Premium Outdoor Sauna

Elma S – modern garden sauna with glass front for up to two people

The Bloomcabin Elma S is designed for anyone seeking a permanently installed outdoor sauna that makes thoughtful use of available space. At approximately 162 cm wide, 158 cm deep and 242 cm high, this model combines compact dimensions with a generous clear-glass front, a light thermo-aspen interior and a clean-lined design. The cabin accommodates up to two people. It is particularly suitable for households where sauna bathing is usually enjoyed alone or as a couple, and a larger cabin would offer little day-to-day benefit. The Elma S can be positioned on a terrace, in a courtyard or freely in the garden, provided that the base, access route and technical supply are suitable. Its rectangular form fits neatly into structured outdoor spaces. When planning, consider not only the footprint, but also the glass-front orientation, route to the door and preferred view.

The following guidance will help you decide whether the Elma S suits your location, construction requirements and sauna habits. If you would first like to compare other sizes or designs, explore the Bloomcabin sauna range.

What makes this model distinctive

Capacity, available installation space, construction type, glazing and technical requirements are the main selection factors. The features below offer an initial overview; detailed site and connection planning should then follow for your property.

Elma S timber construction: thermo-aspen, thermo-spruce and structural CLT

Inside, the Elma S is finished in light thermo-aspen. The timber defines the seating area and provides a calm contrast to the dark details of the glass front. LED strips integrated behind the backrest provide indirect light without interrupting the clean front appearance with a visible fitting. Protect timber surfaces in everyday use with generously sized sauna towels so as little perspiration as possible is absorbed directly into the wood. Damp textiles should not remain in the cabin after use. Clean interior surfaces gently according to the product-specific care instructions. Aggressive cleaners, excessive water and abrasive tools can affect the timber and its appearance.

For the thermo-spruce exterior cladding, choose from the available finishes and colours. Coordinate the version with the house façade, window frames, terrace or existing garden features, and avoid deciding from a single image alone. View the preferred option in daylight beside the materials in its immediate surroundings. A dark finish emphasises the rectangular form, while a natural timber appearance often sits more harmoniously with wooden decking and planting. Whatever colour you choose, the outer cladding should remain accessible so dirt, moisture marks or possible damage can be noticed early during regular inspections.

The load-bearing structure uses 60 mm cross-laminated timber, known as CLT. Multiple timber layers are bonded into solid panels that form the clean-lined cabin. For buyers, this construction matters particularly when preparing the base, transport and installation: the Elma S is not lightweight garden furniture that can simply be moved at short notice, but is intended for a permanent location. The installation surface must support the total weight evenly. A carefully prepared base avoids later corrections, which become considerably more demanding after delivery and assembly.

What to plan before ordering the Elma S

The sauna weighs approximately 915 kg without the heater. Its base must support this weight evenly over the long term, remain level and not settle. Depending on the ground, plot and structure, suitable options may include a professionally built concrete slab, appropriate paving, pad foundations or a structurally assessed terrace construction. Where load-bearing capacity cannot be clearly assessed, have the appropriate solution professionally checked. Plan drainage at the same time: rainfall and cleaning water must not collect beneath the structure or remain against the outer cladding. Load-bearing capacity and drainage must therefore be considered together.

A three-phase electrical connection of 400 V and 50 Hz is intended for operation. Have the cable route from the building to the sauna and the connection point for technical components assessed early. A REWS-authorised professional with the appropriate scope must install, test and certify the fixed outdoor wiring and sauna-heater circuit. The heater, controls, lighting and other electrical components must also be connected according to their instructions and local requirements. Temporary extension leads and unauthorised connection work are unsuitable. Coordinate electrical and foundation planning before surfaces are closed or paths finished. This avoids reopening paving, decking or garden areas later.

The external dimensions do not represent the full space requirement. A clear, level area is needed in front of the glass façade so the door can open fully and entry and exit remain comfortable. At the sides and rear, allow enough working room for assembly, visual inspections, cleaning and future maintenance. Also check the entire transport route from the unloading point to the intended location. Narrow gates, walls, roof overhangs, stairs, trees or cables can complicate delivery even where the sauna fits on the prepared area. Clarify access based on the actual delivery situation before ordering.

Before proceeding, ask a perit to check the proposal’s Planning Authority classification, taking account of its footprint, height, enclosure, land designation and existing permit conditions. Also confirm site-specific boundary, electrical and any relevant fire-safety requirements with the competent authorities and professionals. Responsibilities and required evidence vary by plot and project, and compact dimensions do not by themselves establish permission. General guidance is available under Useful information.

