Design Steam Sauna in Commercial Wellness

Often referred to as a steam cabin or steam room, the steam sauna has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. From there, it spread to the Arab Empire and then to Europe, where it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Today, they are not only found in wellness or fitness centres, but are also increasingly being installed in ordinary households. This article will examine steam saunas in more detail, focusing on their use and benefits in commercial settings.

How a steam cabin works and its key components

A steam cabin works by generating steam from a steam generator. The generator heats water and disperses the hot steam into the cabin. Modern steam generators are equipped with advanced technologies for efficient and safe operation. Key components of a steam cabin include:

The steam generator, which heats the water to produce steam. The generator’s power output should match the cabin’s size. For instance, a 3 kW generator is suitable for cabins of up to 3 m³, whereas a 15 kW generator is suitable for cabins of up to 40 m³.

The cabin must be vapour-proof and made of materials that are resistant to permanent moisture, such as toughened glass, acrylic, or mosaic tiles. This prevents moisture from escaping into surrounding rooms and damaging the structure.

The temperature control system maintains a constant temperature within the range of 40–50 °C (104–122 °F).

Other features often include aromatherapy dispensers for essential oils, LED lighting (e.g. a ‘starry sky’ effect on the ceiling or backlit bench edges) to create ambience, and digital controls for precision. Benches can be heated for added comfort.

The health benefits of the steam cabin

Spending time in a steam cabin is a pleasant experience that offers numerous benefits for the body and mind. It is a healthy and safe alternative to a traditional sauna and is less demanding on the body.

It promotes physical and mental relaxation by relaxing the muscles and calming the body and mind, which is ideal after a hard day or physical activity. People often feel extremely relaxed after visiting a steam sauna, sometimes to the point of wanting to sleep. The heat in a steam sauna promotes relaxation and lowers cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also lead to deeper, more restful sleep. The peace and quiet of a sauna can have a very positive effect on a person’s mindset.

Skin health: The hot steam opens the pores, allowing deep cleansing and the removal of excess substances and pollutants. Steam rooms promote skin hydration, leading to better skin quality, appearance, and elasticity.

Respiratory relief: The high humidity is ideal for inhaling healing herbs or essential oils, which help to loosen mucus and make breathing easier. This is beneficial for people with respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis or blocked sinuses.

Alternating time in and out of the sauna improves immunity and circulatory function, especially during the winter months. Regular cycles perfectly circulate the muscles, promoting full regeneration and reducing joint inflammation. The steam cabin helps to combat chronic inflammatory diseases.

The steam cabin is suitable for sensitive individuals thanks to the lower temperatures (compared to the Finnish sauna), which are better tolerated by people with high blood pressure, allergies, chronic diseases or who are sensitive to high temperatures. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, especially if you have any health limitations.

Steam saunas in commercial premises

Commercial wellness facilities, hotels, fitness centres, and luxury residences are increasingly adding steam cabins to their offerings. Investing in steam saunas can be highly beneficial for businesses, as it can improve customer experience and client retention, generate additional revenue, and increase brand prestige by providing high-end wellness equipment.

Steam cabins are unique in the world of sauna design as they are typically adorned with stunning mosaics, setting them apart from traditional wooden Finnish saunas. In some cases, this design can be adapted to the client’s taste.

They can be freestanding or built into various spaces, including those that are harder to access, and they often feature glass walls or corners.
Examples can be seen at the Čapí hnízdo hotel, the Bedřichka hotel, the Aldrov resort, the Královka hotel and the Omega wellness centre, where steam cabins are integrated into complex wellness areas.

The integration of steam saunas into wellness complexes

Most modern hotels and commercial wellness centres include steam cabins as part of a wider range of relaxation services. They are often located next to:

Finnish and organic saunas, which provide different temperature and humidity experiences to accommodate different guest preferences.

Infrared saunas: These are an alternative for those who prefer milder heat with a deeper thermal effect on muscle tissue.

Swimming pools and hot tubs. These are often made of stainless steel and have various massage jets and filtration systems.

Cooling zones: These include cooling pools (often made of stainless steel), experience showers with different settings such as tropical rain, mist and massage jets, as well as watering buckets and automatic ice makers. Rapid cooling is an important part of the sauna experience.

Kneipp walkways feature alternating hot and cold water and pebbles for foot massage.

Hammams: Traditional Turkish or Moroccan steam baths offering cleansing rituals.

Relaxation zones with heated loungers and pleasant lighting.

Interior furnishing options for commercial saunas and steam cabins

Manufacturers focus on professional sauna heaters, robust construction and insulation for frequent use, aluminium frames and dust-free doors. Commercial saunas can be equipped with a variety of accessories to enhance comfort and atmosphere.

A sound system with built-in speakers and a connection to an audio source allows you to listen to relaxing music.

Lighting: “Starry sky” with RGB LEDs, square-shaped RGB LED lighting recessed into the ceiling, spot ceiling lighting above the heater, ambient LED backlighting of the backrests and front edges of the benches.

Materials: In addition to mosaics, different textures, such as light woods, can be combined with stainless steel surfaces to create a luxurious, modern aesthetic.

Steam cabin installation and maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the steam generator and the entire cabin have a long life and operate without any problems. A separate space must be allocated for the process equipment (steam generator and ventilation), which can be located in an adjacent room. This ensures easy maintenance and safe operation without compromising on user space.

Regular cleaning is essential: surfaces should be wiped daily to remove excess moisture and mineral build-up. A vinegar and water solution can be used for deep cleaning.

– Ventilation and drainage: Steam saunas require adequate ventilation to prevent excessive moisture accumulation and mould growth. A proper drainage system is also important to prevent standing water and prolong the unit’s lifespan.

– Service: Regular inspection and replacement of worn parts, as recommended by the manufacturer, are essential.

Steam saunas and steam cabins are valued additions to modern wellness facilities, offering comprehensive physical and mental health benefits. Its unique combination of high humidity and lower temperatures makes it accessible to a wider range of users, including those who are more sensitive to heat.

Its flexible design and ability to integrate with other wellness features represent a significant enhancement to the quality of service and investment for commercial operations. Whether for hotel spas, fitness centres, or private luxury residences, the steam cabin is the key to deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Are you planning to build a steam cabin for your wellness centre? Send us a no-obligation quote and we will get back to you.