Rosewood Neighborhood Outdoor Sauna & Cold Plunge

This custom 7’ x 8’ outdoor sauna was designed and built in the Rosewood neighborhood of NE Portland for a client who prioritized privacy, clean design, and performance. The project includes a cedar-lined 4’ x 8’ covered deck and a cold plunge setup, all built on a concrete slab with integrated floor drainage for year-round usability.

The sauna interior features premium tight knot cedar cladding, paired with floating clear cedar benches for a modern, open feel. We kept the design focused on privacy by minimizing glass and surrounding the custom door’s reduced-size window with matching tight knot cedar to maintain a cohesive, enclosed aesthetic. A small, high-placed window allows in natural light while preserving seclusion.

A 9kW Harvia Cilindro heater with WiFi controls powers the sauna, offering both convenience and reliable performance. Ventilation was a key design requirement for this client — we incorporated dual adjustable intake vents along with two exhaust vents, one of which is programmed to open automatically after each session to flush out warm, humid air and preserve material longevity.

The exterior is clad in durable LP siding with a standing seam metal roof for long-term weather resistance. This backyard sauna retreat balances performance and privacy with durable construction and thoughtful detailing — a great example of what we offer as a full-service Portland sauna builder.