Baths in Rus' have always been considered an integral attribute of a village home. Times have changed, but a sauna made of timber is still very popular in the infrastructure of suburban buildings. At first glance, building a bathhouse is a simple matter, but this opinion is erroneous.
Project of a bathhouse made of timber with a terrace
Before you start building a bathhouse, you need to carefully consider its main parameters, which will depend on the following factors:
- The number of people for which the bathhouse is designed;
- The number of rooms in the bathhouse and their functional load;
- Number of levels in the bathhouse.
In this article, we will consider in more detail the projects of bathhouses made of timber and dwell on the features of their layout.
Varieties of timber bathhouse projects
As a rule, all steam room designs are divided into types that are used under different conditions. For example, individual-type models provide a separate design, the required number of rooms with different purposes. In most cases, “houses” with a kitchen, a recreation room and a swimming pool are made for a family.
In the arrangement of baths, it is always assumed to install gable roofs PHOTO: dekoriko.ru
The design can contain one room, divided inside into a firebox and a steam room PHOTO: kaminipechi.com
As for standard designs, they are ordered from professionals. They are structures similar to each other. For their construction, the same type of materials is used, the same number of rooms is created. As a rule, when ordering such projects, companies provide strictly standard sizes of steam rooms.
The finished bathhouse may have additional lining on the outside. But most often it is not used PHOTO: brus-bany.ru
What is included in the timber bath project
It is impossible to do without reporting documentation during the construction of a bathhouse. This building requires the presence of the following forms and acts:
- sketches and drawings of the future building;
- expected work schedule and deadlines;
- calculation of estimate documentation;
- special permission from the authorities if the structure is permanent.
If all documentation is provided for the project, then a guarantee is always provided for the finished structure. Having received official registration and all the necessary papers for construction, the developers carry out construction in accordance with the previously announced deadlines. If these indicators are violated, the customer may demand a certain amount of the cost of the work as damages.
Wooden baths can be installed on stone blocks PHOTO: bindom.ru
Exterior design of the bathhouse
The timber must be sanded and treated with products that protect against insects and fire.
- Thanks to special means, timber logs will look more stylish.
- The foundation base can be decorated with brick or natural stone.
- Brick is also suitable for interior decoration.
The roof of the room will look stylish and modern if it is constructed as a single-pitch or gable roof, finished with natural materials: slate or tiles.
How to choose a timber bathhouse project
It is known that a modern steam room has many more possibilities than it used to be. If a few decades ago, you could just take a steam bath with brooms and wash yourself, now even the most unusual rest rooms and kitchens are equipped. The basis of such a structure is wood. However, depending on the type of project, certain choices have to be made here too.
Finnish sauna
The main feature of such a structure is a lot of heat and little humidity. It is in such structures that they try to arrange guest rooms. They are suitable for leisure activities. Sometimes you can even spend several days in them, for example, on holidays. A similar layout has several advantages:
- suitable for 6-7 people visiting at the same time;
- does not require getting used to, it is easy to breathe in such a steam room;
- it is considered common, so it is easy to find any components for it;
- does not require additional processing.
The Finnish steam room mainly uses heaters that operate on a natural source PHOTO: galirad.kz
A special fireplace can be installed for heating PHOTO: galirad.kz
This version of the bath can also be used in apartments. But in such cases it is necessary to additionally install waterproofing.
Russian bath
A very useful steam room that you can easily implement at home. This option can be portable or stationary. They try to install a similar structure on the local area. Less often they install it directly in the house. Such a bath has a number of advantages:
- heats up quickly and cools down slowly;
- has high humidity, so it’s easy to breathe inside;
- heated with wood or other solid raw materials.
A Russian steam room made of timber will fit perfectly into the landscape design.
Natural flavors are often used in Russian baths, so it is necessary to provide niches for them PHOTO: prof.prof.lclients.ru
In the steam room you can install removable and stationary sets PHOTO: prof.prof.lclients.ru
Roman bath
The Roman steam room or “therma”, as it is also called, is a room divided into two rooms inside. A mandatory element of this type of building is marble cladding. It has the following positive qualities:
- wet steam that completely envelops the entire room;
- temperature up to 45-60°C;
- the ability to scent the air;
- suitable for children.
