New Heartwood home: A foundation for the future

Earlier this year, we relocated from our original workshop in the hills of the Dyfi Valley to our purpose-built sauna-making site a few miles away in the village of Glantwymyn, near our home town of Machynlleth.

The move marked a milestone that had been years in the making and will enable us to meet the growing demand for outdoor saunas and wellness facilities.

Below, Heartwood Saunas founder and director, Olly Davey, shares in his own words the story of our journey to a new home and how it will guide Heartwood Saunas into the future.

Time for change

It first became clear to me that we needed more space in the workshop as far back as 2021. When I started the company in 2018 it was just me, but we experienced rapid growth in those first years, with demand for our outdoor saunas outpacing our production capacity. With a constant stream of new orders resulting in longer lead times, I had to quickly expand the team, employing talented, local craftspeople to work with me to make more saunas, without compromising on quality. During those early years, I recognised that if we wanted to keep expanding as a company, we would need a new workshop to support that growth. 

Finding the right location took time. I went to see several potential sites looking for a place that would enable us to develop in line with my vision for the company and allow us to create the perfect workshop for the team. The quickest and easiest option would’ve been to take on a unit at an existing industrial estate, but that was never a route I wanted to go down. I was seeking a setting that reflected the company's values, visibly represented what we stand for, and kept us connected to the natural world.

Shaping the Vision

From the outset, I wanted the sauna workshop to match the ambition and quality of the saunas we build. Our new home is spacious, light-filled, and purpose-built for our needs, making it feel very much like Heartwood. Ancient trees surround the workshop, and with the river Twymyn running alongside, it’s a place that grounds us and our work in the landscape that inspires us.

Throughout the design and planning process, Arta, our in-house architect and designer and I, aimed to ensure that the space would offer us ample flexibility and enable us to improve efficiency across the board, giving us the scope to adapt to accommodate a range of projects - from our signature saunas for private homes and gardens, to larger bespoke and commercial projects. I wanted the space to inspire us and for us to feel immersed in the brand, so that as a team, we could continually push the boundaries of sauna design. As a result, in addition to a large workshop area, there is also a dedicated research and development space, providing us with room to explore new concepts and to test out new materials, ensuring we continue to build saunas in the most energy-efficient and sustainable way possible.

Building for the Future

As a Welsh sauna company, we’re committed to keeping our production in our home town which allows us to contribute to the region’s economy and create new job opportunities for talented local craftspeople. The larger office space located on the mezzanine floor also allows us to grow our head office functions as needed - from customer service, design and marketing to finance and HR, supporting the delivery of more saunas to clients across the UK and internationally. While the headcount continues to grow, we remain a small, dedicated team that thinks locally and acts globally.

Future plans also include developing the external area of the workshop for visitors and clients, creating the opportunity to experience both electric and wood-fired Heartwood Saunas, here at our new workshop. Working with garden designer and RHS Young Designer of the Year winner, Luke Coleman, we’ll be creating a biodiverse, landscaped wellbeing space that speaks of our heritage, our location and our values.

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If you have any questions about our saunas and would like to speak to a member of the team, please complete our Contact Form and we’ll be in touch.

Olly.

What makes a Heartwood Sauna? Insights from the team that crafts them

02/04/2025

In our workshop, on the outskirts of the historic market town of Machynlleth, in the foothills of the Eryri National Park, our team builds each sauna by hand with a passion and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.

We spoke to some of our carpenters and designers to learn more about what goes into making a Heartwood Sauna, from the materials used to the knowledge and expertise each individual brings to the process.

Arta - Designer & Carpenter

Robin - Workshop Manager & Lead Carpenter

Frew - Workshop Supervisor

Tell us a little about what you did before you joined Heartwood and how it has shaped your role here.

Robin: Before joining Heartwood Saunas, I worked in various roles, and each has contributed to my knowledge and skill set, supporting what I do at Heartwood. Perhaps the most notable of those roles, which continues to inform my work here at Heartwood, was training as a tree surgeon, which meant I learnt about different tree varieties and their characteristics. From there, I went on to work in a sawmill, which means I have also seen first-hand the entire process wood goes through before it becomes a material we can use to craft saunas. I’ve been a sauna user and advocate for many years and, throughout several summers, managed the build of a travelling festival sauna at events across the country, so I came to Heartwood with a strong understanding of saunas and sauna bathing.

Frew: Outdoor work and roles that keep me connected to nature have always appealed to me. I worked on a dairy farm, then moved into more hands-on, creative jobs. I started out as a builder, then moved into carpentry, learning new skills along the way. Being self-employed for many years helped prepare me for the supervisor role I now have here at Heartwood as I learnt how to manage my time, manage projects and source the right materials for each job.

Arta: I trained as an architect and spent many years, post-qualification, working for an architect’s studio in London, where I gained experience across a range of projects and clients. I left London just before lockdown to travel around Europe to volunteer in eco-communities and learn about natural buildings. While travelling, I was drawing and sketching and exhibited some of my work at galleries across Europe before I eventually found myself in the rugged landscape of Mid-Wales. I’m originally from Latvia, where sauna bathing is just part of the culture, so when I saw an opportunity to work for Heartwood Saunas, where I could combine my knowledge of saunas with my architectural background, I knew it was the kind of opportunity I’d been searching for as I also wanted to learn more about building and carpentry. I now divide my time between office-based design work and the workshop. Each role informs the other, giving me a much deeper understanding of crafting a sauna.

What is the most enjoyable and satisfying part of your job?

Robin: As workshop manager, much of my time is spent overseeing the team and managing the workshop production schedule. When I first started, I was doing much more carpentry, but the team has grown a lot in the last few years, and these days, a big part of my job is to support the team, offer guidance, and ensure each project is progressing smoothly. I enjoy training the team, encouraging their development, and working with the wider management team to support the company's growth and ensure we’re as sustainable as possible across each aspect of the business. When I do get to work on the builds myself, I enjoy being in the flow of the work and just focusing on the task at hand with no distractions. I also still enjoy that last walkaround we do on a sauna to check it’s all perfect before it’s wrapped, loaded and delivered to its new home. At that moment, you see the sauna as a whole, not just as the sum of its material parts. Looking at what we’ve created as a team is always rewarding.

Frew: I love that feeling of flow when working with wood and the joy of crafting something beautiful with my hands. I’m also driven to produce the best work I can and especially enjoy that moment at the end of a project when we can look at the end result and all the work that’s gone into making a sauna and feel proud of the achievement.

Arta: Our founder, Olly, is committed to ensuring we produce the very best work in all that we do and has an incredibly optimistic attitude, which means we, as a team, approach everything with the belief that we can find a solution to any problem or issue that comes up. It’s beautiful to work as part of a team and feel like nothing is impossible when we put our heads together. This attitude resonates across the company and has also crossed over into my personal life, helping me develop a resilient and positive attitude to any challenge.

Why is the choice of material so important in sauna making?

Frew: The choice of material—in our case, wood and different types of wood—is really important as it influences the feel of the sauna. Material choice affects how smooth things are to the touch, how hot they become in the sauna, how visually elegant they are and how they express that dance between softness and strength.

Arta: As an architect, picking the right materials is essential to bringing the design to life. Selecting the right wood for the different parts of the build is as critical as ensuring correct spacing and ventilation within the sauna. Each element and material must be chosen carefully for a small space like a sauna, which has to withstand huge temperature variations. There is much less scope for flexibility in a smaller structure like a sauna than with a bigger building, which means each decision is critical to the space working effectively. Material decisions are also fundamental to ensuring we produce saunas in the most sustainable way possible to ensure longevity and minimise waste.

Robin: The material used needs to perform well in a sauna environment. It has to be functional, durable and able to tolerate both the sauna's heat, as well as changing external weather conditions and temperatures. As a company committed to making saunas that minimise our impact on the planet and the environment, we question each component's provenance and carbon footprint. That means, as far as possible, working with suppliers who align with our principles and who themselves are as sustainable and environmentally conscious as we are. When it comes to wood, the biggest resource used in sauna making, we never compromise on quality or provenance and always ensure that the wood we use comes from well-managed, sustainable forests in the UK. Where we spend our money can have such an impact, which is why, in our saunas, every element is the best version of itself - that’s what makes them so special.

What is it you love about working with wood?

Arta: Wood is beautiful and versatile. It’s an environmentally friendly resource that is used and will eventually decompose, returning to the ground. It’s also easy and fun to work with - and it smells good! You also don’t need that many tools to work with wood, so there is beauty in the simplicity of the work. Since coming to Heartwood, learning about wood has helped shape my design work, giving me a better understanding of the material and how it works in a build.

Frew: When you work with wood and start to understand its ways, you realise you can make it into any shape you want as it’s a beautifully malleable material. It feels ready to become something! I look at the grain and the structure of the wood, imagining how it might warp or change over time and where its place in a project might be.

Robin: I love the fact that wood is a natural resource that can grow abundantly and sustainably. When you work with it as a material and look more closely at each piece of timber, you start to observe the characteristics of each tree and how individual they all are. You also see all the things it could be and its potential. On a more practical level, I like looking at its structure and working out how any flaw, weak point or knot might impact the integrity of the sauna. If that means it’s not suited for the original function I had in mind, then I’ll start looking at where else it could be used - there are always so many possibilities.

Arta, as our in-house designer, can you tell us the three main design principles you consider when designing a sauna?

Arta: Firstly, everything has to be correct. It’s important to ensure you’ve thought about how it all comes together, how the materials interact, how water moves, and what will happen with the condensation. This is often down to the physics of the material and understanding how the material will respond to the sauna environment—what the heat will do, how the outdoor temperature will affect the material. This is a challenge in a small space like a sauna—the scale makes it harder.

Secondly, it’s essential to be meticulous about the sauna's layout and flow. Everything needs to work together—the distance to the stove, the door positioning, the seating height, etc. Having a well-planned floor plan for the sauna is non-negotiable.

Finally, as we’ve discussed, it’s about choosing the right material for the job.

What do you think makes a Heartwood Sauna so special?

Robin: The company is built on the values of Olly, the founder of the business, and those values still resonate through all that we do in the company every day. His goal was to elevate the outdoor sauna experience and create beautiful spaces that connect us, as humans, to each other and to the natural world. Olly’s no-compromise approach and unwavering commitment to making beautiful saunas means we always strive to create the most flawless saunas possible. You can trust that the quality is there all the way through a Heartwood Sauna - nothing is even a mm out of place, and in carpenter speak, each sauna is square to a tolerance that hardly anyone would expect to achieve. As a company, we’re committed to continuous progress and improvement in everything we do. Our designs and builds are always evolving, helping us stay at the forefront of outdoor sauna production here in the UK.

Arta: They’re beautiful! And they have been built to last a long time. Each sauna is made with dedication, and much care has been put into every step of the journey. They are saunas built for people, by people, in a positive, sustainable work environment.

What do you want customers to feel or experience when they take ownership of their Heartwood Sauna?

Arta: We want the client to have the most relaxing and enjoyable sauna experience possible. They should be able to relax fully, not see anything out of place, and have no visual or practical snags or imperfections that might draw the eye and disrupt the experience. For me, it’s also important that they have a sauna that’s easy to use and care for, which blends seamlessly into their lives and will continue to bring them joy for many years.

Robin: I want them to experience their sauna as a sanctuary, a quiet space to be enjoyed regularly. My hope for our clients is that stepping into their Heartwood sauna becomes the highlight of their day.

Electric or wood-fired: choosing the right heat source

Deciding whether to opt for a wood-fired or an electric stove is often one of the first things to consider when it comes to the design and usability of your sauna. While the final choice usually comes down to either a clear personal preference or is driven by obvious practical considerations, there are some key factors to consider that will likely influence the decision-making process. In this article, we’ve explored some of the key distinctions between wood-fired and electric saunas and asked some of the Heartwood Saunas team to share insights to help clarify the benefits of both options.

Start with the why

While delving into the differences between an electrically heated sauna and a wood-fired sauna is often an essential part of the research phase, you can also be guided in the right direction by first considering your sauna ‘why’. If the primary intention is to spend more time immersed in nature and to benefit from the sensory rewards of being outdoors and physically connecting to the elements through collecting and preparing kindling and logs, then a wood-fired sauna would likely be the right choice. Alternatively, if your intention is to maximise opportunities to use the sauna and reap the health benefits of sauna bathing on a regular or daily basis, then the convenience and speed of an electric sauna may be a better option.

Finding clarity on what is most important to you and understanding what is driving the purchase of a sauna early on in the decision-making process can usually make it easier to choose which heat source is most suitable. Knowing the ‘why’ can also guide the wider design consultation by ensuring choices are always rooted in the original intention for the sauna, which means it’s more likely to be enjoyed consistently over the long term.

“If our clients are ever in doubt as to which stove to choose, my advice is to go with the one that will help them to use the sauna on a regular basis”, Olly, founder.

Onnen sauna fitted with a 9kw HUUM electric stove

Aire + sauna fitted with a wood-fired 17kw HUUM stove, Scotland

Wood-Fired

A wood-fired stove is certainly the more traditional choice of heat source and has been central to sauna culture for centuries. Choosing a wood-fired stove connects you to this lineage, invites a slowing down and offers a more intimate connection with nature through the primitive ritual of sourcing wood then building and maintaining the fire. Requiring no power supply, wood-fired saunas are also 'off-grid' and, as such, offer greater flexibility for less accessible or rural locations, which can also create a more adventurous dimension to the sauna experience.

For those who choose a wood-fired option, the ceremony of preparing the fire and heating the sauna manually, tweaking and adjusting the heat to get it just right, adds to the more profound, meditative practice of sauna bathing. The tactile aspect of handling the organic texture of the wood and the resulting ambience conjured up by the smoke and the visuals of the flames helps the mind disconnect from the busyness and ‘always-on’ headspace we largely operate from in our daily lives.

While wood-fired saunas score highly on a more sensory level and offer a direct shot of nature, on a practical level, there are a few things to consider with wood-fired stoves.

