Thermowood Barrel Sauna

S 140 – compact thermowood garden sauna with approx. 195 cm interior height

The Bloomcabin S 140 is designed for outdoor areas where a conventional barrel sauna would take up too much space. Its interior is deliberately arranged as a seated sauna for one person. This makes the model especially suitable for small terraces, urban gardens and other confined locations. Planning involves more than the cabin footprint: allow for a clear doorway, assembly access, ventilation, enough room for timber care, and the route from the unloading point to the intended location.

This page helps you assess whether the size, intended use and technical requirements suit your site. Explore the Bloomcabin sauna range.

What makes this model special

Dimensions, layout and intended use matter more than price alone.

Thermowood gives the compact S 140 its natural character

The sauna is made from FSC®-certified, heat-treated wood. Thermal treatment helps the material absorb less moisture and remain more dimensionally stable in changing outdoor conditions. Thermowood is nevertheless a natural material: grain, colour variation and small visual differences are part of its character. It cannot be compared with the completely uniform surface of an industrially manufactured material. A stable, well-drained base and sufficient air around the cabin help protect the timber structure from permanently standing moisture.

The warm timber tone complements modern terrace finishes as well as gardens with natural stone, gravel or planting. Design choices must not restrict practical access, however. Plants should not continually burden the wood with wet leaves or irrigation water. Loose materials must not affect secure footing or obstruct the doorway. When the sauna stands beside a house wall, water from roof surfaces should not be directed onto the cabin. This keeps the site attractive without making cleaning, inspection and care unnecessarily difficult.

To preserve the original timber colour for as long as possible, use only care products suitable for thermowood and the intended application. Follow the instructions for use and first test the product in an inconspicuous place. Weather-exposed exterior surfaces have different requirements from interior surfaces that come into contact with skin, heat and moisture during sauna use. Surface treatment also cannot compensate for unsuitable drainage. Water must still drain reliably away from the installation site and timber structure.

Choosing the right electric heater for the S 140

The S 140 is intended exclusively for a suitable electric sauna heater. Firewood storage and a chimney are therefore unnecessary, but the electrical supply must be planned early. The technical requirements of the sauna, chosen heater and associated controller are decisive. Connection is not comparable with an ordinary outdoor socket. Cable routing, protection, switching equipment and necessary safeguards must be planned and carried out by a qualified electrical professional. In Malta, use a REWS-authorised professional with the appropriate scope and clarify the cable route before completing the foundation or terrace finish.

With an internal volume of around 5 m³, heater output must meet the S 140 technical requirements. More output is not automatically better, and an undersized heater is unsuitable too. In addition to cabin volume, consider the approved installation arrangement, intended position and specified clearances from combustible components. Use only a combination suitable for this model and do not alter the heater position independently. The area around the heater must remain free of towels, bathrobes and other items during use.

Provide the appointed electrical professional with the technical documents for the selected heater and controller combination in good time. This allows differences between the prepared installation and supplied equipment to be identified before assembly. Use the installation only after correct fitting, testing and commissioning. Thereafter, follow the instructions for the sauna, heater and controller on operation, temperature selection and switching off.

Prepare the compact S 140 location carefully

Before ordering, mark the external outline and door swing area on the ground. This shows whether the door can open freely and whether entry and exit will be convenient every day. Then walk the route between the house and sauna. Garden furniture, planters, railings or narrow passages can restrict use more than the footprint suggests. The planned electrical supply must also be routed so it creates neither a trip hazard nor a route through the later cooling-off area.

The base must be level, load-bearing and suitable for the lasting load of the sauna, heater and users. Rainwater and cleaning water should drain away rather than collect beneath the timber structure. Where an existing terrace is used, assess its finish, build-up and substructure together. Settled slabs or flexible decking boards are not a reliable base, even when the cabin needs little space. If there is doubt about load capacity, fixing or drainage, have the specific construction professionally assessed before scheduling work.

Measure the entire transport route from the unloading point to the prepared location. In addition to gate and door widths, note clear heights, stair landings, tight turns, slopes and overhead obstructions. Prefabricated panels can improve access to smaller properties, but require enough room for safe carrying, turning and temporary storage. Keep a firm, clean work area free on assembly day and protect components from dirt and rain. If the route crosses shared areas, agree their temporary use in advance.

Where the S 140 can be especially useful

The right sauna depends on how, and by whom, it will actually be used.