After procedures in such steam rooms, it is recommended to drink a lot of liquid, since a significant amount of it comes out with sweat.
Sometimes marble is replaced with pixel tiles or mosaics PHOTO: prof.prof.lclients.ru
Since ancient times, rich people in Roman baths have been trying to equip sunbeds lined with glass or small ceramic tiles PHOTO: old.allspana.by
Related article:
Bathhouse projects with a relaxation room and a terrace. In a separate publication you will learn about the most successful layouts of bathhouses with an extension in the form of a veranda or terrace.
What should be the correct layout of a bathhouse?
A traditional bathhouse consists of three rooms: a steam room, a sink, and a relaxation room. Each of them has certain requirements:
- Steam room. This room must be sufficiently sealed, treated from moisture and mold. Dimensions are small (usually 4-6 sq.m.). A steam room that is too spacious will not provide the required temperature and humidity.
- Washing. In modern baths, a shower stall is installed in this room. The area of the room, as a rule, is approximately the same as that of the steam room. A larger sink can accommodate a swimming pool.
- Restroom. The most spacious room in a traditional bathhouse (minimum 6-8 sq.m.). The temperature here should be lower than in other parts of the building. It is necessary to have a window - after all, in the relaxation room people cool down between visits to the steam room. Usually a table and benches or sofas are placed here.
In addition to the requirements for each room, there are standards that determine their location. The rest room is the first one following the entrance. The steam room is located farthest from the front door; you can get into it through the sink. This ensures that the required temperature is maintained. If you make an exit from the steam room to a relaxation room or vestibule, it will quickly cool down.
Projects of bathhouses depending on the processing of timber with the price of construction
As a rule, for the construction of bathhouses, which are houses with additional rooms, various types of timber can be used. Each product has its own characteristics.
Bathhouse projects made from ordinary planed timber
Regular planed timber is recognized as one of the most popular and easiest to install. But such material cracks quite quickly, so it needs additional strengthening and treatment with waterproofing agents.
A good option for a steam room on stilts PHOTO: krasdoma.tilda.ws
Often, during the production of this type of material, geometric inaccuracies arise; this can subsequently affect the stability and joining of elements. Professionals believe that such a project additionally needs insulation. The thickness of this structure is 150-200 mm.
Steam room made of planed timber with an interesting design and attic PHOTO: spk-sp.ru
Bathhouses come in different designs PHOTO: rosterem.ru
Bathhouse projects made of profiled timber with approximate construction prices
Profiled timber must undergo special treatment before use. This makes it possible to enhance its properties and quality. During installation, the raw material does not crack, has increased strength, and is therefore considered resistant to drying and deformation.
Beautiful bathhouse with living rooms PHOTO: dsk2050.ru
The estimated price for the project is from 120 to 190 thousand rubles. If the steam room option is large enough and has a special design, then the cost can reach half a million or more.
Houses made of wood profiles can be installed on a solid brick foundation PHOTO: uralekodom.ru
Laminated timber bathhouse projects: approximate prices
Glued material is considered one of the highest quality. It has increased resistance to deformation and is reliably mounted. For a sauna house made of laminated veneer lumber, the raw materials are specially processed and the best is selected from it. The finished product after milling has a thickness of 180 mm, and the length of one beam is 12 m.
To put a massive roof on a bathhouse, you need to build a solid foundation PHOTO: pokter.ru
A small pool is often installed next to the bathhouse or even inside it to cool off. PHOTO: banyabest.ru
The construction of baths from laminated veneer lumber has an increased cost. No insulation is used during its installation. Approximate prices for the construction of bath structures from laminated veneer lumber generally vary between 180-350 thousand rubles. Basically, the cost of a project varies depending on the size.
Building styles
If the owner of a country house does not have a vast territory, he will have to limit himself to choosing either a Finnish bathhouse or a Russian one. Other types of buildings are unlikely to fit in a small space.
The Finnish sauna has a temperature of up to 100 degrees and a low humidity of 7%. In Russian baths the temperature reaches 80 degrees and high humidity 70%. For a Russian bath there is no need to install ventilation.
- The atmosphere in a Russian bath is more natural, in contrast to a Finnish sauna. Finnish structures can be moved from one place to another; their construction does not require a foundation or much time.