Who is the Elma S especially suited to?

The right model depends mainly on the usual number of users, frequency of use and permanently available space. The examples below show typical situations in which the Elma S can be a sensible choice.

Elma S or barrel sauna – which compact sauna suits you better?

The Elma S is especially appealing if you are looking for a small sauna with a modern rectangular design. The glass front, light interior lining and CLT construction create a clear overall look for contemporary homes and terraces. Unlike a rounded structure, its straight edges can be aligned precisely with terrace grids, paths or building lines. The transparent front also creates a visible link between the interior and garden. The key question is therefore whether you prefer this open effect or feel more comfortable in a more enclosed, traditionally styled sauna.

A compact barrel sauna such as the HC150 makes different design statements. Its round form and pronounced timber look feel more classic and sit differently within a terrace or garden. Compare not only the footprint, but also the sense of space, access, front design and view of the sauna from the house. Choosing between the Elma S and a barrel sauna is not simply a question of quality: what matters is which form better suits your habits, plot and existing design.

If more than two people will regularly sauna at the same time, or you would like more freedom of movement in the linear Elma range, the larger Elma L is a suitable alternative.

Planning routes, ventilation and care through the seasons

Plan the route between house and sauna for the conditions in which you will genuinely use it. It should remain clearly visible in darkness, free from trip hazards and finished with suitable slip-resistant surfacing. Set out towels, robes and suitable footwear before heating the sauna so the door is not left open unnecessarily. After sauna bathing, both the cool-down area and a sheltered resting place should be easy to reach. Cold water may form part of your personal routine, but avoid splashing around the entrance and beneath the sauna. If you have health concerns, seek medical advice before use.

Moisture produced inside must be able to escape after use. Follow the intended ventilation and operating guidance, and keep any air routes clear. Allow the cabin to dry before leaving it closed for an extended period. Remove wet textiles and water-filled containers. The exact routine depends on the equipment and weather, but permanently trapped moisture should always be avoided. Inside, check seating, backrests, the floor area and transitions to the glazing. Outside, remove leaves, soil and other plant debris promptly so water can drain freely.

Carry out a thorough visual inspection regularly. Check fixings, seals, glass and external cladding, together with any changes in the base. After severe weather or heavy rainfall, confirm that the sauna remains level and water drains reliably. Use only suitable methods and products for cleaning and surface treatment. Work on electrical components must be carried out only by qualified professionals. The product-specific installation and maintenance instructions apply.

Balancing the glass front, outlook and privacy

The view through the clear-glass front has a considerable effect on the feeling of space in the Elma S. Mark the proposed location and assess the outlook, ideally from seated height. A view of planting or a quiet part of the garden can support the cabin’s open character. Direct alignment towards frequently used paths, neighbours’ windows, bin areas or vehicle parking can instead become distracting in daily life. Remember, too, that interior lighting after dark creates different sightlines from those in daylight.

Where privacy screening is needed, position it to the side or at an adequate distance from the front. Access, air routes and maintenance areas must remain clear. When planting, consider both seasonal growth and the space needed for care. A hedge that is dense in summer can provide substantially more visibility in winter. Fixed slats or other built elements should be included in the local planning assessment. The aim is a balanced solution that protects privacy and the view without restricting access to the sauna.

At the intended location, also observe possible reflections and direct sunlight at the times of day when you are likely to use the sauna. There is no universally ideal compass direction. Houses, trees, canopies and neighbouring buildings usually influence light and views more strongly than compass orientation alone.

Organising sauna bathing practically in a small space

In a cabin for up to two people, a well-prepared routine improves comfort. Keep textiles and personal belongings outside, and leave the area in front of the door clear. Items that are not suitable for high temperatures do not belong in the sauna. Before each session, check that access and the interior are unobstructed, and follow the intended operating instructions for the heater and controls. Children and anyone needing support must not use the sauna unsupervised.

The resting place should be quickly accessible between sauna sessions without chairs or loungers obstructing the route. Keep robes and towels on a dry, sheltered surface so unnecessary moisture is not brought into the cabin. For a smooth routine, all you need by the entrance is a clear route, suitable storage and a comfortably reached resting area.

If you may later add an outdoor shower, cold-water tub or canopy, reserve a separate area for it. Coordinate water supply, drainage, electrical cables and maintenance access so every area remains reachable. Have additions professionally planned, and do not attach anything to the sauna afterwards unless this is expressly intended. This allows the outdoor area to be expanded gradually without affecting access to or maintenance of the Elma S.

FAQ – Bloomcabin Elma S