Want peace of mind? This small, hot room could be the answer

In northern Europe, it’s an experience to be enjoyed with friends, in the spirit of Aufguss. In the United States, it has become popular among Silicon Valley executives as a networking alternative to going out to a bar after work. In Australia, people more often prefer to do it alone, in the privacy of their own home.

The tradition of sauna bathing, or saunaing, has taken a firm hold in Australia as a growing number of homeowners specify it in renovation plans. While the practice of Aufguss (“infusion” in German) is usually a group activity that can include waving towels, music and even flashing lights in the sauna, Australians are less interested in the social aspect and more concerned with peace of mind. And it is men more than women showing an interest, says Sydney architect Peter Ahern.

Alek Djokovic installed a sauna in his basement. He uses it several times a week to manage stress.Credit: Dean Sewell

“We are seeing a lot more people saunaing. We have a number of clients who are looking to put them in and retrofitting any home of a certain level,” he says. “Interest in installing a sauna is more from the man in the relationship who wants it from a fitness standpoint.”

Although some have been incorporated as part of larger home wellness environments, most still have the look and feel of a traditional Scandinavian sauna, complete with birch timber benches and heating, either with traditional stones or infrared.

Alek Djokovic decided to install a sauna in the basement of his home in Little Bay simply for the convenience.

“When I was designing the house, it was a bit stressful at work and sauna really helped me with stress relief. I was doing it quite often. I was going out to gyms and paying for a visit at a recovery centre so [installing one at home meant] I could use it more often.”

Architect Peter Ahern designed this space as part of a larger “wellness space” for his client, Alek Djokovic.Credit: Tim Pascoe

While Djokovic says he has encouraged family and friends to use it, the sauna is mostly his private space to unwind. He says he sets the temperature to 80C and spends 20 minutes in the sauna at a time, sometimes alternating with a dip in the pool.

“We have a little baby so we have a night-time routine. I spend some time with my wife and little one and then I have an hour before I go to sleep. I heat up the sauna and put on a podcast and it’s my downtime.”

Ahern says Djokovic is typical of clients who are saunaing so often that it makes sense to include one in their renovation plans.

“Most of the clients looking at it are in their late 30s to early 50s and they’re men,” he says. “They love the health benefits and the relaxing feeling it brings.”

This architect-designed wellness space in Victoria includes a jacuzzi and sauna. Credit: Davidov Architects

While saunas are often promoted for their ability to assist muscle recovery, Brisbane-based GP Dr Joy Hussain says the most common reported benefit is improved mental health. Hussain did her PhD at RMIT on the health effects of sauna bathing and says research into the impacts of the activity has barely scratched the surface.

“Five years ago I conducted a global sauna survey, with most respondents coming from Finland, Australia and the US. There were over 700 respondents and 100 per cent of them reported that they use it for stress relief,” she says. “Saunas come under sports science but mental health is a huge reason why people are doing it. In my survey those who more regularly sauna bathe had higher mental health scores.”

Stress evaporates in Alek Djokovic’s sauna. Credit: Dean Sewell

She says the optimum length of time and temperature in the sauna is different for everyone, but three or four sessions a week seems to be the “sweet spot”. Standard temperature settings are between 80C and 100C, although Hussain says those with underlying conditions may need to adjust to a lower setting.

While sauna bathing has been linked to improvements in conditions such as cardiovascular health and managing chronic pain and autoimmune diseases, the data is inconclusive. Hussain says more research is needed, particularly on implications for female reproductive health.

“Most of the sauna research is done on men,” she says.

For those considering installing a hot box at home, prices vary widely, starting at around $2000 for a two-person sauna, including infrared heating units, toughened glass doors and timber seating and lining. While smaller units may be marketed as DIY products, saunas have specific electrical specifications which usually require a licensed electrician.

Given the amount of steam generated, ventilation is a key consideration. Where a freestanding outdoor sauna is preferable, council approvals may be required. For something bespoke with traditional stone heating and room for six to eight people, Ahern says costs can be above $16,000.

“It’s that real sense of luxury and self care,” he says.

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