- Unlike Russian-built ones, the Finnish sauna heats up faster, is smaller in size (usually it is designed for 2-3 people), and can withstand any climate.
- The construction is carried out using logs fastened together with tongues and reinforced with steel. The benches are made of linden, and the sauna itself is usually made of cedar, thereby enhancing its natural qualities.
The Russian bathhouse has advantages over the Finnish one, since an excess of dry air is harmful to health. It is easier to be in a Russian steam room, due to high humidity, the body removes toxins, thanks to excellent heating, there is no harm to the lungs and skin.
It is not advisable to install a Russian stove yourself; it is better to find a specialist who understands the intricacies of its work. It will be difficult for a beginner to design a Russian stove; as a result, you may end up with a malfunctioning sauna.
The Russian bath includes dry and wet rooms. Dry rooms include a small room (dressing room), locker room, shower, and steam room.
Timber baths with additional structural elements: photos of beautiful projects
The type of construction, the ability to install additional structures, design and much more completely depends on how much space is allocated for construction. There are various options, but below we will talk about the most popular ones.
The project is the most convenient, suitable for summer and winter use PHOTO: zamkaddom.ru
The veranda railings can be made with balusters or any other decor PHOTO: zamkaddom.ru
With veranda
A veranda is an additional free space that can be used as a place for leisure or organizing feasts. Typically, a shower bath with a veranda remains open and ventilated from the front side. Only sometimes it is sheathed with quick-release material: tarpaulin, sealed film or thick fabric.
The design of the veranda can be made from another version of timber PHOTO: dom-bania.deal.by
On a note! When arranging an outdoor area in a wooden bathhouse, you must remember that it cannot have a larger area than the inside of the building.
With terrace
The terrace in the baths can be used not only as a free space, but also as a functional area. For example, a billiard room, a dining table, a soft corner and much more can be installed here. In addition, such a space will successfully play the role of a playroom for children in the summer. Projects of two-story bathhouses made of timber with a terrace and an attic can be developed simultaneously.
Bathhouse with a terrace and a wide porch PHOTO: krov-torg.ru
Semicircular terrace in an interesting style PHOTO: evrookna-mos.ru
Project of a bathhouse with panoramic windows and a large porch PHOTO: evrookna-mos.ru
Such a site is most often equipped with a canopy. Here you can always organize a living corner and place ornamental plants in pots.
With attic
The project of a bathhouse made of timber with an attic would be appropriate if there is a limited amount of free space on the land plot, and an extension to the bathhouse needs to be made. The attic will play the role of additional space. It is also customary to have a relaxation area with soft sofas and a table.
Three-in-one bathhouse: attic, terrace and steam room PHOTO: uyut-dm.ru
Attic in a bathhouse with a balcony PHOTO: domik76.ru
It is also possible to organize a small dining room and living room here. It is allowed to install a TV in such a house. Some even stay overnight so as not to return home steamed after the steam room.
On a note! You can order ready-made bathhouse projects made from laminated veneer lumber and other types of timber on a turnkey basis from professional construction companies.
Related article:
Finishing the bathhouse inside. Photos and examples. In a separate publication you will find interesting ideas for decorating steam rooms and relaxation rooms, and also learn the main stages of installation.
Features of timber construction
How to make a bathhouse so that the costs are lower and it lasts longer to the delight of the owners? It must be said that building bathhouses with your own hands from beams is a fairly simple process when compared with brickwork or building a bathhouse with a log house.
If you have doubts about your own abilities, you can use the help of the manufacturer’s specialists. True, this will require additional payment.
Usually, building it yourself takes quite a lot of time. The foundation part hardens within two or three weeks. Then the timber must give the necessary shrinkage. Only then can you start decorating the structure.
When studying the construction instructions, it is most convenient not only to read the instructions, but also to watch them on video. This makes it easier to perceive useful information.
There are some practical recommendations that should not be neglected during construction:
- When choosing a foundation, be sure to take into account the properties of the soil. It is likely that you will need not an ordinary one, but a tile or strip one;
- Self-laying of beams will require additional insulation between the crowns. To do this, it is worth using special materials for caulking work;
- A long service life largely depends on the high-quality insulation of the structure and the presence of appropriate waterproofing. If it is of high quality, then the bath will quickly warm up, and you will feel comfortable in it;
- Finishing must be carried out only after the timber has shrinked. Over six months, subsidence can range from five to ten centimeters, which will lead to damage to the cladding.