Location is key. A remote sauna setting may predicate a wood-burning stove due to an absence of a power source, however, if the sauna is being situated in a private garden, it may be necessary to consider neighbouring properties or other practical factors which might prohibit the use of a wood-fired stove. If installing a sauna in an urban area, for example, DEFRA regulations in the UK relating to smoke control may need to be reviewed and considered. A first step to finding out what’s possible would be to look at the DEFRA Smoke Control Area Interactive Map (defra.gov.uk) to understand what the local rules are in your area.

While for some, the additional time and preparation implicit in the heating up of a wood-fired sauna is an integral part of the experience, it’s worth considering whether it’s possible to sustain this level of time investment and whether, in the long term, this might impact on the regularity with which the sauna is used.

“Wood-fired saunas require a bit more forward planning if you want to get the best from the experience. Gathering the firewood and building up the fire to get it to temperature takes time. A really large sauna such as the Arden will take approximately 90 minutes and the more compact Vapor will heat up in 75 minutes, so this needs to be factored in to the decision making process.” Robin, workshop manager.

When it comes to running costs of a wood-fired sauna, this will depend on where the wood is sourced. In order to ensure maximum efficiency and protect the long term health of the sauna and stove, be sure to source the best quality wood which is either well-seasoned or has been kiln-dried.

“The ceremony of preparing the fire and heating the sauna manually, tweaking and adjusting the heat to get it just right, adds to the deeper, meditative practice of sauna bathing.”

Wood-fired sauna in an Arden V

Electric

With digital heating controls that can be set remotely by an app, an electrically heated sauna can integrate more seamlessly into the fabric of contemporary life. The clear key advantage of an electric stove is the convenience and ease of heating up the space, supporting regular usage of the sauna.

“When guiding our clients on the decision to go electric or wood-fired, we’ll discuss how and when they intend to use the sauna. The HUUM electric stoves used in our saunas can be pre-set to be heated to temperature by a certain time, meaning your sauna can be ready to step into as soon as you arrive home from work. Ultimately, it’s about what feels right for each individual, but certainly from a convenience perspective, an electric sauna is less labour and time intensive.” Kam, Operations Manager.

In addition to the efficiency of an electric sauna, there are other advantages, including the fact that they are low-maintenance and easier to keep clean. There is also a subtle difference in the steam created by the electric stove, thanks to the greater stone capacity which yields a gentle, long-lasting steam.

When it comes to the location of your electric sauna, the main factor to consider is access to a power supply and how this would reach the sauna.

The cost of heating an electric sauna will be influenced by the current cost of electricity and your chosen provider, but as a guide, the unit costs for electricity multiplied by the kW output of the stove (for example 12kW in an Aire+) would give an idea of the cost per kW hour. An electric sauna can also be an environmentally responsible choice when paired with an energy supplier that sources power exclusively from renewables.

HUUM 15kw ‘Hive’ electric stove

HUUM 9kw ‘Drop’ electric stove

A personal choice

Remaining true to your original vision and intentions of how you’d like to use your sauna, will ultimately guide you to make the right decision. It can also be helpful to remember that whether you choose an electrically heated stove or a wood-fired stove, the wider health benefits of a sauna are the same and regardless of the heating element, the real joy comes from having access to a space dedicated to relaxation and well-being.

“It can be easy to get caught up in analysing the benefits of one heating source over the other. The team here is really familiar with helping clients navigate this choice and are always on hand to guide and advise on optimising your sauna design, whichever heating route you choose to go down." Olly, founder.

For more information on the HUUM stoves used as standard in our saunas you can visit HUUM sauna heaters and sauna controllers – HUUM.

You’ll also find the available heating options for each of our pre-designed saunas on their website pages.

Waterscaping: A guide to Natural Swimming Pools

Natural swimming pools, or ‘swimming ponds’, are increasingly sought as an organic and ecologically conscious alternative to traditional swimming pools. These inviting aquatic features can transform gardens into tranquil oases that promote outdoor wellness and enhance biodiversity.

After working on some recent outdoor sauna projects with integrated natural water features, we feel that natural pools and swimming ponds provide the ultimate counterpart to outdoor saunas. So, we decided to find out more from some of the UK’s experts…

Swimming Pond at Brandon Parkes, Hampshire by Gartenart

What is a swimming pond?

Swimming ponds, or natural swimming pools, combine the aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits of a pond with the functionality of a traditional swimming pool. While the terms ‘swimming pond’ and ‘natural swimming pool’ are sometimes used interchangeably, usually the former refers to a more naturalistic water feature with organic basin materials like clay or gravel, whereas the latter typically involves a more structured design with a concrete basin. Unlike conventional pools that rely on chemicals for water purification, natural swimming pools use aquatic plants and biological filtration systems to maintain clear and hygienic water. This creates a natural and harmonious swimming experience akin to wild swimming in a mountain lake. As a leading swimming pond provider, Gartenart, explains,

“Clear, clean water is the naturally occurring state in low-nutrient ponds and lakes if the body of water is large and deep enough. Swimming ponds are purposely built to emulate this state and are a prime example of how we can harness nature's intelligence effectively. A conventional swimming pool uses chemicals to kill microorganisms in the water, such as phytoplankton and bacteria. However, this isn’t necessary in a natural pool where the cleaning work is carried out by micro-organisms which exist together in equilibrium. This is the basic principle of a swimming pond - to use the natural purifying properties of plants and micro-organisms to sustain clean, clear and healthy water.” - Gartenart

Achieving crystal clear, clean water isn’t always only up to micro-organisms - submerged pumps and careful marginal planting are also often a key part of the science of swimming ponds. Hannah from award-swimming Swimming Pond creators, Ellicar, explains,

"A natural pool or swimming pond is a swimming pool that's filtered and purified hydrobotanically by water plants and a biological filtration system. That means clear, hygienic, living water without the need for chemicals. Native aquatic plants grow in the pool’s regeneration zones, absorbing nutrients and helping keep the water balanced and the algae at bay. Ultra-quiet, submerged pumps and a hidden hydraulic system circulate the water through the filters without the need for a plant room. The result is a balanced, natural-looking pool with water that feels like wild swimming in a mountain lake: soft, sparkling and rejuvenating." - Hannah, Ellicar

Natural Swimming Pool in Southwell by Ellicar

Health and Environmental Benefits

With natural swimming pools, it is possible to accomplish the best of both worlds—enhancing personal health and supporting wildlife biodiversity. Over the last two decades, the UK has experienced a resurgence in wild swimming, influenced by a growing desire to reconnect with nature and the evocative narratives found in literature such as Roger Deakin's seminal book ‘Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain.’ This movement has inspired many to bring the ethos of wild swimming into their gardens with natural swimming pools that offer a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike.

Although the deep part of the pool is generally reserved for human enjoyment, the carefully planted edges of the pond can support a host of wildlife, from pollinators to amphibians and birds.

"Wildlife starts to appear almost immediately after the pool is filled and the regeneration zone is planted. Diving beetles, pond skaters, and dragonflies are often the first to arrive, sometimes even while the pool is still under construction! Over time, our pools become thriving ecosystems. Within just a couple of years, you’ll find swallows dipping, dragonflies, newts and underwater pond life tucked away in the planted areas. Around the water's edge, you'll see pollinators, birds bathing and bats in the evenings. Giving a home to an abundance of wildlife, a natural swimming pool plays a vital part in protecting our planet and taking care of your health and wellness, naturally." - Hannah, Ellicar

Complementing this view, Gartenart underscores the personal wellness benefits of swimming in natural water.

"Swimming in natural water can have a calming and restorative effect on mental health, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It's excellent for physical exercise, enhancing cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall fitness." - Gartenart

In addition to increasing biodiversity by providing habitat, natural swimming pools are also much better for the environment compared to traditional pools as they eliminate the need for harmful chemicals (and the risk of chemical runoff into surrounding areas) and mitigate the considerable energy consumption associated with conventional pool maintenance.

Natural Swimming Pool in Lincolnshire by Ellicar

“Giving a home to an abundance of wildlife, a natural swimming pool plays a vital part in protecting our planet
and taking care of your health and wellness, naturally.”

— Hannah, Ellicar

Design and Construction

Although they may, in some cases, look simply like a large garden pond, there is a significant amount of technical design behind creating consistently healthy, chemical-free, naturally balanced clean water; as Hannah from Ellicar explains,

"We size our biological filtration systems to work with the volume of water and the number of swimmers per day in our pools, making the pipework, pumps, flow rates and water plants totally bespoke for each of our designs. If a pool’s filtration system has been designed incorrectly, it can lead to an imbalance in the water, which means the oxygenating plants don’t grow properly, and the ecosystem fails. And whilst natural pools require less maintenance than conventional chlorinated pools, if a pool has not been built to allow for an easy maintenance regime, it can lead to phosphorous overburden and hygienic water issues.” - Hannah, Ellicar

Ellicar began fifteen years ago with a personal project—a natural swimming pool in the founders' garden, following their training as water specialists with Austrian natural pool pioneers, Biotop. This initial venture sparked the creation of their company, which has since evolved into a renowned family business. The team brings a deep-rooted passion for natural pools and gardens to every project, reflecting their commitment to both family values and ecological integrity, and their process for creating a natural swimming pool is professional and meticulous, as Hannah explains,

“After an on-site consultation with our designer, Sarah, we start by drawing up concept plans so our clients can really visualise the design of their pool and/or garden. Once they are happy with the concept, we move to construction drawings, creating 3D designs for every aspect of the pool – from the reinforced concrete internal walls to the complex deck hatches that allow us to access the filter chambers for servicing. After this, we’re ready to get on site and start bringing our client’s dream outside space to life! Depending on the size and complexity of the project, this can take as little as six weeks, but often it takes around 10-15 weeks for full construction and installation of the pool." - Hannah, Ellicar

As well as designing entirely new swimming ponds, many swimming pond specialists also offer pond and lake conversions, such as Gartenart’s swimming pond at Brandon Parkes, Hampshire, pictured below (left) and at the top of this article.

“The client wanted to convert an existing pond which was built by the previous owner and was looking murky and not appealing as the rest of the garden. We usually check the existing elements of the garden before starting the design and in this case, we decided to keep a similar footprint of the existing pond, increasing the length slightly to create a link between the higher level and the lower level of the garden. We wanted to take advantage of the big slope nearby, initially with a slide, which has since been transformed into a rocky waterfall.” -Gartenart

Temperature is often a consideration for those new to the concept of natural swimming pools in the UK, however as Gartenart notes,

“We almost always find that once they are swimming in the pond, temperature is not the issue they thought it was beforehand.” - Gartenart

Garden Integration

Integrating a natural swimming pool seamlessly into the garden design is essential for creating a harmonious and immersive outdoor experience. By thoughtfully blending water features with the landscape, both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of the space are enhanced, allowing the entire garden to become a tranquil haven. This holistic approach ensures that the swimming area feels like a natural extension of its surroundings, maximising the enjoyment and connection with the environment for everyone who uses it.

“For Southwell, we were asked to create a natural swimming pool and naturalistic garden for our clients to relax and enjoy spending time at home with their family. We designed the garden around a small natural pool, with a swim zone 3m wide and 10m long. A beach at the shallow end is perfect for small children to access the pool and for stepping slowly into the water in the depths of winter. We incorporated our clients’ cabin at the far end of the pool. It opens onto a deck with the side patio creating a generous living space for sun loungers, BBQs and outdoor living adjacent to the water. The borders are full and brightly coloured, with plants reminiscent of our client’s childhood in Kenya mingled with grasses for a looser feel. Flowering perennials attract pollinators and are left standing through winter for seedheads for the wild birds.” - Hannah, Ellicar

Successfully integrating a natural swimming pool into a garden requires thoughtful consideration and imagination. Proper placement ensures the pool enhances the beauty of the landscape and effectively maintains water quality. Strategic positioning can prevent common issues such as leaf accumulation, insufficient sunlight, and contamination from runoff, all of which can significantly impact the pool’s ecological balance.

“Its important to locate a natural swimming pool to work with nature instead of against it! For instance, it is not advisable to place a pool too close to deciduous trees, as the leaf fall in autumn can cause huge issues if they clog the filter and burden the water with unwanted nutrients which causes an imbalance leading to algae. It’s also important to locate the pool somewhere it will get plenty of sun so it warms up nicely! Another key location factor is to never place a natural pool at the bottom of a sloped site, or anywhere it is at risk of being contaminated with surface water runoff, as this can hugely impact the water balance.” - Hannah, Ellicar

Besides integrating the swimming pool into its environment, it’s also important to consider the individuals who will be enjoying the space. By understanding their unique needs, preferences, and interests, a truly personalised environment can be created—one that resonates deeply and transforms the garden into a meaningful and celebrated part of life.

“To the side of the garden is a botanical medicinal border -our clients are both practitioners- this was great fun to research and plant. One of our favourite features is a tiny stream we designed to look like a Scottish burn, it sparkles down the hillside, through a scree garden of Scottish cobbles planted with aromatics and creeping thyme and disappears under the deck walkway into a hidden balance tank.” - Hannah, Ellicar

Sauna Symbiosis

Combining a natural swimming pool with an outdoor sauna is an increasingly popular choice, as the health benefits of both are complemented and enhanced by the other. Having a cool, natural body of water to dip into between sauna sessions—rather than heading indoors for a cold shower—allows for uninterrupted immersion in nature.

“Natural swimming pools and outdoor saunas are a match made in heaven! Outdoor living and wellness areas are becoming more and more popular with our clients. The use of cold plunge pools after a sauna has well-documented health benefits: releasing adrenaline and endorphins that can reduce stress levels, boost your metabolism, increase your blood flow, and boost your immune function. Anecdotally, a few of our clients swear by this ‘contrast therapy’ to improve their quality of sleep.” - Hannah, Ellicar

Considering the positioning of a natural swimming pool in relation to an outdoor sauna is crucial for optimising the overall wellness experience. A thoughtfully designed path connecting the pool and sauna creates a seamless transition between the two, promoting relaxation and maintaining a sense of connection to the natural surroundings.

