Incredible sauna renovation! Anu and Robert’s dilapidated sauna became a dreamy retreat
This decades-old yet diligently used sauna got an update with the intent to preserve its original charm. The modern renovation was inspired by rattan lounge chairs.
The starting point
Robert and Anu Hole’s dream of owning a log house came true when they found a run-down house on a picturesque property. There was also a sauna on the plot, built around the same time as the main house in the early 1900s. From the beginning, the couple knew they didn’t want a sauna inside the house. Their goal was to restore the old outdoor sauna to usable condition as soon as possible.
Here’s how the sauna looked before the transformation:
The renovation stages
The log frame of the sauna had deteriorated. Only the door and windows, plus the fire wall and chimney, could be saved—the majority of the log frame had to be dismantled. The Holes wanted to preserve the traditional style of the building with only minor modernizations. The ceiling height was increased not only for aesthetic reasons but also to improve airiness and usability. The non-log walls were built from scratch using lumber, and the walls and ceiling were insulated.
The renovation under way:
In the second phase of the renovation, the changing room was expanded. At the same time, the family tiled the concrete floor and darkened the ceiling and paneled walls.
About ten years later, the sauna got its third update. This round of renovations was inspired by rattan chairs, which Anu, being an interior designer, was enthusiastic about using in the sauna. The benches were dismantled and given a new life as a barn floor. The residents built new, terrace-like benches from Finnish black alder planks. During the renovation, the wall panels were also renewed and finished with a protective treatment.
The old stove was still usable, so it was sanded and painted black. The concrete base under the stove had crumbled due to heat, so it was repaired and treated with Teknos Teknofloor paint to make it durable.
The end result
The Holes are satisfied with the result. The renovated sauna cottage is beautiful, nostalgic, and still exudes the atmosphere of old times. Anu wanted timelessness, old Finnish design, and history in the sauna’s interior, and the ambiance is indeed cozy. The comfortable room can even be used for overnight stays when needed.
The sauna room is decorated with lovingly collected Kalevala plates, old splint baskets, and fishing net weights covered with birch bark.
In hindsight: Anu and Robert’s renovation tips
1. “Prepare for surprises. The wear and tear of the structures became apparent only after the benches were removed. The concrete base of the stove had crumbled from the heat and needed to be fixed, which wasn’t accounted for in the work or budget. So make sure to leave some wiggle room in both.”
2. “It’s worth investing in quality materials. Finnish black alder is an expensive bench material but definitely a good investment.”
3. “Prioritize your purchases. What do you want to invest the most money in? You don’t have to buy everything new. Explore demolition material flea markets, dumpster diving groups, and recycling centers. Compare prices.”
4. “Salvage and reuse as much as possible. If, for example, the stove still works well, don’t replace it. You can refurbish it by painting it.”
5. “Rattan is a good material in a sauna that is heated with firewood and that heats up and cools down slowly. It’s nice to bask in the warmth and steam in a chair.”
