Project Overview.
This Glen Iris project was all about transforming an overlooked pocket of the home into a functional, beautifully detailed sauna retreat. Tucked between a pathway, external steps and the side of the garage, the space presented a tight and unconventional footprint, the kind of challenge that rewards thoughtful design.
We created a full custom build that maximised every millimetre. The interior features a complete Western Red Cedar lining, paired with two-tier benching and a refined fanned corner that softens the room and improves seating flow. A well-positioned window allows natural light in and gives users a view outward, opening up what was once a closed-in area.
The exterior is finished in James Hardie Axon cladding, chosen for its clean architectural lines and durability. A custom entry door, spotted gum flooring, and fully integrated roofing and plumbing that ties into the home’s system, ensuring the sauna sits naturally within the property’s layout.
Lighting is fully integrated with LED strips behind the backrest and under both benches, creating a warm, ambient glow throughout the interior. Heating is delivered by a HUUM Drop 9 kW unit, offering a traditional sauna experience with modern control through the home’s Wi-Fi system.
Despite the compact urban site, the finished result feels open, considered, and perfectly suited to the lifestyle of the home. With the pool nearby, the sauna has become a seamless extension of the outdoor living area, a quiet retreat in the heart of a busy inner-city property.