“When designing a natural pool with a sauna, we think about the physical access that means our clients are able to safely plunge into the cold water and exit again easily and quickly—either a ladder for quick access to the ‘deep end’ or a shallow beach that slopes into the water so you can wade in and submerge yourself at will. But equally, we design the transition between the sauna and the pool to be a sensory experience in itself. Whether it is a mown path between wildflower meadow borders or a decked walkway with lighting and contemporary planting, we design the wellness space our clients will love and use for years to come.” — Hannah, Ellicar

It’s clear that beyond improving physical fitness, the combination of natural swimming ponds and outdoor saunas creates a holistic and rejuvenating outdoor wellness experience. This synergy is beautifully captured in the design of a recent project we collaborated on with water garden designer Calum Gordon (of aptly named ‘Splash Gordon’), pictured below. The serene view of the natural swimming pool from the sauna window plays a central role in the experience. As Calum notes,

“It’s the perfect combination! Swimming in general is very good for both mental and physical health, but actually just being by the water and looking at it is very calming—it’s nice to be able to look over the water from the sauna window. In winter especially, it’s so good to walk out of the sauna and into the pool.” — Calum, Splash Gordon

With careful consideration, both a natural swimming pool and an outdoor sauna can be expertly tailored to suit specific needs, creating an outdoor living space that reflects individual interests and lifestyle. Whether the goal is to establish a tranquil retreat, a space for cultivating fitness, or a vibrant social hub, each element can be customised to accommodate experience priorities, mobility requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Together, the swimming pond and outdoor sauna form a cohesive wellness environment that cultivates presence in the body and a connection to nature.

“It’s the perfect combination... In winter especially, it’s so good to walk out of the sauna and into the pool.”

— Calum, Splash Gordon

Natural Swimming Pool Specialists:

A Brush with Nature: Handcrafted Brushes for Sauna Sweeping

When we retreat to the sauna, we seek a feeling of serenity, presence and connection with nature. But beyond relaxing in the heat of a sauna session, it’s important to pay attention to how we engage with the space during it’s upkeep too, ensuring every interaction maintains its integrity as a place of tranquility and rejuvenation. This is what inspired us to collaborate with local maker Rosa Harradine to design hand brushes specifically for use in our saunas, and now available to purchase as part of our exclusive range of sauna accessories.

Beautifully handcrafted from natural materials, these hand brushes offer both efficacy and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the practical aspects of sauna upkeep and making sauna maintenance an enjoyable ritual.

Photography by Heather Birnie

Introducing Rosa Harradine

After graduating university in London with a music degree in 2015, Rosa Harradine sought to return to the countryside for a slower pace of life and connection to the natural world. This decision led her to the heart of the historic Welsh town of Carmarthen, where she discovered her passion for traditional craft.

“I originally started out with spoon carving, and I also did some basket making, and learned how to turn wooden bowls on a traditional pole lathe - but it was brush making that really stuck. I think craft is more beneficial than music to me in many ways, I find it more meditative. When I work with my hands I find I have time and space to be in the moment.”

Hidden behind an unassuming terrace, Rosa Harradine’s beautiful workshop feels like it exists outside of time. Previously occupied by a cabinet-maker, the workshop carries a rich history of craftsmanship and hand-making, now continuing its legacy with Rosa's artisanal creations.

“I came across this house for sale that had a really large workshop out the back. It had been on the market for a long time because no one wanted to do the renovation… Sometimes you just know when you walk into somewhere - it felt like it had the right energy for making. The renovation of the workshop was a lot - if I’m honest I was naive about the amount of work that would be involved, but I definitely learned a lot of new skills. We haven’t really started on the house yet! It’s funny what becomes important - my workshop is the nicest part of the property, but it’s also where I spend most of my time.”

Rosa started her business towards the end of 2021, and only a few months later, she was selected for Toast’s new makers program which really kick-started her brush making career. Her dedication to the craft and her unique approach quickly garnered attention, allowing her to establish a name within the artisanal community in Wales and beyond. Today, Rosa's brushes are known for their exceptional quality and beauty, combining traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. Her collaboration with Heartwood Saunas reflects a shared dedication to quality and a mutual appreciation for using beautifully crafted tools, transforming simple activities like cleaning into calm, grounding rituals.

“Using something that’s handmade changes everything about what you’re doing - it’s so much more enjoyable - and having natural materials in your hands is a much more tactile, pleasant experience.”

— Rosa Harradine

From Craft to Connection

Being a craftsperson, at its heart, is about more than just creating objects — it's about forging a bond between the maker, the material, and the user. Rosa Harradine’s approach to brush making exemplifies this philosophy.

“I think originally, I was inspired by practical things - things you can use every day and really enjoy, and I suppose I sort of had that feeling from my addiction to buying wooden spoons - I loved using them every day knowing the name of the person who’d made them - that real sense of connection with the craftsperson is so wonderful. I think the more you use something the more you can enjoy it and appreciate it, so I suppose I want people to get that experience from the things that i make.

But more recently I’ve been thinking about beauty as well - a number of people buy my work and don’t use it, instead they put it on a wall and admire it - and I used to not understand that as much but now I’m coming around to it - so I’m also inspired to make things that you could appreciate it in terms of its beauty as well as its functionality. I think people appreciate things in different ways, but certainly, I think using something that’s handmade changes everything about what you’re doing - it becomes so much more enjoyable, having natural materials in your hands, something so much more tactile, and miles more pleasant than interacting with a plastic brush and dustpan.”

This approach certainly resonates with Heartwood Saunas’ philosophy of integrating functionality with aesthetic value; as there’s a strong mutual focus on how thoughtful design features can enrich our experiences. Rosa Harradine’s work effortlessly balances practical use with a sense of beauty, adding a layer of depth and meaning to our interactions with would-be everyday objects.

“It’s always nice to work with other local businesses, and I love what Heartwood do. The saunas look beautiful, and I think my work fits in really well with Heartwood Saunas’ aesthetic. Functionality and beauty are clearly key to both of us. It was such a straightforward process working with Heartwood. I originally sent some samples of the different materialsto choose from, and I’m so glad the broomcorn was chosen because it’s my favourite and I think it’s the most effective material that I use. We decided together to use a dark colour cord for practical purposes!”

The Art of Brush-Making: Form and Function

Although certainly more striking than the average sweeping brush we come across in the UK, Rosa’s hand brooms resemble a traditional brush design seen across many brush making traditions across the globe, from Africa through Asia and the Americas.

“It’s not my design - that style of brush comes from lots of different places - Asia, Japan in particular, has a long history of brush making that’s kind of similar styles of brush to that, they’re also made in places in Africa. But I think I first came across the design online, when I found it I found it through North American brush and broom makers - it was a common shape of brush to make there - in North America, this style of brush is called a ‘Turkey Wing’ as it’s evocative of a Turkey’s wing. I just love how the fibre kind of splays out into that fan shape, there’s something about them that just feels really nice to hold in the hand and to use, they’re surprisingly light I think, and just really tactile.

I think the fanned-out shape at the bottom works really well because it’s very flat - it works more efficiently than a more rounded brush shape because it’s more agile. I use a brush just like this in my workshop pretty much every day, I just find it so effective at sweeping up all the mess that I make while I’m working!”

Besides the shape, the materials Rosa uses are also fundamental to the quality and performance of the brushes. For our bespoke brushes, Rosa uses broomcorn which is a type of Sorghum and traditionally a grain crop which is especially effective at picking up smaller pieces of dust and debris due to it’s wiggly, wispy ends where the seeds have been scraped away which are angled in different directions.

“I really like working with broomcorn because its the least processed material I work with, the most natural. I’ve got the long term goal of growing it myself - which would be amazing. I know there are some broom makers growing it in Northern France, which doesn’t feel too far away from here in terms of climate, and it’s also grown in parts of  Eastern Europe. I think it’s definitely worth a try - it used to be grown in the UK in the 16 and 1700s, but I think over time because it’s something that has to be harvested by hand it stopped being commercially viable. The cost of labour (I assume) wouldn’t make sense, which is why it’s only growing in a few places in Eastern Europe and Mexico now.”

Rosa’s approach to brush-making combines traditional techniques with her own practical methods.

“It’s pretty low-tech I suppose, which is nice, you don’t necessarily need any specialist tools or equipment. So I wrap the hemp thread around a rolling pin (or you could use a wooden dowel but that’s just what I tend to use!) and that goes underneath my feet, so my feet control the tension of the thread, and then I take the fibre and separate it out into separate bundles. I start off by wrapping the hemp thread around one of those bundles then adding another one, wrapping round them both, adding another one, pulling the thread from the rolling pin underneath my feet, keeping the tension really tight all the time.

Brush-making is a wonderful process to learn, but the people who attend my workshops are always surprised by how physically demanding it is. Once I’ve added in all the bundles then I keep wrapping to create that the handle shape before adding in the hanging strap, then I carefully trim the ends to finish it off.”

If you’re interested in learning more about brush making, Rosa runs short courses in Camarthenshire and further afield, you can find out more here.

“Brush-making is a wonderful process to learn, but the people who attend my workshops are always surprised by how physically demanding it is.”

Mindful Sauna Maintenance

The decision to commission handmade brushes was driven by a desire to enhance the overall sauna experience - to transform cleaning into a meaningful and enjoyable part of enjoying using the sauna. Maintaining an inviting and clean sauna space is essential for maximising the benefits of each session. It’s not just about hygiene; it’s about preserving the tranquility and rejuvenation that the sauna offers.

Using Rosa’s handcrafted brushes, carefully designed and handmade from natural materials, adds a tactile pleasure to the cleaning process, so that sweeping down the benches with with one becomes an engaged, mindful practice. This approach to sauna maintenance ensures that every interaction with the space upholds its integrity as a place of relaxation and retreat. We recommend brushing down the sauna benches and floor before each use, as the sauna begins to warm up, before gently scrubbing with diluted sauna soap.

From Forge To Fire: The Story of our Handcrafted Axe

Summer 2024 marks the culmination of a very special collaboration, as we unveil our hand-forged, precision-crafted axes, now available as part of our exclusive range of sauna and outdoor living accessories. Partnering with the exceptional blacksmith and outdoorsman, Joe Garnett, this winter we embarked on a journey to design and bring into being these unique, durable and extremely versatile axes that not only embody our commitment to quality but also stand as a testament to Joe’s remarkable craftsmanship.

Photography by Heather Birnie

Introducing Joe Garnett

Surrounded by woodland and in the midst of a working farm on the Devon-Somerset border, contemporary blacksmith, bladesmith and leatherworker Joe Garnett hand-forges high quality tools for use in the home and for adventures in the great outdoors. With a background in bushcraft and survival skills, Joe has a passion for creating exceptional, functional tools that are at one with an outdoor lifestyle.

“My background is actually in bushcraft and wilderness living skills - and that’s all about self-sufficiency, the idea is that you can go into the woods or an area of wilderness with a few tools and be able to not just slow down the rate at which you’re dying, but actually thrive.”

But as well as an outdoorsman, Joe has always been a maker too. Starting with leatherwork in his teens, then woodwork, he eventually found his way to general blacksmithing and toolmaking, which he began to practice over ten years ago.

“I’ve always been a maker - I definitely got that from my parents, and in bushcraft, you’re making things all the time as well. From working with leather and wood, it felt like a natural progression to move into blacksmithing - going from softer to harder materials. And it’s still essentially the same in that you can add or take away material, but what’s magic about metal work is that you can move material as well - you can change it’s shape and form.”

The earlier part of Joe’s metalwork journey took him into restoration and conservation blacksmithing, working on National Trust properties and and old buildings around Oxfordshire, before he pursued his personal interest in tool making and began working alongside like-minded blacksmiths, forging high quality knives, axes and kitchenware. Then, last winter, following the accumulation of his experience, Joe converted an old stable into his new workshop and founded Thorn Wood Forge. The forge specialises in hand-crafted premium tools, created from high-quality materials. Each unique product is designed for both beauty and functionality.

“I think artistry has got to be a part of the vision. Without it, you just end up making things that have already been made. My background in bushcraft helps me understand the real purpose of each tool - it's about creating something that truly fits its intended use. Introducing an artistic element is really important, especially with the woodwork of the handles. They’re personal, and need to look and feel good too.”

“I think artistry has got to be a part of the vision. Without it, you just end up making things that have already been made.”

— Joe Garnett

Form, Functionality and Philosophy

Joe takes his inspiration from the outdoors and his background in bushcraft and survival skills - which is why functionality is so important in his design and craft.

“Mainly I take inspiration from the outdoors - it’s my favourite place. There’s nothing that makes you want to make tools more than using them. The satisfaction of using something you have made is awesome.”

But as well as functionality, Joe has a passion for quality, which is clearly reflected both in his work and in the materials he chooses to work with. When it came to creating our axes, Joe worked closely with the Heartwood team to create a versatile axe that is comfortable, elegant and incredibly capable.

“It’s really great working with Heartwood Saunas because it’s a company with a similar ethos, especially in terms of focusing on quality and attention to detail. It’s not just about form, its about function as well, and combining the two; it seems that everything we do aligns really well in that way. Many blacksmiths may say ‘that’ll do’ or ‘good enough for a country job’ but our workshop motto is ‘do it properly’. If you’re going to do it, spend the time, do the research and make something that’s going to last.”

“Mainly I take inspiration from the outdoors - it’s my favourite place. There’s nothing that makes you want to make tools more than using them.”

— Joe Garnett

The Making Process

Each Forest axe is individually handmade by Joe in at the Thorn Wood Forge workshop in Hinton St George. The initial forging process starts with punching a hole through a block of EN9 steel with a fly press to create the ‘eye’. Then, a drift is hammered through the eye and the ‘cheeks’ of the axe head are drawn down. Once the eye is stretched, the blade of the axe is spread out, sweeping out from the eye to the cutting edge. The profile of the axe head is then refined using a grinder to sharpen up the lines, before it’s taken back to the forge to undergo what Joe calls ‘breaking the corners’ - running a hammer along all the edges to create the chamfer (sloped edge), a detail which gives the axe it’s distinctive polished look.

The axe head is then meticulously inspected to ensure quality, and that it is level and even, before it is stamped, and undergoes a four-stage heat treatment protocol to refine the grain structure of the steel, then harden and temper it. The axe head is then burnished, sharpened and buffered.

The ash handle is cut and shaped with an octagonal cross-section for grip, and the ‘kerf’ (slot) is cut in the top of the handle before the head is fitted to it tightly. Then, a kiln-dried walnut wedge is driven into the kerf which spreads out the top of the handle to fill the eye and secure the axe head in place.

