This 7’ x 8’ outdoor sauna was custom-built for a pair of sauna enthusiasts looking for a private, high-performance retreat in their own backyard just southeast of Portland. The structure features a premium tight knot cedar exterior, with a warm, clean interior lined in the same material. Clear vertical grain cedar was used for the benches and backrest, giving the sauna a refined, lux feel without going overboard on cost.

We installed a powerful 9kW Harvia Cilindro heater and integrated recessed LED lighting behind the bench and backrest for a soft ambient glow during evening sessions. One of our custom clear cedar-framed glass doors adds both functionality and a handcrafted finishing touch. A cold outdoor rinse shower was also included just steps from the entrance.

The foundation and roof were extended 8 feet beyond the sauna to create a generous covered area, perfect for outdoor seating or a future cold plunge. Due to the site’s location in a designated floodplain, the project faced extensive permitting delays and engineering requirements. We coordinated closely with the county to get the necessary approvals and poured a reinforced monolithic concrete slab with integrated drainage for the sauna, shower, and gutter system.

This build is a great example of how we balance function, form, and site constraints to deliver a custom sauna that feels high-end and built-to-last — even in the most challenging locations.