Ready-made bathhouse projects made from timber of different sizes
In most cases, it is assumed that steam rooms of different sizes will be installed. It all depends on the free space near the house. There are several most common options that will help you place everything you need inside.
The interior layout can accommodate a small shower, a relaxation room and a steam room PHOTO: postroitbanju.ru
The steam room and washing room can be separated from each other by a thin partition PHOTO: nizam-stroy.ru
Project of a bathhouse made of 4×4 timber
The 4x4 timber bathhouse project is recognized as the smallest building. Often, except for the firebox and steam room, nothing is provided inside. This option is perfect for construction on a small summer cottage in the countryside.
Bathhouse project made of 5×5 timber
A 5x5 m² bathhouse can have either a simple or complex structure. If we are talking about organizing a budget option, then three zones are created inside the room: shower, steam room and firebox. For more expensive options, in addition to the main premises, there is a bathroom, a terrace, and a second floor.
A simple construction option PHOTO: drevolog.ru
A full-fledged bathhouse project without a second floor PHOTO: postroitbanju.ru
Bathhouse project made of 6×4 timber
Saunas made of 4 × 6 timber can be equipped with a terrace. They have enough free space. Several people can visit the steam room and be inside the house at the same time. This project involves dividing the structure into four rooms: a dressing room, the steam room itself, a washing room, and a relaxation room.
At the entrance you can build a small terrace or porch.
In such buildings, the porch may have the smallest area of all rooms PHOTO: srubmoscow.ru
When arranging a two-story bathhouse, according to the project, the upper floor may consist of only one room PHOTO: rfund.ru
Project of a bathhouse made of timber 6×6 m²
In the project of a bathhouse made of 6x6 timber, it is possible to implement various ideas. Most importantly, here you can arrange a spacious dressing room and washing area. As a rule, there is no point in expanding the steam room itself. This can significantly reduce its performance. The room will become cooler.
In such baths there must be a vestibule. Otherwise, drafts and coolness await you.
When arranging a bathhouse, make sure that the area of the steam room is at least 6.2 m² PHOTO: banyabest.ru
The first floor of a country house can be fully equipped for a steam room PHOTO: saunstroi.com
Choosing a foundation for a bath
For a bathhouse, choose a shallow strip (up to 60 cm) or pile foundation.
Wooden material must be protected from high humidity, so the foundation base must be at least 50 cm.
The site of the proposed development is leveled, the fertile layer of soil is removed and transferred, stones are removed, bushes and stumps are uprooted. Using pegs and strong thread, mark the perimeter of the base and the width of the trench.
- A trench is dug under the strip foundation, the depth of which depends on the type of soil, the level of freezing in winter, and the height of groundwater.
- On loose, sandy, clayey soil, the depth of the lower part of the tape should be at least 60 cm; for strong, stable soil, 40-50 cm is allowed.
- We add a 50 cm base, a cushion of gravel and sand, and we get a minimum pouring height of the concrete base of 1.0 m - 1.20 m.
- To fill the base, it is necessary to install removable formwork. It is prepared from scraps of boards, remnants of old wooden products, and durable plywood.
- To strengthen the base, in order to avoid distortion of the structure and subsidence of the soil inward, an armored belt with at least two weave threads is installed.
Pile or columnar foundations are laid on quicksand, swampy areas, in flooded areas, on the banks of reservoirs and rivers. For construction, industrial concrete piles are used or they are made of brick, rubble stone, concrete blocks measuring 20x30x60 cm.
To install them, they dig a hole to the depth of the foundation, fill it with a bed of sand and gravel, set up piles or lay out pillars, and concrete it with cement mortar.
Important! The top of the foundation is covered with a layer of waterproofing. To do this, apply a layer of bitumen mastic to the surface and cover it with one or two layers of roofing felt.
Features of building a bathhouse from wooden beams: video
To achieve the optimal result from drawing up a steam room project to its implementation, it is necessary to take into account several features. It is also important to take things step by step. The entire process is described in more detail in the video below.
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