A brass riveted tube is inserted into the hole at the base of the handle and a short leather lanyard attached for securely hanging the axe when it’s not in use. Then, the leather sheath is hand-cut, assembled, sewn and burnished.

Versatile, Practical, Intelligent Design

Although splitting firewood for a traditional wood-fired sauna session was our first priority for the functionality of our axes, Joe worked to create a design that could fulfil the potential wider demands of an outdoor lifestyle, but feel light, comfortable and easy to use for just about anyone.

“The poll section is quite useful if you ever need to bang in a wooden wedge, or you’re taking it camping with you and you need to bang in tent pegs, but it’s narrowed off slightly on this axe, so it’s a bit lighter weight, easier to put in a daysack if that’s relevant for you, or perhaps just easier to wield, if you’re young, if you’re old, if you’re strong or you’re not so strong, having a lighter weight is really quite useful.

The narrowness makes it really fast and it will bite into a wood really well. If the blade is too wide it will just bounce of a piece of wet or dense wood, so you need a narrower blade to bite into it, then that speed carries the axe through to split it. The handle is made of ash which is the traditional wood to use for axe handles in the UK. Ash is a wonderful, wonderful wood. It’s an incredible species and it’s so good for so many things.

Anywhere you’d want to use an axe, this axe will work. That’s what’s really nice about this pattern. You could use this for felling, snedding, splitting or carving. You could take this axe deep into the wilderness, have it as your only tool, and it would work. It’s just awesome.”

We quite agree - the whole Heartwood team has enjoyed test-driving the Forest axe for our wood-fired sauna sessions, and it seems to suit everyone - we simply can’t fault it.

“You could take this axe deep into the wilderness, have it as your only tool, and it would work.”

Photography by Heather Birnie

SUPPORTING OUR WOodlands: Sustainable British Timber

Although we use Welsh western red cedar for our external cladding, the premium knot-free cedar we previously used for our internal cladding and shingles came from mature forests in Canada that are hundreds, if not thousands of years old. This means that the trees' growth rings are closer together, producing exceptionally strong timber, ideal for withstanding the heat of a sauna. However, it also means that it takes hundreds of years to regrow these forests. Although they are certified as sustainable, as efforts are being made to regenerate the forest and preserve the invaluable wildlife habitat, the bottom line is that it is unavoidable that using these trees contributes to the destruction of rare ancient forests. This, as well as the carbon footprint of transporting the timber from Canada to the UK, has motivated us to seek more local, sustainable options that do not compromise on the durability and strength needed for quality sauna building.

Why the Switch?

Although we use Welsh western red cedar for our external cladding, the premium knot-free cedar we previously used for our internal cladding and shingles came from mature forests in Canada that are hundreds, if not thousands of years old. This means that the trees' growth rings are closer together, producing exceptionally strong timber, ideal for withstanding the heat of a sauna. However, it also means that it takes hundreds of years to regrow these forests, and although they are certified as sustainable, as efforts are being made to regenerate the forest and preserve the invaluable wildlife habitat, the bottom line is that it is unavoidable that using these trees contributes to the destruction of rare ancient forests. This, as well as the carbon footprint of transporting the timber from Canada to the UK, has motivated us to seek more local, sustainable options that do not compromise on the durability and strength needed for quality sauna building.

“If we can take timber that’s grows in 40 to 60 years, then give it the qualities of slow grown timber, ie. durability,
density, stability; it starts to make a lot of sense.”

— Tom Barnes

Thermally Modified Timber

Native British heat-treated woods are local fast-growing hardwoods transformed by thermal modification, a chemical-free process that reconfigures the cell structure of the wood by superheating it to 210°C. This natural method removes moisture, resin and other extractives, resulting in an extremely stable and durable rot-resistant material, ideal for standing up to the heat, water and steam of a sauna and certified to withstand the elements for 30 years. Thermally modified woods were first developed specifically for use in saunas in Northern Europe and are widely regarded as one of the best timbers for use in sauna building. Using local thermally modified wood reduces our dependence on old growth timber and its associated negative ecological impacts, and increases the demand for UK timber, supporting the regeneration of our local forests.

“There’s great examples around here of woodlands that are functioning well. So they’re producing timber, but they’re also hives of biodiversity, and beautitul places.”

— Tom Barnes

Norwegian Wood: The Tale of a Sylvan Sauna

Every year, Rich Anderson of Norwegian Wood sails between the fjords of Norway and the shores of Wales to share traditional building skills with local communities. This summer, we joined forces with Rich to create a unique sylvan sauna - A traditional ‘grindbygg’ log cabin; handcrafted by Rich and fully fitted by our expert sauna builders. We caught up with Rich to learn more about his nomadic lifestyle, and how natural building, teaching, sauna bathing and outdoor adventure come together to create a timeless philosophy for holistic health… And yes, the sauna is for sale.

The Magic of Sailing, Sustainable Building and a Seasonally Nomadic Life

Norwegian Wood is a sustainable building and education company with an ethos based on the principles of sustainability, accessibility and physical and mental health. Rich set up the company in 2022, with a mission to bridge vernacular building cultures between Norway and the UK and share practical skills and practices that enhance wellbeing. In doing this, Rich has forged a semi-nomadic lifestyle that also accommodates his passion for sailing - twice a year, he charts a course between Wales and Norway, teaching and learning in both countries.

This seasonal rhythm offers a variety of experience and opportunity, and it embodies a commitment to cross-cultural connection and sustainable living. But on a personal level, Rich’s bi-annual maritime adventure also provides much needed time to reflect and reconnect with the elements.

“I really connect with that deep magic of sailing, of being shunted along across the waves by the elements, nothing else pushing you forward… And there are those incredible moments when you anchor-up in an isolated cove in the north-west of Scotland, you step off the boat and you’re in the middle of wilderness - and you realise how lucky and privileged you are to be able to experience that.”

Bringing Natural Building to Sauna Culture

Rich’s occupation, natural building, emphasises the use of locally available, sustainable materials and techniques that work in harmony with the environment, with an aim to create structures that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable way of living. Traditional Grindbygg roundwood timber framing is a centuries-old craft that engages the body as well as the mind. It’s a rewarding physical, outdoor activity that requires teamwork, focus and resilience. As Rich explains, in many ways, this merges seamlessly with sauna culture, as part of a holistic approach to a happy, healthy lifestyle.

“Bringing log building to sauna culture makes a lot of sense to me. It’s part of a kind of holistic approach to living, where health is just part and parcel of what you do - it’s not something you go and check with a doctor every now and then. Instead you are surrounding yourself with people, materials and practices that all build and maintain health. So natural building is part of that system, it’s part of that way of life.”

A traditional sauna enthusiast himself, Rich has spent time in Northern Europe where saunas are an essential part of the culture.

“The Finish, they won’t ask you how was your sauna, they’ll ask you how was your Loyly. Loyly (as Heartwood would know) is the steam. But the word doesn’t just mean steam, it also means spirit. And the spirit of the sauna is what makes it - so a good sauna to me isn’t about temperature, as much as the right mix of temperature and steam. That sound when the water hits the rock, that’s the ultimate ‘ah’; that’s the out breath.”

“Bringing log building to sauna culture makes a lot of sense to me. It’s part of a kind of holistic approach to living - you are surrounding yourself with people, materials and practices that all build and maintain health.”

— Rich Anderson

The Science of Sauna and Sleep

In the age of information, where it seems every aspect of our well-being is scrutinised and optimised, there’s a quiet but significant shift happening: a growing curiosity about the science of sleep. And for good reason. Research has highlighted the crucial role of sleep in overall health, immune function, mental wellbeing and in both cognitive and athletic performance. Amid the newfound fascination with sleep, unexpected allies in the pursuit of better rest have emerged, one of the most prominent being the use of saunas. A growing pool of research suggests sauna bathing can significantly improve the quality of our sleep. Here, we look at the science of how and why sauna bathing could be the key to sleeping (and living) better…

The Importance of Sleep

In our fast-paced modern lifestyles, where there is often so much focus on productivity, efficiency and generally doing, it can be difficult to prioritise sleep. The constant demands of work, social obligations, and the allure of entertainment in the digital age often lead to sleep being sacrificed. We might find ourselves staying up late to meet deadlines, catch up on emails, or even to enjoy watching our favourite shows, all at the cost of precious sleeping hours.

But sleep is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity. During sleep our bodies engage in vital processes of repair, the consolidation of memories and the removal of toxins from the brain and body. [1] Essentially, sleep is the body’s way of rejuvenating, preparing us to face another day with vigour and clarity. When we consistently cut short our sleep, we compromise not only our physical health, but also our mental and emotional well-being.

Research has shown that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a myriad of health issues. From weakened immune systems to heightened stress levels, the effects of inadequate sleep can permeate every aspect of our lives.[4] Moreover, lack of sleep impairs cognitive functions such as attention, decision-making, and problem-solving. It also significantly increases the risk of mood disorders and cognitive decline (including Alzheimer's disease) and has even been linked to heart disease and diabetes.[3,2,5]

In essence, sleep isn't merely a state of rest; it's a biological necessity that directly impacts the quality of our waking life. Recognising this is the first step towards understanding why exploring methods to improve our sleep patterns is not just a matter of preference, but a crucial investment in our overall well-being.

“Spending time in the sauna could significantly improve sleep quality - it isn’t just an enticing theory, there’s some scientific evidence supporting this.”

— Dr Rhonda Patrick [8]

Saunas, Thermoregulation and Sleep Hormones

Our ability to fall asleep is closely tied to our body’s core temperature. As part of our circadian rhythm, our internal temperature is regulated throughout the day, and a drop in temperature in the evening (as well as lower light levels) stimulates the production of melatonin (aka ‘the sleep hormone’) in the brain, which in turn triggers the physiological changes that prepare our bodies for sleep. Saunas increase body temperature. However, after using the sauna, the body strives to reduce it’s core temperature to recover, and it is thought that this cooling down period after the sauna mimics the natural drop in temperature that occurs before sleep, and thus triggers the release of melatonin. [6, 7] It’s worth noting here that timing your sauna session in the evening would be the most beneficial - see the tips below.

The presence of melatonin in the bloodstream then helps maintain a deep and restful sleep state, allowing us to progress through different sleep cycles, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and deep slow-wave sleep, both of which are essential for quality, restorative sleep.[9]

Although it’s a significant factor, there’s more to a good night’s sleep than adequate melatonin levels, and sauna bathing may actually impact a number of hormones in that play essential roles in quality sleep. As Dr Rhonda Patrick explains,

“Using the sauna [may impact on] the release of ATP, increased adenosine levels and the signalling of sleep-regulating cytokines…. Spending time in the sauna could significantly improve sleep quality - it isn’t just an enticing theory, there’s some scientific evidence supporting this." - Dr Rhonda Patrick [8]

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in heat exposure and sleep, check out the video.

Mental Clarity and Reduced Night-time Wakefulness

Aside from the specifics of sleep-inducing hormones, the sauna’s renowned ability to promote relaxation, boost mood and reduce stress can have a notable knock-on effect when it comes to sleep. [6, 10, 11]

As well as triggering the release of feel-good hormones (endorphins), a sauna session provides us with an opportunity to reflect and process our thoughts and feelings, and can act as a powerful tool to promote mindfulness and presence in our bodies. This in turn means our minds become less cluttered or anxious, so we are more likely to find it easier to fall asleep, and to fall back to sleep should we wake briefly during the night.

Furthermore, the sauna serves as a training ground for relaxation responses. By repeatedly exposing ourselves to controlled heat, we condition our bodies and minds to respond calmly to stressors, both within the sauna and in our everyday lives. This ‘training effect’ can translate into a more composed reaction to disturbances during the night, enabling us to swiftly return to restorative sleep.

Sauna Bathing, Pain Management and Sleep Duration

Pain can be a major contributing factor to poor sleep. In 2007, a widespread study found that at least 50% of individuals with insomnia also suffered from chronic pain.[12] It’s perhaps unsurprising that pain can profoundly disrupt sleep cycles, making a night’s rest light and fragmented at best. But according to Sleep Foundation, sleep and pain appear to have a ‘bidirectional relationship’ - meaning that while pain makes getting quality sleep difficult, a getting a full night’s sleep actually alleviates painful symptoms, so for those living with chronic pain, prioritising quality sleep can be a key component in recovery. [13]

In terms of pain management, sauna bathing stands as a scientifically supported intervention, with some studies reporting improvements to muscular and joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. [6,14]

Thus, it stands to reason that the sauna’s ability to reduce pain and inflammation can have hugely positive consequences for the sleep quality of those who suffer from chronic pain. Even in acute circumstances, sauna bathing to relieve (or even prevent) muscular injury following exercise can help to promote restful sleep.

Sauna Tips for Restful Sleep

If you’re keen to improve the quality of your sleep, we have a few tips to help you make the most of your sauna sessions:

• Schedule sauna sessions early in the evening, so you’re allowing time for your body to cool down naturally before bedtime - this gradual decline in body temperature should align with your body’s natural sleep preparation.

• Listen to your body to find the temperature that works for you - aim for a comfortable experience that induces relaxation.

• Stay hydrated before, during and after your sauna sessions. Adequate hydration supports the body’s cooling mechanisms and helps to ensure optimal physiological responses to heat exposure.

• Try mindfulness or relaxation techniques in the sauna, such as deep breathing or meditation.

• Embrace the cooldown period after leaving the sauna - it’s part of the experience. Give yourself plenty of time and space to relax and reset, finding a quiet space to do this can be really helpful.

• If you can, establish a consistent routine to incorporate sauna sessions into your weekly (or daily) life - making sauna bathing a habit will reap even better rewards.

From hormone regulation to enhanced mental clarity and pain management, the sauna offers a holistic pathway to improved sleep. With the nights drawing in and the benefits of restorative slumber coming to the forefront of scientific research, there’s never been a better time to start prioritising a restful night. Sleep Well.

Sources

1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2023) Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep. Accessed: 06/10/2023.

2. Covassin, N. and Singh, P. (2016) Sleep Duration and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Epidemiologic and Experimental Evidence. Sleep Med Clin.(1):81-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.10.007. Epub 2016 Jan 9. PMID: 26972035; PMCID: PMC4791534.