S 140 or HC150 – which layout suits you better?

The S 140 combines an especially small footprint with approximately 195 cm of interior height and a seated bench for personal sauna sessions. It is particularly appealing where available width is decisive and the sauna is mainly used by one person. Do not decide by the smaller external size alone. Consider whether you prefer comfortable seated sauna use or need a longer bench for stretching out. The compact design is the right choice only when it matches your actual habits.

The HC150 offers more width and is designed for two people, but has an interior height of only around 175 cm. The models therefore differ in both footprint and sense of space: the HC150 gives couples an additional seat, while the taller, narrower S 140 is tailored to one person. With either option, also allow for space needed for assembly, door movement and later access to the external surfaces.

Compare the dimensions with your preferred seated position and the height of everyone who will use the sauna regularly. A compact footprint is beneficial only if bench length and movement space are sufficient in everyday use. Where several household members will use the sauna, discuss their expectations for seating comfort and shared sauna sessions before buying. The most frequent use case matters, rather than an occasional exception.

Arrange the area around the S 140 functionally

An outdoor shower, a place to sit and sheltered storage for towels can complement the sauna area well. Arrange these only once the door route, electrical area and access to the cabin are fixed. A bench directly in front of the door obstructs exit, while loose items can create a trip risk in low light. A clear division between a dry storage or rest area and a wet cooling-off area is practical. Shoes and textiles are then better protected from splashes while the limited space remains easy to use.

In a tight space, start with the elements you genuinely need and add to the sauna area only after testing the final arrangement. Movable seating or storage is easier to adapt to the walking route and cooling-off area than solutions fixed permanently too early. Choose items that are easy to clean and can be put aside when not in use. This keeps the layout flexible if everyday use reveals a different need for storage or resting space.

Plan access, cooling off and weather protection for use throughout the year

For year-round use, the route between the house and S 140 should be short, well lit and safe to walk even when wet. Lighting should make steps, edges and the doorway visible without unnecessarily affecting privacy. Assess floor finishes in rain, fallen leaves and winter damp. Hoses, extension leads and loose objects do not belong on the route. A brief check before a sauna session is especially useful when weather or ground conditions have changed since the last use.

If an outdoor shower, plunge pool or small pool is planned, include water supply, drainage and frost protection in the overall design. Cooling water must not flow beneath the sauna or towards the electrical installation. Also provide a suitable transition between the cabin and wet area. Pipes and fittings must be suitable for their intended location and accessible for servicing. Even without a fixed water connection, establish in advance where used water can drain away in a controlled manner.

Weather-protected storage for a bathrobe, towels and shoes keeps the compact interior clear. Damp textiles should be removed from the cabin to dry after sauna use. A covered seat can provide a rest area if access and air circulation around the sauna remain clear. Store loose items so they cannot enter the door or heater area. Drinks are safer on a stable surface outside the hot cabin; breakable containers are unsuitable for a barefoot area.

Inspect and maintain thermowood and components regularly

Thermowood suits changing outdoor conditions but remains a natural material. Sunlight, rain and temperature changes can alter its colour and appearance over time. Different sides weather differently according to orientation: a protected surface beneath an overhang develops differently from a fully exposed exterior side. Such visual changes should be distinguished from problems caused by permanently standing water or poor ventilation. Regular visual inspections help you recognise normal timber development and notice unusual changes early.

Inspect timber surfaces, barrel bands, screw connections, the door and seals regularly and after unusual strain. Look for loose connections, rubbing components, restricted door movement and places where water remains. After sauna use, the interior must be able to air and dry in accordance with the product and heater instructions. Remove damp seat pads and textiles for this purpose. Do not repair faults in electrical components yourself; have them checked by a qualified professional.

For interior cleaning, use material-compatible products with soft cloths or suitable brushes. Remove residue sparingly without unnecessarily soaking the timber. Aggressive cleaners, unsuitable solvents and pressure washers can roughen, discolour or damage surfaces. Check every care product to see whether it is intended for the sauna interior or only for weather-exposed outdoor surfaces. Clean the cooled, switched-off sauna and allow all surfaces to dry fully before heating it again. Follow the relevant manufacturer instructions for the heater and controller.

Clarify supplied components, transport and site requirements early

Do not rely on product images alone when ordering; use the details for the exact configuration selected. Record whether the electric heater, controller, sauna stones and necessary protective components are included, and which work must be arranged on site. This may include preparing the base, electrical supply or assembly assistance. Compare this overview with the order confirmation so that supplied components and prepared connections match.

