compromise

Proudly Australian Made, Wilderness Saunas are built on a foundation of sustainability, not just in materials and methods, but in meaningful action. Alongside sourcing local timbers and working with skilled artisans to reduce our environmental footprint, we actively support Wild Vaults, a not for profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring Australia’s native forests. Through this partnership, every sauna built by Wilderness Saunas contributes to long term forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and rewilding efforts. It’s our way of giving back to the landscapes that inspire our work and ensuring that nature – not just luxury, remains at the heart of what we do.

Designed for Life

“Sauna construction isn’t just carpentry, it’s science,” says Drew.

The wrong wood choice for a sauna can warp or off-gas. Poor ventilation can lead to uneven heat and even worse dangerous co2 build up. And construction mistakes can drastically shorten the life of your sauna and its safety

At the heart of every Wilderness Saunas design is an understanding that true wellness lies in thoughtful function. From the passive air intakes and exhaust placement, to the selection of materials that can withstand decades of use, each element is considered, tested, and rooted in European sauna tradition.

“We’re not here to just make boxes that get hot,” says founder Drew Neiht. “We’re building wellness spaces that breathe, perform, and inspire…. for decades.”

And it’s that philosophy that defines Wilderness Saunas as an investment in authenticity, a commitment to sustainability, and a celebration of craftsmanship.

Whether through a hand-built barrel sauna made from rescued timber, or a refined modular Kuubik delivered to your door, the experience is always the same – authentic healing which is deeply connected to nature.

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