3. Wennberg, A.M.V., Wu, M.N., Rosenberg, P.B., and Spira, A.P. (2017) Sleep Disturbance, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia: A Review. Semin Neurol. 37(4):395-406. DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604351. Epub 2017

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British Wool: From Sheep to Sauna

The Dyfi valley, where the Heartwood Saunas workshop is situated, consists of a rugged landscape of woodland, mountains, heathland, peatland and mixed farmland, the latter home to numerous sheep. We like to source our materials as locally as possible, and here in Mid-Wales, sheep farming is an integral part of the landscape and culture. Keen to know more about the materials we use to build our saunas and learn about the benefits of sheep’s wool insulation, we followed the process from sheep to sauna.

The Benefits of Wool - the key points…

Exceptional Efficiency: It has far superior insulating properties because of its higher density. Thermal conductivity is the ability for heat to pass from one side of a material through to the other. It is measured in W/mK, where a lower value signifies a better insulator. Sheep wool insulation has a thermal conductivity of between 0.035 – 0.04 W/mK, whereas typical mineral wool has a thermal conductivity of 0.044 W/mK. It also has excellent acoustic insulation properties.

Environmental Benefits: Sheep’s wool is proven to absorb and neutralise harmful substances – the wool is a natural protein made up of a number of different amino acid chains, of which 60% have a reactive side chain. These reactive areas allow the wool to absorb harmful and odorous substances including Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide and Formaldehydes and neutralise them through a process known as Chemisorption. So using the sheep wool as insulation actually has environmental health benefits for the sauna.

Humidity Regulation: It regulates humidity. It can absorb and release up to 33% of moisture without compromising its insulation ability. The core of the sheep wool fibre is hygroscopic, meaning that it will absorb water vapour – making it perfect in an environment like the sauna where steam is produced.

Flame Resistance: Sheep’s wool has a naturally high nitrogen content making it one of the only fibers that is flame resistant and self-extinguishing. As a result of the wool’s high nitrogen content, if it were to catch alight, it would simply smoulder and singe away instead of bursting into flames. 

Workability: Sheep’s wool is really nice to work with. No protective clothing or equipment is required to handle or install it - it does not irritate the skin or lungs when handled, unlike rockwool or glasswool.

Sustainability: As well as having superior insulating qualities which mean our saunas are efficient, sheeps wool is a more energy-efficient choice in terms of manufacturing too. Since sheep naturally produce wool, it requires just 15% of the energy used to manufacture synthetic equivalents - the energy used is simply from washing the wool. It’s also 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

By using British sheep’s wool insulation, we support local farming communities, and we can be sure of the quality of the wool we use to insulate our saunas.

A Guide to Choosing an Outdoor Sauna

If you’re looking to buy an outdoor sauna in the UK, it’s likely you’ll come across off-the-shelf kits from overseas manufacturers. Generally speaking, these come in two basic designs - a cabin-style with a pitched roof, and a barrel-shaped sauna. While barrel saunas in particular have a certain rustic charm, and easy-to-assemble kits are appealing, there are some important points to consider when choosing the right kind of structure for the environment.

The Importance of Heat Efficiency

One of the key features of a good sauna is heat efficiency. Heat efficiency saves time and energy, and has a huge impact on the associated costs of running a sauna. It also affects the sauna bathing experience - particularly in a wood-fired sauna - the more efficient, the less time is spent tending the fire to maintain the desired temperature and the more time spent relaxing. Keeping an inefficient sauna consistently hot enough to reap the physiological and psychological benefits can be very challenging (and sometimes constant work!), and as such the task can significantly detract from the experience.

Insulation is paramount to good heat efficiency, and this is something that unfortunately, single-walled kit saunas (including barrel saunas) lack. It’s notable that such saunas can still work relatively well in climates that experience more snowfall as the snow itself acts as insulation, but these designs do fall short in temperate regions, such as the UK and much of Europe.

Designed and handbuilt in the UK, our saunas are thoughtfully engineered to work efficiently in a variety of climates, including temperate, temperate-maritime, oceanic, and continental (cold). Each of our saunas has layered walls and ceiling to ensure maximum energy efficiency. From outside to inside there is: the external cladding (and/or metal sheeting), a breathable waterproof membrane, 100mm British sheep’s wool insulation, a unique vapour barrier, a ventilation layer and finally, the internal cladding. This means that the internal heat is much less affected by external conditions, and the sauna can reliably maintain high temperatures throughout all seasons.

Longevity and Climate

Another major aspect to consider with outdoor sauna design is the structure’s ability to withstand the weather conditions of its intended location. In temperate climates, and particularly in the UK, there is high rainfall and humidity, which can cause structures to deteriorate faster than in colder, drier environments.

Barrel saunas are built with a single wall made up of lengths of board with overlapping oval joints; this unfortunately means that leaks can occur between the boards when it rains, or when fallen snow begins to melt. In the winter months, a barrel sauna must be covered when not in use, or be situated beneath a second roof, to prevent the need for continuous maintenance.

Metal sheeting or shingle roofs are leak-proof and are much more resilient. While the timber of shingle roofs isn’t inherently waterproof, the angle of the pitch can make sure that water drains from the roof effectively. A waterproof membrane beneath the external materials ensures water is prevented from entering the sauna even in very stormy weather.

It’s also worth noting, not all shingles are made equal - while spruce and pine shingles may be appropriate for dry climates, in more humid environments, such as the UK, cedar is a far superior choice. Cedar is widely regarded as one of the most durable timbers for outdoor structures due to its high resin content. Known for its natural resilience against moisture, decay and insect damage, cedar will not bow or sag in response to high rainfall, and will last a lot longer. 

For the internal walls and benches of a sauna, it’s important to use knot-free timber, such as the thermally modified poplar and ash we use. This is because knots cause weaknesses in the wood which can become problematic in an environment where temperatures and humidity rise and fall causing the timber to expand and contract. Bear in mind, temperature differences are exaggerated dramatically in barrel saunas that lack insulation, so if you are considering a barrel sauna, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer that the wood used is knot-free.

But longevity is determined by more than just the timber used. In addition to selecting appropriate timber species for each part of the sauna, the rigid galvanised steel base and stainless steel fixings we use in our saunas will withstand corrosion (such as from salty winds in coastal locations), so no part of the structure should show signs of wear for very many years.

How Design Shapes the Sauna Experience

The sauna’s design and materials are integral to the sauna bathing experience. In a barrel sauna, the enclosed, curved walls to some, feel protective and comforting, but to others, can feel claustrophobic and stifling, really, this comes down to individual preference. However, it’s certainly true that a greater range of positions and motion is possible in a pitched or flat roofed sauna, with straight walls allowing for multiple bench tiers, offering a greater temperature range and ample headroom too. In barrel saunas, there’s only room for one bench tier, and headroom is seriously limited!

Barrel saunas usually include two benches, facing each other, making them ideal for social sauna sessions. Although it is possible to install windows at the smaller, circular ends of the sauna, for the most part, you would be facing a fellow sauna bather or the curved timbers of the space. Overall, the experience is more intimate, social and -for want of a better word- cocoon-like. 

In a straight-sided sauna, there’s a lot more flexibility in design, so how intimate or open it can feel is very variable. Inward facing benches can promote social connection (as in the Vapor), whereas tiered directional benches (as seen in the Aire+) offer privacy and different temperature options, again, which is best is down to personal preference. Larger glazing elements are possible, which can offer a view into surroundings, adding another dimension to the experience - one of connection with the natural world. A view into nature can enhance the psychological and physiological benefits of sauna bathing, and, in our experience, the sense of expansiveness created balances the intensity of the heat.

Crafting Quality Saunas From Scratch - Why We Don’t Make Kits

Our saunas are usually built as whole structures in our workshop, and transported fully-built to site. If this isn’t possible, we build the sauna in-situ. Building in this way means that the saunas are constructed layer by layer, so both the breathable waterproof membrane, and the vapour barrier wraps around every corner, so we can avoid any gaps where walls are joined. 

With kit saunas, even if the external walls are insulated and protected by a breathable membrane, weaknesses can occur where the walls are joined together which can potentially pose a significant threat to the sauna’s longevity and weather resistance. 

Aside from this, it does affect the finish, particularly internally. Building a sauna layer by layer, we are able to create striking design features such as fanned corner bench seats, and we can match up internal cladding from wall to wall seamlessly, creating a natural, flowing feel to the space. Furthermore, the way our benches are designed and built offers maximum strength and stability that simply couldn’t be achieved in a kit format. If we were to attempt to create a kit version of one of our saunas, many of the key design features which make our saunas unique would be lost.

Ben Fogle on Sauna, Ceremony and Community

In the spring of 2021, we had the privilege of designing and building a bespoke wood-fired sauna for British adventurer and broadcaster, Ben Fogle. Ben was keen to have a traditional sauna that when not in use, appeared incognito, looking like an old structure that had been in the woods for a long time, but with hidden glazing features that would facilitate sauna bathing sessions truly immersed in nature. After working on the project in his woodland garden, we took the chance to talk to Ben about his experience with saunas, and why a sauna is, as he put’s it, his thing.

The Sauna as a Sanctuary

A self-identified ‘Journey Man’, Ben’s work and lifestyle involves travelling the world and learning about and documenting different ways of life. As Ben spends much of his time travelling, often in remote places, in extreme weather conditions or with limited resources, it’s especially important to have a place to come back to where he can relax and recharge, ready for his next adventure.

“I spend a lot of time in quite intense situations with people on expeditions, travelling, it’s quite a fast pace of life - my way of unwinding is to have a bit of me time. I’ve got family, and I love spending time with them, but for me it’s also very important to have a run, to do a bit of exercise, and to sit in the sauna, to reflect, zone out and switch off.

I think a lot of my friends are surprised that a sauna is my thing. But the sauna has always been my place of, not refuge, but my sanctuary, I suppose - it’s a place where I feel better.”

Although, as Ben says, it’s not typically a ‘very British thing’, saunas are deeply ingrained in human history and culture across the globe, and have always been a big part of Ben’s life. Through his work and travels he has been lucky to experience a lot of different saunas, from indoor hot rooms to traditional ceremonial sweat lodges and everything in between. But when it came to having his very own woodland hideout, it was a traditional wood-fired sauna that most appealed.

“I’ve experienced a lot of sweat lodges, which again, can have a really profound impact on you. Personally, while I thought about putting a sweat lodge here, I find them a little bit too dark, a bit too intense, almost too powerful - Sweat lodges (which have been used by indigenous folk around the world for many years) are there to have almost an other-worldly out of body experience, and for me that’s too intense for a Saturday evening when I’ve got an hour to myself - I don’t need to leave my body!”

“The sauna has always been my place of, not refuge, but my sanctuary, I suppose - it’s a place where I feel better”

— Ben Fogle

The Ceremony of Sauna

Beyond simply stepping inside a sauna, relaxing for a short time, then leaving, as you might in a gym or leisure centre, Ben believes in creating a sense of ceremony around the process of sauna bathing. This ‘ceremony’ is a means of slowing down and really connecting with the elements involved.

“If you go to the sauna at a gym, it’s there, it’s on, you go in, you leave and that’s it. But the wood that I burn has been harvested from the woods around, it’s been picked up off the ground - so in away it feels more organic, and that organicness of burning my own wood, trying to gauge my own ideal temperature - is all part of the experience, it’s ceremonial. I dry the wood, I chop the wood, I then carefully feed the stove […] a bit like travel, it’s the anticipation and the excitement of getting the sauna ready that is part of the journey. I think ceremony is a really important part of life, and a lot of people are living such a fast pace of life that they forget about it.”

From preparing the firewood and collecting water for steam, to cycling between sauna bathing, forest bathing and cold water immersion in the plunge pool, Ben explains how the whole process sets a steady pace, each step keeping you present and connected to what you’re experiencing.

“After the sauna, I love getting into the plunge pool, it always takes your breath away - that for me is the key to having a sauna. I like that profound, intense change of temperature, it’s like all those pores that have opened up and all the sweat suddenly just evaporates… it’s all part of a sort of spiritual experience.”

As saunas have been a significant part of a number of cultures stretching into ancient history, there is no one ‘correct’ way to experience a sauna ceremonially. In fact, for Ben, it’s less about having a strict procedure, and more about getting into a sauna mindset.

“I find the sauna experience really profound. I don’t know what it is about the heating and the sweating and the turning your mind off, but for me, it’s meditative - I find it really therapeutic.

I don’t really have a routine, but there is the ceremonial aspect of getting the sauna up and running. I know what I need, and I actually deliberately switch the processes around a little bit. It’s about trying to get it to that perfect sweet spot where I can spend 15 - 20 minutes in there - for me that is about 90 degrees roughly. It’s working out how much wood to use, and how much air to vent through the stove to keep it at that temperature, which is actually all part of the ceremony, it’s quite fun!”

A Part of the Environment

As well as the sauna experience creating a personal connection with the natural elements, it’s important to Ben that the sauna structure itself feels connected to its setting, as though it is a part of the surrounding environment.

“What I really wanted was something that looked like it had been here for a while. I didn’t want it to look too new, I didn’t want it to be too jarring. I really wanted it to feel like it was part of the environment. The weathered wood, the decking, the fact that it kind of just sits effortlessly within this little wooded area was exactly what I hoped for, and I think thats what makes me smile the most, and when you close the doors up you wouldn’t even know it was a sauna, it kind of looks like an old shed, but behind that is this thing of beauty. ”

Ben’s sauna sanctuary is sheltered under a canopy of deciduous trees, and nestled amongst ferns, rushes and woodland flowers. The heightened sensory experience that sauna bathing creates certainly makes for a profound experience when enjoying the sights and sounds of the changing woodland garden throughout the year.

“I love that moment of going from the sauna, the heat, the intensity, this almost out of body experience that you can have […] to opening the door and it’s like a giant sigh as you go outside. And obviously the colder the better, but there is something very beautiful about hearing the leaves, the birdsong - it’s almost like you ingest and inhale nature all around.

I personally prefer using the sauna when it’s a little bit colder because I get really hot and I take a long time to cool down. For me, that’s when it really comes into its own; when there’s a frost on the ground, a sprinkling of snow, and you can sit in there and stare at it. What I love about the wooded area is that it’s a constantly changing canvas, so the outlook that I have will constantly change as the leaves come off and the trees become bare and naked again.”

