Project Overview.
This Torquay project demonstrates the power of intelligent design and advanced technology. By transforming a compact, underutilised indoor room into a high-performance wellness retreat, we proved that limited square footage is no barrier to luxury. The result is a dedicated sanctuary that rivals commercial spas in both climate quality and aesthetic finish.
The challenge here was spatial. The brief required a fully functional sauna within a tight indoor footprint. In compact spaces, standard heating can often feel harsh or uneven. To counter this, our design approach focused on maximising the sense of space and air quality.
We utilised clean, vertical timber detailing to visually heighten the room, and installed a frameless glass frontage to connect the sauna with the adjacent bathroom, preventing the space from feeling enclosed. The materials palette was kept minimal and light, amplifying the “retreat” atmosphere and ensuring the room feels airy and calm, despite its modest dimensions.
The defining element of this build is the Saunum Spa Session heater. This is not just a heat source; it is a climate-controlling device.
In smaller rooms, heat “stratification” (where heat rises, leaving the floor cold and the ceiling scorching) is a common issue. The Saunum system solves this with its patented air-blending technology. It draws hot air from near the ceiling, mixes it with cooler air from the floor, and recirculates a perfectly even, oxygen-rich heat throughout the cabin. It also produces a notably soft, rich steam (“leil”) that makes breathing easier, allowing for longer, more comfortable sessions.
This project brings the “day spa” experience directly into the home. By integrating such advanced heating technology, the owners can enjoy a professional-grade sweat regardless of the coastal weather outside. It is an intimate, high-performance escape that offers immediate disconnection from the daily grind, turning a spare corner of the house into its most valuable asset.
