We’ve seen a steady shift towards all-things-wellness with our projects over the past 4-5 years. Saunas, cold plunges, yoga studios, home gyms, and other spaces designed to support the healthy lifestyles of our clients.
A sauna is an age-old means of rejuvenation, rest, and even socialization, especially in Scandinavian cultures. It’s high time it becomes a staple in American culture as well. But does it need to be a traditional sauna? Do infrared saunas offer more benefits? Both offer distinct experiences, design requirements, and benefits, making the decision less about “better or worse” and more about lifestyle and preference.
The Heat Experience
Traditional saunas rely on heated rocks and steam, with temperatures typically reaching 160–200°F. The heat warms the air first, which then warms your body, creating the familiar deep, enveloping warmth associated with Nordic sauna rituals.
Infrared saunas, by contrast, use light waves to heat the body directly, often at lower air temperatures ranging from 110–140°F. The effect is more gradual and targeted, allowing longer sessions with less of the intense, stifling heat.
Health & Wellness Benefits
Both sauna types promote circulation, relaxation, and detoxification through sweat. Traditional saunas are prized for cardiovascular benefits and the ritual of alternating between hot and cold exposure. Infrared saunas are often associated with muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and an accessible experience for those who find extreme heat overwhelming.
Design Considerations
From a design perspective, traditional saunas often require more space, insulation, and ventilation. They are best suited for homeowners who want the ritualistic element of steam, ladling water over hot stones, and even pairing the sauna with a cold plunge.
Infrared saunas are typically easier to integrate into smaller spaces. They often come as prefabricated units that can be installed with minimal remodeling and lower energy demands. For urban dwellers or those building wellness features into secondary spaces, like a basement gym or guest suite, infrared can be a practical solution.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between the two comes down to how you envision using your sauna. If you’re seeking a time-honored, immersive experience with higher heat and steam, traditional is the clear choice. If you want a gentler, efficient option that complements modern routines and can be integrated into tighter floor plans, infrared might be the better fit.
Custom Home Design in Main Line, Pennsylvania
Your ideal home supports the healthiest version of you. Designing a home sauna
is about what you are looking to get out of it, whether that’s a discreet space or something more akin to the Nordic saunas of old.
At DesignHOME Studios we distill the complexities of creating incredible homes, on-budget and on-schedule for each of our valued clients. We love coming to understand the lifestyles & preferences of our clients, and translating that into a magazine-level home.
Schedule a private consultation today to bring your vision to life.