Sharing the Sauna Experience

Although the sauna can certainly provide a place to enjoy some much needed ‘me time’, it also serves as an ideal space to connect with other people away from the distractions of modern technology and general busyness of daily life. Because the sauna is a natural space that encourages presence of mind, it can be a productive space for conversation, sharing ideas and reflecting on the day.

“My wife and I will have our bi-weekly catchup - because when you’re a parent, your time is all focused on the kids and we often don’t have time just to chat, and there’s something very simple and organic and natural about sitting in the sauna and just chatting through the week and the plans - that doesn’t mean you’re not switched off - but your head is in a clear enough space that you can think rationally and just digest what’s been going on, so it’s great for the family.”

Although his children aren’t quite old enough to enjoy the sauna itself when it’s up to temperature, the whole family enjoy using the space, and the children have found delight in the plunge pool in particular. Beyond his immediate family though, Ben is passionate about sharing the benefits of sauna with others, and in opening the experience up to friends and neighbours has created a community of sauna enthusiasts.

“Nothing gives me more happiness than other people coming along and using it - because once it’s hot, it’s hot for a long time, you don’t want to waste that heat. We actually have a sauna Whatsapp group, and people can book in their timings to use it - there’s no wastage here. I think if you’re thinking about a sauna and you’ve got friends and locals nearby that you might be able to engage as a community and actually share it, then it’s definitely something you should go for.”

We quite agree - as well as personal mental and physical health benefits, saunas can improve our social wellbeing too - and the more people that can enjoy traditional outdoor sauna experiences, the better.

Keen to hear more on sauna from Ben Fogle? Check out our mini series.

Glen Dye: An Escape to the Highlands

Thirty-three years ago, Charlie and Caroline Gladstone packed up their life in London and headed north to take on the enormous task of renovating a beautiful, yet completely derelict private estate in the Scottish Highlands. This winter, we caught up with Charlie to talk about the journey of restoring the estate, the joy of sharing this hidden eden with like-minded people, and about inspiring fun, friendship and connection to nature through unforgettable holiday experiences.

In Search of Big Skies, Dogs and a Slice of the Good Life

In the early nineties, Charlie Gladstone and his wife Caroline were living and working in London with creative careers, but having grown up in the rugged countryside of North Wales, Charlie has always been ‘a country person’, and it wasn’t long before he and Caroline found themselves longing for a lifestyle more in-tune with their love of the outdoors.

“We both had jobs in London and we had one child, he was a few months old, and we went up for a holiday in Scotland and just asked ourselves a very fundamental question - what were we doing in London when we could be in Scotland? We wanted to bring up our children in the countryside, with big skies and dogs and all that sort of stuff - so we gave up our jobs, sold our house, and moved up to Scotland to take on this nearly derelict place - and it was the best thing we ever did!”

The couple, along with their growing family, packed up their lives and headed for Aberdeenshire, where they then spent about 25 years rescuing the Glen Dye Estate, which had been in Charlie’s family since the 1840s, from dereliction. As Charlie explains,

“It had been essentially abandoned. All of the houses on the land and the farms were in a really bad condition, and we just worked away, raised and borrowed money, and reinvigorated everything.”

Once the buildings and infrastructure were sound, the couple were able to expand their vision for the place to creating a successful business that would allow them to share the magic of Glen Dye with the world.

"When there were roofs on the houses and the fences and drains worked, we thought, what can we do to open the place up to other people with similar interests? And so we found our motivation to create amazing holiday experiences in this amazing location.”

In Clachnaben’s Embrace

Situated just on the Highland boundary fault, where the flat agricultural land that runs the whole way up the east side of Britain gives way to the Highlands, the Glen Dye Estate is overlooked by the dramatic granite tor of Clachnaben whose inspiring presence can be felt across the estate. The rugged expanse of trees and moorland covers around 1500 acres and is regarded as one of the most beautiful private forests in Britain, though perhaps unusually for such a wilderness, it is also very accessible at just a half hour’s drive from Aberdeen.

“I think it’s about as wild as the United Kingdom gets, but it’s not got the bleakness that other places have - it feels more approachable, a warm place - not in terms of temperature, but in the way it sort of envelops you.  It has the beautiful granite tor of Clachnaben looking over it, and running through the middle is the river Dye - a beautiful bubbling river you can always see or hear wherever you are.”

But it isn’t just the natural environmental that gives Glen Dye it’s magic, it’s the built environment too. Because both Charlie and Caroline had always worked in design and interiors, it was logical that they’d finish the holiday cottages and cabins to a very high standard. From the grand open fires and artistic interiors to the outdoor kitchens, saunas and hot tubs, the cabins and cottages at Glen Dye elegantly enhance the beauty of the landscape.

However, more than simply providing a beautiful base to explore the countryside, Charlie wants to offer the guests at Glen Dye an experience of what he calls ‘the Good Life’ - which to Charlie, is a life enriched with fun, excitement, friendship, learning amazing food, beautiful art and design and a tangible connection to the environment.

“I want our guests to feel inspired to change their lives in some way when they leave - whether that means to slightly change the decor of their house or to carry home new skills or new resolutions about getting outside and enjoying the outdoors - and I want them to have fun - ultimately that’s something that we’re quite big on. I also want them to feel they really connected with the place. For me, Glen Dye is a very powerful place... A spiritual place.”

“For me, Glen Dye is a very powertul place... A spiritual place”

— Charlie Gladstone

Saunas, Swims and Scottish Wellness

But what is it to feel connected to a place? According to Charlie, its about the way in which we interact with our environment - it’s about learning, sharing, making memories and ultimately, cultivating a deeper sense of wellbeing. With this in mind, and very much in the spirit of the public right to roam in Scotland, Charlie and Caroline began to develop experiences their guests could enjoy while staying at Glen Dye - from bushcraft, foraging and campfire cooking to stargazing, wild swimming and wood-fired saunas.

“Our idea to introduce a bushcraft school has its roots in the way we brought up our children - it was very much about being outdoors and learning how to connect with simple skills like lighting a fire, cooking on a fire, crossing a river without falling in or even simply learning how to walk up a hill or climb a tree. 10 years ago Caroline and I published a family guide to the great outdoors, and it was all about how to get your children outside, how to identify trees and clouds, how to build a den, use an axe properly or make a bow and arrow. It really just became completely logical that we would get more involved in these things at Glen Dye.”

Although they have employed two bushcraft and wild-wellness experts, getting involved or 'talking the talk and walking the walk’ as Charlie puts it, is certainly key to the way in which Charlie and Caroline operate at Glen Dye.

“We offer the things that we believe in and have genuine interest in - we think that if we believe it, it has integrity and hopefully that integrity will resonate with our guests.”

Striving to create a new sense of luxury, the experiences offered at Glen Dye are outdoorsy and authentic with a strong focus on quality as well as connection with the elements. For Charlie, a day at Glen Dye is simply incomplete without an authentic wood-fired sauna to balance the crisp Highland climate and ice-cold river swims in the Dye.

“For me, having a sauna is an excellent punctuation mark the end of the day. I find it unbelievably good for my mental state and for my general feeling of physical wellness. I think we’re all chasing feelings that make us feel good both physically and mentally and the sauna is surprisingly good at that. You can research the health benefits of sauna and there’s clearly data and anecdotes to support them but you don’t need to do that because the feeling you get after a sauna is enough proof on its own. For years and years I was a very keen long distance runner and I have given that up as i’ve got older. But the sauna gives me the kind of rush that running used to give me, I think I would be surprised if i didn’t carry on doing it for the rest of my life.”

We quite agree.

Handcrafted to Last: The Making of our Log Carriers

This autumn we had the privilege of working with talented local maker Mike Watt to design a unique hard-wearing log carrier for our exclusive range of handmade Heartwood Saunas accessories. Our versatile, durable log carriers are individually handcrafted by Mike at his workshop in the dining hall of an old primary school, just west of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Introducing Local Maker, Mike Watt

Local designer and maker Mike Watt has lived in Wales since he came here to study in 1999, met his partner and fellow maker, Nia, and fell in love with the Welsh countryside.

“I came to university in Cardiff in 1999 and I've never left Wales. I met Nia at Cardiff - we lived on the same floor of accommodation in our first year - and we've been together since. Nia grew up in Llansadwrn, went to school in the primary school we now own, and having visited her and her family during our university summer holidays, I fell in love with the place. I just loved the hills, the rural nature and the friendly people.”

Although his background is in architecture, Mike began working with canvas about ten years ago, as he explains,

“I’ve always been a maker - there’s something in me that likes having my hands busy, it’s part of who I am.”

Mike was inspired to make a timeless, hard-wearing, high-quality bag for himself made from local, sustainable materials, that he simply couldn’t find readily available to buy. He then started working with leather, too, and he and Nia launched their small bag-making business, Rural Kind, in 2014.

Being relatively local and with shared passions, Mike was already aware of Heartwood Saunas when we approached him earlier this year to ask him about making a log carrier.

“I knew we had a similar ethos, and I am always looking to work with people with similar values - people who are making things really well with attention to detail and using local, sustainable resources.”

“I’ve always been a maker - there’s something in me that likes having my hands busy, it’s part of who I am.”

— Mike Watt

Robust, Natural, Sustainable Materials

Mike takes his inspiration from the Welsh landscape where he spends his time walking and mountain biking when he’s not making.

“I’m inspired by the hills, valleys and woods I’m immersed in on a day-to-day basis. Here everything’s a bit more rugged, and I think that comes out in the design of the bags I make. They’re natural, hard-wearing, and made to withstand the Welsh weather.”

Keen to protect as well as enjoy the natural world, Mike sources his materials in the UK from the most ethical suppliers he can find without compromising on quality.

“I want to be careful about where I source things, and how they’re produced. The canvas is made in Scotland; it’s really strong and durable, and because it’s waxed you can reproof it, which does a massive amount to improve the longevity of a bag. The high quality leather I use is from Devon, and it’s about as sustainably made leather as you can get - the cows are local to the south west of England, so the hides haven’t travelled a long way. They are a byproduct of the meat industry that would otherwise go to waste.”

The leather for the log carrier’s handles and motif detail is tanned with oak bark using an ancient technique that has been refined and perfected over centuries, at the UK’s only remaining traditional oak bark tannery - the site of which has been a tannery since the Roman times! Unlike modern tanning methods, oak bark tanning is a gentle process using exclusively natural materials which protects the natural fibres of hides, producing much stronger, more luxurious leather with unique colour tones and very little waste. The bark comes from coppiced oak grown in Cumbria for carpentry and charcoal, the hides are from local free-range low-environmental-impact farms, and the tannery are working towards being completely carbon neutral.

“I wanted to make something super functional and hard wearing out of good, sustainable materials that would last a long time. It’s got to be the way forward - making things to last.”

— Mike Watt

The Making Process

Each log carrier is individually handmade by Mike in his workshop, the ex-dining hall of a 162-year-old primary school. Starting with the wax canvas on the roll, Mike scratches the shape of the panel he needs to cut out with just a ruler and a bamboo marking device. Once the panel is cut, all the edges are pressed down with hand-rollers for the double folded seam.

“It’s quite hard work - I get through a few rollers! I do all the sewing on an old walking foot industrial machine - I sew a double line of stitching around the edge for a bit of extra strength and reinforcement, then I sew an extra base panel for the bottom of the bag to make it as hard wearing as possible.”

Once the log carrier has taken shape, the pocket is sewn separately before being secured, and the solid brass snaps are attached.

For the handles, Mike cuts a strip of leather from the strongest part of the hide and burnishes the ends to seal the exposed fibres and ensure a durable, weatherproof edge. He then buffs the leather to polish-off any residue, and uses a bit of beeswax which helps prevent degradation and gives the handles a soft-to-the-touch finish, before riveting them to the bag on his anvil using a hammer.

Elegant, Functional, Versatile Design

The finished design was a collaboration between Mike and Heartwood Saunas, but the overall vision for a functional, simple yet elegant log carrier was shared right from the start.

“I really like seeing a good material used well, and I think my focus on clean lines and simple shapes comes from my architecture background.”

From choosing the leather and the colour of the wax canvas, right down to the magnet-closure pocket and solid brass snaps and rivets, it was important to keep in touch and share thoughts and ideas in the design process.

“I enjoy a collaborative process, it’s great to get someone else’s thoughts about what a design could become. I was resistant to using brass rivets to start with because I’m so used to copper, and brass is a harder material, but I think they really work nicely with the canvas colour and I will probably use brass more for future projects.”

The log carrier can be used with the ends laid flat for longer lengths of wood, or the ends can be fastened up with the brass snaps to contain shorter logs. It also features a front pocket with a magnet closure for storing matches and firelighters. Although intended for carrying logs to the sauna stove or fire, the simple robust design is versatile and is also ideal for transporting camping supplies, tools, and outdoor adventure gear.

Sauna Bathing for improved Athletic Performance

Nothing beats relaxing in the sauna after exercise. The peaceful seclusion of a natural space offers a much needed opportunity to stretch, breathe and be present in our bodies before we get on with the rest of our day. But emerging research suggests there’s more to be gained from a post-exercise sauna than simply relaxation: the physiological effects of sauna bathing can actually have powerful positive impacts on athletic performance too. In fact, regular sauna bathing post-workout has been shown to significantly improve endurance, enhance muscle recovery and even promote muscle growth. Here, we look at the science behind sauna bathing to improve fitness.

Blood, Sweat and Saunas

When we’re exposed to heat, our bodies send blood away from our organs towards our skin; this helps to prevent our core temperature from rising, and enables us to produce sweat (largely made up of plasma from our blood) to help us cool off. This process, while efficient at regulating our temperature, creates the need for more plasma, and so heat stress also causes blood vessels to dilate in order to increase blood flow and boost plasma volume to facilitate this process.

Interestingly, several studies have recently shown that repeated heat exposure actually results in a sustained increase in plasma volume in the blood, as our bodies adapt to prepare for future heat stress [1][2][3]. One study examined a group of well-trained cyclists and observed that after just four sauna sessions, the athletes experienced a 17.8% expansion of their peak plasma volume, compared to where it was during their normal training [1]. This significant increase in blood plasma volume also occurs through undertaking endurance exercise itself [4], so it seems when following exercise with a sauna bathing session, the benefits of this adaptation are two-fold.

