Luxurious outdoor saunas from the Jizera Mountains: A combination of craftsmanship, nature, and modern design

Outdoor luxury Finnish sauna UKKO

"For several years, we used to go to public saunas, but we were not satisfied with the temperature, and we also wanted privacy, so we built our own sauna. The construction of our first private sauna inspired us to want to make saunas for others. We wanted to combine the experience of sauna bathing in privacy with beautiful design and other benefits like immune system support and well-being. Therefore, we customize the saunas a lot, so that each Finnish sauna fits into the respective garden as seamlessly as possible and becomes a place of pleasant relaxation," describes Barbora.

Combination of craftsmanship and technology

Breathtaking view through the window into the ambiently backlit sauna space, where modern design meets natural beauty. The stove placed in the heart of the sauna adds warmth and intimacy to the space, while the terrace overlooking the lake at sunset creates perfect harmony between architecture and nature, this is UKKO!

Saunas are handmade and combine precise craftsmanship, modern technology, and innovative design. In developing the saunas, the couple took a scientific approach using state-of-the-art technology. Through computational modeling using the finite element method (FEM), they optimize air flow and ensure the ideal warming of the space. Thanks to this analysis, they design structures that provide a perfect sauna experience—uniform heat distribution, effective ventilation, and maximum comfort for users. They build each sauna with utmost care and precision—as if they were crafting it for themselves. "Our goal is to offer customers not only a beautiful and functional product but also a place where they can regenerate both body and mind every day," says Tomáš, behind whom the entire construction stands.

The sauna contains up to 8 types of wood

UKKO sauna with elements of larch, aspen, and African abachi wood

UKKO outdoor Finnish saunas (the brand name refers to the most significant god in Finnish mythology) stand out with unique architectural details and a connection to nature. "The sauna contains up to 8 types of wood. We want everything you touch to be an experience for the senses and a connection to nature,” states Barbora, which is why the couple chooses types of wood like aspen, larch, pine, beech, and others.

Specifically, the walls and ceiling are made of Nordic spruce, characterized by its natural light yellow color, which over time changes to warm honey tones. Nordic spruce features a fine wood texture with regular concentric rings. You can also choose cladding made of aspen wood, which is typical for its light cream color with a clean appearance without knots, which over the years transitions into light honey tones. UKKO also offers a version of thermowood aspen, which is characterized by higher resistance to temperature and humidity changes.

Benches can either be made of aspen wood or African abachi wood. However, Tomáš always prefers abachi: "Due to its low density, and consequently low thermal conductivity, it is perfectly made for use on sauna benches. Moreover, the light cream wood with its characteristic grain has an unmistakable scent."

The floor consists of terrace boards made of pine or larch. Pine is characterized by a creamy color with a high resin content. Thanks to these properties, it is well resistant to water and other weather influences. In contrast, larch is typical for its pink-yellow to reddish-brown coloration and is distinguished by a rich pattern of overgrown knots.

Larch is also used for the facade cladding. "It is a very durable wood, and over time it gradually takes on shades of gray, creating an elegant appearance," explains Tomáš.

Unique architectural elements

Perfect harmony of design and nature – the sloped roof and larch screen create a unique space that connects with the surrounding environment

UKKO outdoor saunas are not only functional but also aesthetically unique. The main architectural element is the sloped wall at the entrance terrace, which gives the sauna a modern and dynamic appearance. This detail is not just a design element but also contributes to the efficiency of the structure. Another striking element is the large glazing into the sauna space. This allows users to enjoy views of the surrounding nature, enhancing the relaxation experience. The glass is specially treated to withstand high temperatures while providing sufficient privacy. "Thanks to this, our customers can enjoy perfect peace and harmony while sauna bathing," the couple agrees, for whom the experience of sauna bathing is important.

You can heat the sauna remotely

Minimalist beauty that combines design and functionality – the stove with elegant rounded shapes resembling a drop of water creates a gentle, pleasant steam for maximum comfort during sauna bathing, including control via Wi-Fi

Thanks to modern technologies, you don't have to wait for the sauna to heat up. "We use HUMM electric stoves from Estonia, which you can turn on remotely via Wi-Fi. So, you might be at work, and when you get home in an hour, you can go right into the sauna. And to ensure that the heat lasts longer and the operating costs are not high, we use thicker insulation compared to our competitors, at least 120 mm. The sauna is also equipped with LED backlighting and surround sound controlled via Bluetooth. We want our saunas to give people a new dimension and for them to enjoy the connection of relaxation and nature to the fullest," says Barbora.

The covered entrance terrace with ambient LED backlighting offers a place to relax after sauna bathing

3D visualization in augmented reality – a unique service on the market

Try out how the sauna would look in your exterior

UKKO is the only one on the market that offers the possibility of 3D visualization using augmented reality (AR). Tomáš explains the uniqueness of their service: "Thanks to AR, customers can preview our sauna directly in their space using a mobile device. They thus get a realistic impression of the dimensions, design, and placement before the actual installation. It also makes it easier to decide on the best configuration and positioning of the sauna, as this approach eliminates any doubts about the appearance and integration of the sauna into the surrounding environment and increases certainty in the selection," he concludes. They will also expand their service to include 360° visualization of the sauna, which will bring a new dimension to selection and facilitate decision-making since customers will be able to thoroughly explore the design, materials, and dimensions of the sauna in high quality and real proportions.

For Garden 2025 Fair and Open House Days

Outdoor Finnish sauna UKKO, which won the Top Expo award at For Arch 2024

"In 2024, we won a prestigious award at the international For Arch fair for Top Expo up to 50 m², which pleasantly surprised and excited us," say the couple, adding that at this year's For Garden fair, taking place from April 3rd to 6th, their outdoor Finnish sauna will be adorned with a moss wall and other design green elements. Tickets can be downloaded for free on their website. "We look forward to meeting design lovers, unique architecture, and sauna enthusiasts with whom we could establish cooperation," says Tomáš. In addition to the For Garden fair, UKKO regularly organizes Open House Days in their workshop in Jablonec nad Nisou, so follow their website or social media for information about this event. This way, you can see the place where saunas that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design are created.

www.ukko.cz
@ukkosauny