Send the supplier or assembly team dimensions and photographs of gates, stairs, turns and other critical passages before the delivery date. This allows the transport route to be assessed before the components arrive. Also decide where the delivery will be received and arranged on a clean, load-bearing surface. Remove movable obstacles and protect sensitive floor finishes. If access remains unclear at any point, resolve it before confirming the date.

Also consider the planning, boundary and electrical requirements applying to the specific site. In Malta, have a perit assess the Planning Authority classification for the proposed sauna, taking account of the footprint, height, enclosure, land designation and existing permit conditions. Requirements depend on the property, surrounding development and intended installation. Before permanent work, consult the relevant authorities and appointed professionals. Drainage, proximity to boundaries and existing underground services can also affect planning. Keep technical documents, assembly instructions and electrical-component information together for installation and maintenance. Find further guidance under Useful information.

Keep the interior clear before and after each sauna session

Before heating, a brief visual check is enough: the seating area and space around the electric heater must be clear, the door must move freely, and there must be no visible irregularities at technical components. Take inside only the sauna items needed immediately. Bathrobes, shoes, spare towels and care products are better kept in a dry place outside the cabin. This creates freedom of movement and prevents items from accidentally reaching the heater area.

After sauna use, switch off the installation according to the operating instructions. Then air the cabin and remove moisture from heavily used surfaces where stated in the product instructions. Seat covers can reduce direct sweat on the timber, but must dry outside the cabin afterwards. Even a few items left behind take up considerable usable space in the small S 140. Before the sauna is closed for a longer period, the interior should therefore be dry and completely tidy.

In a holiday home or shared garden, clearly agree who keeps the technical documents, dries the cabin after use and carries out regular checks. Every user needs a short introduction to operating the controller, keeping the heater area clear and ventilating correctly after a sauna session. This keeps routines consistent when different people use the S 140. People who cannot operate the installation safely must not have unsupervised access to the controller or hot heater.

Position the S 140 sensibly in a compact area

Compare several orientations for the S 140 on the site plan instead of marking only one possible position. Show the external dimensions, door movement, house wall, property boundaries and fixed features, plus downpipes, exterior lights, water connections and existing electrical connection points. Prefer the option with direct access and easily reached external surfaces. This makes it clear which position works with existing features and avoids improvised solutions for the electrical supply or walking route.

When installed close to the house, windows, doors, shutters, downpipes and service hatches must remain fully accessible and usable. Also check whether a roof overhang restricts air circulation or directs rainwater onto the sauna. Access to property boundaries and existing paths must not be blocked either. Where services run underground or fixing to existing structures is planned, their exact position must be known before work begins. A recess that works on paper is therefore not automatically a suitable location.

Observe the proposed location at different times of day and in different weather where possible. This helps reveal whether rainwater runs towards the sauna, wet leaves collect along one side or access becomes impractical in poor weather. Also consider lawn irrigation and roof drainage, which may place additional stress on external surfaces. At the same time, routes to dry storage and the cooling-off area should remain short and clear. A suitable position therefore improves both use of space and later sauna operation.

Create privacy while keeping the sauna accessible

As the S 140 is often positioned near a terrace, house or property boundary, assess sightlines early. The most important view is towards the door area when entering and leaving the cabin. Consider the location from neighbouring seating areas, paths and windows too. A different sauna orientation often improves privacy without requiring additional structures. The route to sheltered storage should remain short, so users do not need to cross exposed or wet areas unnecessarily.

A narrow privacy screen, slatted wall or carefully placed plants can reduce unwanted views into the door area. Keep sufficient distance from the sauna so the door moves freely and external surfaces remain accessible for inspection and care. Closed cladding directly against the timber can trap moisture. With plants, also consider future growth, leaf fall and watering. Mobile elements must stand securely and be fixed so they cannot shift or strike the sauna.

For a calm overall look, it is usually enough to echo materials and lines already used on the terrace. A clear path, functional storage and thoughtfully placed screening perform the essential tasks. Avoid too many decorative elements in a small area and keep the ground uncluttered. Standing water, dirt and changes to the structure are then easier to spot. Exterior lighting should support access without dazzling users or shining unnecessarily towards neighbouring properties.

FAQ – Bloomcabin S 140