So how does an increase in blood plasma volume affect health and athletic performance? Having a greater blood plasma volume essentially means we have more blood; and when this is the case, blood can be pumped with less effort, efficiently sending more vital oxygen and nutrients to muscles with less cardiovascular strain and a lower heart rate. This is a well established idea supported by studies that clearly demonstrate the link between increased blood plasma volume and faster time trials for cyclists [1][5]. As Fellman explains in his 1992 review in Sports Medicine,

“[increased blood plasma] can improve performance by inducing better muscle perfusion, and by increasing stroke volume and maximal cardiac output.”[4]

In effect, this physiological adaptation makes our cardiovascular system more efficient and better equipped for endurance exercise.

“When the athletes supplemented their training with post-exercise saunas, their time to exhaustion was increased by 32% - this means they were able to keep running for 32% longer...”

— [6]

Sustained Improvements in Endurance

Studies into post-exercise sauna bathing have also shown that with sustained regular sauna sessions for a longer time period, blood plasma volume does begin to reduce a bit, though it’s still higher than training without sauna sessions [1][2]. However, with continued regular sauna use, another beneficial adaptation becomes apparent; our bodies start to generate more red blood cells due to the natural production of erythropoietin (EPO) being stimulated by the reduced blood supply to our kidneys in the sauna [7].

This is good news for athletes, because an increase in red blood cells also boosts cardiac output and facilitates an increased amount of oxygen being delivered to skeletal muscles we use when exercising [6]. A team of researchers in New Zealand conducted a study whereby they had six competitive distance runners undertake a three week period of normal training, then a three week period of their normal training plus a 30 minute sauna bathing session immediately post-exercise [6]. After each of these periods, the participants were required to run on a treadmill (at a pace determined by their fastest 5K time) until exhaustion. The study found that after supplementing training with sauna sessions, the runners had a 7.1% increase in blood plasma volume and a 3.5% increase in red blood cells [6].

But how did this translate to their performance? When the athletes supplemented their training with post-exercise saunas, their time to exhaustion was increased by 32% - this means they were able to keep running for 32% longer - and on average, this translated to cutting down their 5K race time by about 2% - certainly not an amount to be sniffed at in the world of competition [6].

Enhanced Muscle Recovery

As mentioned above, regular heat exposure in a sauna increases blood flow to skeletal muscles. This increases the delivery of glucose and oxygen to those muscles, which may reduce their dependence on glycogen stores by 40% – 50%, protecting against muscle fatigue [8]. Whats more, spending time in the sauna after exercise loosens muscle tension, preventing potential exercise-induced injuries [7].

Finnish researchers discovered that sauna bathing could also improve the amount of human growth hormone (HGH) produced by the body [9]. In a small study, the researchers found that after three days of two one-hour sessions (perhaps a bit extreme!) there was a 16-fold increase in the amount of HGH release in both male and female participants, which they report resulted in more muscle growth [9]. The mechanism of HGH is still not fully understood, but it is known to play an important role in the body’s growth and the repair of its tissues, including promoting protein synthesis in muscle [9]. Interestingly, a more recent study on rats found that individuals exposed to heat treatment showed a 30% improvement in muscle growth on average [10].

Better Thermoregulation

Another benefit of regular sauna use in terms of athletic performance, is improved thermoregulatory control. Studies have shown that regular sauna sessions help our bodies to acclimatise to the heat we generate during physical activity [1]. After several sauna sessions, our bodies start sweating at a lower core body temperature, and maintain a constant sweat rate for a longer period, which results in better cooling down during exercise [2].

Heat acclimatisation is perhaps particularly beneficial when training for a race in a warm climate; and exposing the body to heat stress (for example, through sauna use) has been shown to improve exercise tolerance for ultra-endurance runners in hot conditions [1][11].

Whether our goals are faster race times, improved muscle recovery, or simply better overall fitness, a traditional sauna could be the ideal way to boost our training - and as the weather turns colder here in Mid-Wales, there’s nothing quite like the promise of a post-exercise sauna to motivate us on the final stretch.

Sources

1. Stanley, J., Halliday, A., D’Auria, S. et al. (2015) Effect of sauna-based heat acclimation on plasma volume and heart rate variability. European Journal of Applied Physiology 115, 785–794. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3060-1

2. Kirby, N.V., Lucas S.J.E., Armstrong, O.J., Weaver, S.R., Lucas, R.A.I. (2021) Intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 121(2):621-635. DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04541-z.

3. Heinonen, I and Laukkanen, J. A. (2018) Effects of heat and cold on health, with special reference to Finnish sauna bathing. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 314: R629–R638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00115.2017

4. Fellmann, N. (1992) Hormonal and plasma volume alterations following endurance exercise: A brief review. Sports Medicine. 113(1):3-49. DOI: 10.2165/00007256-199213010-00004. PMID: 1553454.

5. Luetkemeier, M.J., Thomas, E.L. (1994) Hypervolemia and cycling time trial performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 26(4):503-9. PMID: 7515456.

6. Scoon, G.S., Hopkins, W.G., Mayhew, S., Cotter, J.D. (2006) Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 10(4):259-62. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2006.06.009.

7. Hannuksela, M. L., Ellahham, S. (2001) Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. The American Journal of Medicine. 110(2):118-126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(00)00671-9.

8. Ketelhut, S. and Ketelhut, R. G. (2019) The blood pressure and heart rate during sauna bath correspond to cardiac responses during submaximal dynamic exercise. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 44: 218-222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.002.

9. Leppäluoto, J., et al. (1986) Endocrine effects of repeated sauna bathing. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 128(3): 467-470. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.1986.tb08000.x

10. Selsby, J.T., et al. (2007) Intermittent hyperthermia enhances skeletal muscle regrowth and attenuates oxidative damage following reloading. Journal of Applied Physiology. 102.4: 1702-1707. DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00722.2006

11. Costa, R. J. S., Crockford, M. J., Moore, J. P. and Walsh, N. P. (2012) Heat acclimation responses of an ultra-endurance running group preparing for hot desert-based competition. European Journal of Sports Science. 14(1): S131-S14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2012.660506

Aberllefenni Slate: Supporting Local Heritage Craft

Each of our saunas has an engraved slate plaque, hand-cut by the local artisans at Aberllefenni slate quarry. We visited the quarry to document the process and learn more about the history of the materials we use from Ant Taylor, who managed the slate works for twenty years. Through the slate plaques, we support a traditional heritage craft industry and offer a connection to the area where our saunas are built and our timber is grown.

A Ride to the Riverside

Our saunas are built by a close-knit team of skilled carpenters who share a passion for an outdoor lifestyle as well as their craft. We are lucky to be located in the beautiful Dyfi forest of Eryri (Snowdonia) National park, and our team regularly enjoy after work adventures as well as social sauna sessions. In spring this year, we captured an evening mountain bike ride down to the riverside sauna with some of our workshop team.

Members of the Heartwood Saunas team look out across the landscape that surrounds the workshop.

Common Ground

Living and working on the southern edge of Snowdonia, it is impossible not to engage with the landscape. The rugged slate mountain ridges, waterfalls, forests, expansive estuaries and sandy beaches are integral to the local community and identity. Many of the Heartwood Saunas team get active outdoors in the mornings and evenings, and their hobbies are quite diverse - from running, climbing and hiking to rowing, surfing and cycling.

Fitting an outdoor lifestyle around working for Heartwood Saunas comes naturally, as the workshop is positioned half way up a small mountain, in the dense mixed woodland of the Dyfi forest.

“My main hobby is mountain biking, and our workshop is at the centre of some of the best trails in the UK so fitting in rides around work is really easy.” Isaac, carpenter

Our workshop team arrive early in the morning, and it’s a beautiful time to take in the surrounding landscape, just as the sun hits the hills and begins to burn-off the mist that gathers in the trees.

“I try to use active travel to get to work - If I can go for a nice walk through the woods or a bike ride over the mountain ridge on my way then it puts me in a great state of mind for a day in the workshop.” Robin, workshop manager

(Left to right) Olly, Isaac and Robin ride up the Tarran y Gesail ridge.

“If I can go for a walk through the woods or a bike ride over the mountain ridge on my way then it puts me in a great state of mind for a day in the workshop.”

— Robin, workshop manager

Origins

For Olly, Heartwood Saunas’ founder, it was enjoying an outdoor lifestyle in this landscape that fuelled an enthusiasm for saunas.

“Where we live it’s often really wet and cold, and a big part of my life is spending time outdoors - I’m often outside all day and really cold to the bone, so being able to come back, take off wet and muddy kit and step inside a hot sauna is just the perfect antidote to really drive out that cold.” Olly, founder.

With its unpredictable weather and a mixed terrain ideal for outdoor pursuits, Mid-Wales does seem like the right place to inspire and grow a sauna culture in the UK, and the Heartwood Saunas team are wholly behind the heat.

“Having a sauna straight after a ride gives your body time to recover. The combination of a ride, then a sauna and a cold plunge has got to be hard to beat.” Isaac, carpenter

Heading Out as a Team

As we are moving into summer, the team have been taking more opportunities to get outdoors together, and earlier in the season, some of our workshop team headed out after work for a ridgeway mountain bike trail and cycle down to our riverside Aire+ sauna. 

While some of the team are keen mountain bikers, it was a new experience for others - and there were a handful of slightly scary moments as well as plenty of laughter.

“It was great to go out with everyone, it’s quite a mixed ability group when it comes to mountain biking so we took a straightforward route up the mountain to enjoy some views over the forest then we had different options on the way down.” Robin, workshop manager

The team approach the riverside sauna after a challenging ride

Post-Ride Sauna

For the Heartwood team, it was especially rewarding to end the ride with a riverside sauna session; an ideal way to encourage recovery and relaxation after strenuous exercise. The heat generated in the sauna helps to relieve tension by improving blood flow to oxygen depleted muscles. This speeds up muscle recovery time, preserves muscle mass and guards against inflammation.

Having a sauna together also gives the team an opportunity to catch up after the ride.

“Once we were in the sauna, everyone sat and talked about what happened on the trail - there were some really funny moments and it was great to sit and chat about these together.” Olly, founder

Although the role of saunas varies between cultures and has changed considerably over thousands of years, the tradition of communal sauna bathing to cultivate social connection, camaraderie and friendship persists. For the heartwood team, having a sauna together provides an opportunity to socialise and get to know one another outside of the workshop environment. But more than that, they get to enjoy the culmination of their hard work crafting exceptional outdoor saunas.

“It’s really nice to do something different with everyone who you work with, and I think having regular sessions in a sauna that we built helps build our relationship with what we’re making, and affirms why we’re making it.”

— Robin, workshop manager

Sauna Whisks: Sustainable Foraging and Craft

An ancient sauna bathing tradition practiced to promote circulation and improve skin health, many would argue that massage with a traditional birch whisk is essential to an authentic sauna bathing experience. Keen to experience the benefits and share this practice, this summer, we asked local ecologist and natural florist Grace Crabb to sustainably forage birch from the Dyfi forest where our workshop is situated, and to hand-craft Heartwood Saunas’ very own traditional whisks, now available to purchase online!

Grace Crabb holds sauna whisks in the Dyfi forest

Whisks for Health and Relaxation

A sauna whisk (known as a ‘vihta’ or ‘vasta’ in Finnish) is made up of fine, leafy tree-branch tips bound together in a bunch and used for tapping and brushing the body to increase circulation and enrich the skin with therapeutic oils and vitamins. Birch is widely considered the best option for sauna whisks, as birch leaves contain powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and provitamin A, as well as saponins and tannins revered for beneficial skin-softening, nourishing and antimicrobial properties [1][2].

It’s therefore perhaps unsurprising that a number of health benefits are ascribed to birch whisking; it’s said to improve circulation and lung function, reduce inflammation, soothe skin rashes and speed up the healing of wounds. The oils released by the birch in the process of whisking also fill the sauna with a refreshing, woody aroma, creating an uplifting and immersive sauna bathing experience which boosts mood and aids relaxation.

Looking back over the Dyfi forest while harvesting birch

“I want people to have a relationship with the land they live in, and l’d like everyone to think of the landscape as something they can interact with, not feel separated from.”

— Grace Crabb

Grace with the first birch whisks she made

Introducing Local Maker, Grace Crabb

Local ecologist and nature-inspired florist, Grace Crabb, has lived amongst the birch in the Dyfi valley for 17 years.

“Going into the woods to do woodland management and ecological surveys undoubtedly influences the way I put together the flower arrangements that people order. I want people to feel like the things I make have just been plucked from nature, and I think the structure of nature comes out in what I do because that’s where I spend my time.”

As well as growing and arranging native British flowers, Grace is passionate about engaging people with the local environment and teaches hurdle-making, weaving and wreath-making workshops that aim to connect people with nature through traditional craft. In Grace’s words,

“I’m particularly interested in empowering people to engage with the natural environment in a positive way, and demonstrating sustainable harvesting techniques. I want people to have a relationship with the land they live in, and I’d like everyone to think of the landscape as something they can interact with, not feel separated from.”

This concept really resonates with Heartwood Saunas’ ethos, as we design our outdoor saunas with the aim of fostering a connection with nature and the landscape that surrounds us.

“I hope that demonstrating sustainable management of the forestry that l harvest in will positively influence the way the whole forest is managed going forward.”

— Grace Crabb

Sustainable Foraging for Birch

The Dyfi forest where our workshop is situated, and where Grace has permission from Natural Resources Wales to harvest birch, is home to both downy and silver birch species, which hybridise freely in the regenerated broadleaf copses scattered across the valley. Grace’s background is in biodiversity and woodland management, so protecting the local environment is central to the way in which she works when foraging.

“I hope that demonstrating sustainable management of the forestry that I harvest in will positively influence the way the whole forest is managed going forward.”

Conscious of what the trees can comfortably withstand, Grace carefully selects and prunes side branches from mature birch trees, as these have larger leaves that lay flatter in one direction, making them ideal for sauna whisks. All of the birch used in our whisks is sustainably harvested by hand from the Dyfi forest and prepared by Grace at her home.

