As fall started blowing it’s way in, I started to think that I needed something to look forward to , plus, I get cold and don’t have a woodstove. So to solve it all, I built a woodfired sauna! I don’t have any property yet so I designed a built it for my 12’ trailer.
The exterior, roof and chimney are all ready for the weather!
My old pal Charlie Ryland who has worked along with me for years has moved back to the area and is helping me in the shop. He was able to secure a bunch of beautifully sawn pine beams so timberframe it is!
I haven’t done real timberframing for years (since my workshop in NY) so getting out my old beloved tools was a real treat and cutting this pine was a joy.
We were able to build out the whole thing inside my workshop, break it down and assemble it on site.
Charlie and I spent the entire week of the election very comfortable distracted working in a late heat wave and exhausting ourselves too much to check the news.
The added 2X4 structure extends the width of the sauna over the wheel wells and creates the benches inside!
I was able to get some free soapstone remnants for the stove base and am now I’m in the last steps of insulation and soon on to the cedar!! There is a separate changing room as you enter and then the sauna is in the back, it looks like it will comfortably sit 3-4 people…someday!
I decided to use the Japanese scorching called shou sugi ban to help preserve and color the rafter tails and soffits, it’s too much fun and I love the look!
I hope that you are finding things to start to create hope for the coming months! We will get there.