Grace carrying birch branches out of the Dyfi forest

From Tree to Whisk

Mid to late June is the best time to harvest, according to Grace, as the leaves are fully grown but still very fresh. Once gathered, the branches are taken back to Grace’s home, where she bundles them up, binds them with willow, and lays them to dry flat between layers of paper atop a pellet stove burner in her kitchen. 

Once dried, the birch whisks are stacked and stored in Grace’s workshop. Before use in the sauna, the whisks should be soaked in lukewarm water for half an hour to rehydrate the leaves - the birch-infused water is then excellent for use on the hearth stones, creating an aromatic steam. The whisk should then be placed in a bucket of fresh water then used gently on sauna-warmed skin, rinsed, and hung to be reused a second time if desired - you can learn more about how to use them, and purchase a Heartwood Saunas whisk handmade by Grace here.

We also encourage you to check out Grace Crabb’s courses and flowers.

Sources

1. Rastogi, S. Pandey, M. M. and Rawat, A. K. S. (2015) Medicinal Plants of the genus Betula– Traditional uses and a phytochemical-pharmacological review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 159. pp. 62-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.010

2. Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015) The Medical Importance of Betula Alba - An Overview. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology. 5(2). pp.99-103.

The Saltwater Sauna

Offering the ultimate retreat from the stresses of modern life, The Saltwater Sauna situated on the picturesque Sandbanks beach in Dorset is the extraordinary wellness project of Finnish-born artist and surfer Arlene Lukkarinen, and surfer and cold water immersion enthusiast Sam Glyn-Jones. We caught up with Arlene and Sam to talk about their journey with The Saltwater Sauna, and to find out more about the exciting new wave of sauna culture hitting the UK.

Arlene and Sam with the Saltwater Sauna on Sandbanks beach

The vision for The Saltwater Sauna was originally born out of Sam Glyn Jones’ community surf and wellness project Resurface, which combines surfing, yoga, social connection and cold water therapy in a peer-support program aimed at improving the wellbeing of the local community. It was Resurface’s ‘Rise and Conquer’ events, entailing a facilitated cold water therapy experience in the sea at dawn, combined with a bonfire, music and hot drinks, that sparked the desire for a sauna.

 “Amazed by their popularity, we ran the cold water morning dips more and more until I got to the point where I was just crying out for a sauna! I think that those adventurous types who enjoy surfing, yoga and cold water immersion also tend to get really into saunas… These experiences are all about getting back to yourself and getting back to nature” - Sam Glyn-Jones

Sam has experienced what he describes as a ‘very British’ journey into cold water immersion and sauna appreciation.

“I used to run down to the beach and get in the sea with my friends, then make a small fire on the beach to warm our toes up afterwards. We didn’t know about the benefits of cold water immersion at the time, we just felt amazing for it, and that feeling is addictive.

I think the Brits love the excitement and novelty of cold water swimming and sauna bathing, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with introducing new people to the experience.” - Sam Glyn-Jones

Meanwhile, for Arlene, who grew up in Finland, sauna bathing is deeply ingrained, and cold water immersion forms a part of the traditional sauna bathing cycle.

“People often ask if I am a sauna enthusiast, but I had never really considered myself one because it’s just so much a part of the Finnish culture. I guess I have lived the benefits of sauna bathing and felt them in my body my whole life without really thinking about what they are. For me, getting in the cold sea always needs to be accompanied by a hot sauna before and after.

When I was a child we would go swimming in the sea and there was always a sauna to get into before and afterwards. In the UK, people tend to associate saunas with leisure centres and gyms in enclosed spaces, but in Finland, more often than not saunas are in nature, so you’re fully immersed in the elements.” - Arlene Lukkarinen

Resurface participants enjoy an early morning dip in the sea at Sandbanks beach

Sauna bathers return to The Saltwater Sauna after a swim in the sea

Passionate about providing people with a superior sauna experience, Arlene and Sam got in touch with Heartwood Saunas after realising that an authentic wood-fired sauna would be the pièce de résistance to complete the experience of cold water immersion.

“Quality is really important to both of us, and Heartwood Saunas really stood out as being top quality. We loved their designs and it was clear they had excellent knowledge of sauna building and what makes a great sauna.” - Arlene Lukkarinen and Sam Glyn-Jones.

The couple were keen to to run a sauna at a minimal cost for Resurface participants as part of a therapeutic program, but they were also excited to bring together people in the wider local community and introduce them to the mood-boosting Nordic culture of contrast therapy; cold water immersion paired with traditional sauna bathing. It was also an ambition to make the sauna a profitable business so that Arlene could leave her part-time marketing job and focus on her art, as well as her passion for sauna.

The vision for The Saltwater Sauna was thus realised, and a hugely successful crowd-funder campaign launched in 2020 to help purchase a Heartwood Sauna for Sandbanks beach, which, thanks to Arlene’s hard work, exceeded its target in just over a month.

“Sea swimming at Sandbanks had increased a lot since the pandemic as people reached out to reconnect with themselves and nature. The interest in The Saltwater Sauna from the local community just blew our minds!” - Arlene Lukkarinen

Once they realised it was possible, Arlene and Sam set about working with Heartwood Saunas’ founder Olly Davey to design the ultimate mobile sauna for Sandbanks beach. At one point, the couple made their whole living room a bespoke sauna!

“We had great fun marking it out with furniture and pillows so we could really visualise what the space would feel like!”- Sam Glyn-Jones.

As Arlene explains:

“We had a list of features that we felt we wanted the sauna to have, for example, a changing area and a little office for me to use to stay sheltered from the weather; and we went back and forth with Olly on the phone and through email designing it together for a couple of months. Olly sent us really helpful 3D illustrations and blueprints so we could clearly imagine the space. When after discussions Olly sent us some images of what the sauna could look like from the outside, we were completely blown away by the design, we just thought, this is it!

Olly then stayed in touch to confirm design details as it was built. We always ensured the design included everything that we needed, and made use of Olly’s expertise and knowledge to make sure it all worked.” - Arlene Lukkarinen

Sam and Arlene inside the Saltwater Sauna

Sam and Arlene outside their mobile sauna

The sauna arrived on an exceptionally hot and busy summer’s day and Arlene and Sam fired it up that very evening to enjoy their first sauna on the beach looking out at the ocean. From the get-go, there was a lot of interest from local people and for the first few months, Arlene and Sam found it always took two people to run the sauna: one to run the sauna, one to answer the constant stream of excited questions from intrigued passers-by! The Saltwater Sauna was an instant success; as well as its use as part of the Resurface program, communal and private bookings took off right away and it seems its popularity is only growing. 

“I think sauna culture is growing massively in the UK; we get a lot of emails from people wanting to invest, or to set up their own sauna and seeking advice. The increasing popularity of cold water swimming in the UK is definitely helping create more and more demand for sauna bathing.

In Finland, saunas are really quiet, peaceful experiences, but in the UK it’s quite variable. The atmosphere can be more lively because saunas are still quite novel here. Sometimes people love to share and talk and there can be a lot of laughter! It’s really wonderful to see how saunas bring people together here as well as providing relaxation, escapism and health benefits.” - Arlene Lukkarinen and Sam Glyn-Jones.

As The Saltwater Sauna is such a success, Arlene and Sam are now looking to expand and exploring options for another Heartwood sauna at some stage. But for both, establishing a work/life balance that prioritises their own wellbeing is essential, and a key part of The Saltwater Sauna’s philosophy.

“It’s definitely been overwhelming at times so it’s an aspiration to find that slowness that we crave and create a better work/life balance. It’s important that when we do expand, we can do it while taking care of our own mental health” - Arlene Lukkarinen.

“It’s important for us to live a lifestyle that truly means we are relaxed and content, enjoying everything that we do and getting to spend quality time with people.”-Sam Glyn-Jones.

You can find out more about The Saltwater Sauna experience on their website, and book a session to experience the bliss of a seaside Heartwood sauna for yourself.

Wild Swimming: Immersion in Nature

The clear, rippling water of the Dulas that meanders past our riverside sauna in mid-Wales is powerfully inviting - particularly post-sauna! We caught up with local cold-water swimming guide, adventure activist and founder of We Swim Wild, Laura Sanderson to find out why more and more people are taking the plunge into wild swimming, even during the coldest months of the year.

Laura Sanderson wild swimming, still from Hydrotherapy (see below)

The Healing Power of Wild Swimming

Laura’s own journey with wild swimming began as a way to heal and engage with nature following a life threatening illness, then a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which causes muscle stiffness, fatigue and pain all over the body. Although treatment options for fibromyalgia are limited, Laura was recommended to try taking cold showers to help with muscle pain and joint swelling.

 “Cold showers just didn’t appeal to me at all; in fact, I still don’t like cold showers! But I lived right by the beach, so I started swimming in the cold sea, and my symptoms improved immediately.”

Laura credits the salt and magnesium in the sea as one of the reasons for this, but just cold water itself can also have a significant effect on physical health. An article in Experimental Physiology suggests that repeated exposure to cold water immersion could reduce the body’s stress response and in turn reduce inflammation, essentially teaching the body to adapt to stress. 

But it's not only the physical effects of cold water swimming that Laura and so many others find beneficial. Cold water swimming can also have a profound impact on mental health. A recent study has shown that regular cold water swimming sessions can significantly improve mood and even help to combat depression.

“When you’re in the water and out in the elements, you’re jolted back into the present moment, you can’t think of anything else but what you are doing, and I think a lot of people do it for that experience.”

Another motivation to swim, particularly on colder days, is the ‘afterglow’. Laura explains,

“When you get out, you experience the afterglow; it’s like a huge rush of endorphins which makes you feel amazing.”

This post-swim buzz is likely generated by a significant increase in feel-good neurotransmitters following cold water immersion, as found in another recent study. This is a natural high that evidently gets people hooked, as many wild swimmers, including Laura, describe their health-boosting hobby as addictive.

“I can’t go on a walk and not go in the water. I feel like I’ve just got to get in, it’s so inviting.”

Wild Swimming Tips

Wild swimming in the cold waters of the UK is not without its dangers, not least of which being cold water shock that can cause people to hyperventilate and even drown. Laura is also a breathwork instructor, and explains that controlling your breathing in cold water is paramount.

“Before you get in, it’s a good idea to regulate your breath for a couple of minutes, for example, breathing in for four seconds, then out for 8 seconds. As you enter the water you should continue this, gradually submerging yourself further on outbreaths. It’s then good to tread water for one or two minutes, continuing to regulate your breath while your body gets used to the temperature before starting to swim.”

Especially on your first wild swims, Laura advises not to push yourself and only stay in for a minute or two. Laura recommends water boots/shoes and gloves in the winter, as well as a wet suit, particularly for longer swims. It’s vital to dry off and warm up thoroughly after being submerged in cold water too, because your body continues to cool for approximately 20-30 minutes, meaning your core body temperature is actually colder a while after you are back on dry land. Being prepared with a towel, warm dry clothes to change into, and a hot drink in a flask is essential. We Swim Wild has more information on how to acclimatise to cold water and warm-up efficiently which you can access here.

There are many environmental safety aspects to consider too, from stormy weather and currents to underwater hazards and harmful algaes (if you’re after some fantastic safety pointers for starting out, visit We Swim Wild. It’s not recommended to try wild swimming alone, and if you’re feeling a bit unsure about beginning, a great way to get started is to book onto a course with an experienced guide. Laura runs courses which cater to all levels throughout the year.

Wild Swimming and Sauna

Recently, Laura has started facilitating wild swim sessions at our Riverside Sauna, where you can combine an invigorating river swim in the clear, ice-cold mountain water with a hot relaxing sauna overlooking the sparkling torrent.

“Combining wild swimming with a sauna takes the experience to a whole new level. I love the extremes of the two, and how you feel totally immersed in the landscape in both. I love the smell of the wood in the sauna, and being able to look out at the river while you relax and recover. You just feel amazing afterwards.”

Typically, Laura’s wild swim and sauna sessions start off with a stretch and breathwork instruction to prepare you for entering the water, then a first guided dip in the river.

“Getting into the water first, before the sauna, makes the sauna that bit more special when it’s time to dry off and warm up. The sauna helps you to recover from the cold water and is an incredible de-stressor, it’s so relaxing. After fifteen minutes in the sauna, you are ready for another dip, so we usually cycle between fifteen minutes in the sauna, then five minutes in the river.”

All proceeds from the wild swim and sauna sessions go towards We Swim Wild’s Clean Waters campaigns.

Protecting Wild Water

Laura’s own wild swimming journey has also nurtured a passion for protecting and preserving wild waters in the UK, which are under threat from plastic pollution. Laura teamed up with Dr Christian Dunn at Bangor University a few years ago to begin to measure the scale of the problem - “we found micro-plastics even in the most pristine lakes in Snowdonia.” 

Compelled to initiate a change, they started We Swim Wild, a not for profit company and campaigning body that inspires, unites and empowers wild swimming communities and other water users to take action against micro-plastic pollution and other silent contaminates in order to protect biodiversity and safe swim spaces. We Swim Wild helps to generate data through citizen science with the aim of instigating legislation changes at a government level. You can find out more about their projects and how you can help protect wild waters in the UK here.

Connecting with Nature

For Laura, wild swimming isn’t just about being in cold water; it’s about feeling fully immersed in a natural landscape.

“Being outside in nature, submerged in cold water, it makes you feel alive. When you’re in the water, you’re totally immersed in the landscape. Simply being outdoors isn’t always enough to get you out of your head and into the moment; but in cold water, you are forced to engage with the environment and be present in your body.”

A recent study confirms that spending time in nature boosts health and wellbeing, and following the global pandemic and lockdowns of recent years, accessing nature feels more important than ever. Accordingly, wild swimming has been gaining popularity significantly in recent times; Outdoor Swimmer magazine’s annual ‘Trends in Outdoor Swimming’ report states that searches for the term ‘wild swimming’ increased by 94% between 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Swimming Society’s membership has also increased significantly in the last two years. 

Nature is the perfect antidote to the stresses of our modern lives, and wild swimming, for many, offers a total escape and a deep connection with the natural world.

You can find out more about Laura’s personal journey with wild swimming in the video below.