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 sensible use of the 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 clean-lined design. The cabin accommodates up to two people. It is therefore especially suited to households where sauna sessions are usually enjoyed alone or as a couple and a larger cabin would offer little everyday benefit. Elma S can be positioned on a terrace, in a courtyard or freely in the garden, provided the base, access and technical services are suitable. Its rectangular form works well in clearly arranged outdoor spaces. When planning, consider not only the footprint but also the direction of the glass front, route to the door and desired outlook.

The following notes will help you decide whether Elma S suits your site, building requirements and usual routines. If you would first like to compare other sizes or styles, explore the Bloomcabin sauna range.

What makes this model special

The key selection factors are capacity, available installation space, construction type, glazing and technical requirements. The features below offer an initial guide; detailed site and connection planning should then be based on your property.

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

Inside, Elma S is finished in light thermo-aspen. The timber defines the seating area and creates a calm contrast with the dark details of the glass front. LED strips integrated behind the backrest provide indirect light without interrupting the clean front view with a visible fitting. Protect the timber surfaces in daily use with sufficiently large seat or lying towels, so as little perspiration as possible is absorbed directly into the wood. Damp textiles should not remain in the cabin after sauna 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 finish with the house façade, window frames, terrace or existing garden elements, and avoid deciding from a single image alone. View your preferred option in daylight alongside the materials immediately around it. A dark finish emphasises the rectangular form, while a natural timber look often works more harmoniously with timber decks and planting. Whatever colour you choose, the exterior cladding should remain readily accessible, so dirt, moisture marks or possible damage can be noticed early during regular checks.

The load-bearing structure is made from 60 mm cross-laminated timber, abbreviated to CLT. Several timber layers are bonded into solid panels that form the straight-lined cabin. For buyers, this construction method is particularly important when preparing the base, transport and installation: Elma S is not lightweight garden furniture that can simply be moved elsewhere at short notice, but is intended for a permanent location. The installation surface must be able to carry the full weight evenly. A carefully prepared base avoids later corrections that would be substantially more involved after delivery and assembly.

What to allow for before ordering Elma S

The sauna weighs approximately 915 kg without the heater. The base must support this weight evenly over time, remain level and must not settle. Depending on the ground, property and build-up, suitable options may include a professionally constructed concrete slab, appropriate paving, pad foundations or a structurally assessed terrace construction. If load-bearing capacity cannot be assessed clearly, the appropriate solution should be professionally checked. Plan water drainage at the same time: rainwater and cleaning water must neither collect beneath the structure nor remain against the exterior cladding. Load-bearing capacity and drainage must therefore be considered together.

A three-phase electrical connection of 400 V and 50 Hz is specified for operation. Have the route from the building to the sauna and the connection point for technical components assessed early. The sauna heater, controls, lighting and other electrical components must be installed only by a suitably licensed electrical professional in accordance with the specified components and New Zealand requirements. Temporary extension leads or unauthorised connection work are not suitable solutions. Coordinate electrical and foundation planning before finishes are closed or paths completed. This helps avoid having to reopen 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. Sufficient working room must be available at the sides and rear 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, eaves, stairs, trees or services can complicate delivery even where the sauna fits on the prepared base. Confirm the access route for the specific delivery situation before ordering.

Before proceeding, check the building, boundary and electrical requirements applying at your site, together with any fire-safety requirements. In New Zealand, building-consent exemptions, Building Code duties and district-plan or resource-consent requirements are separate matters and can vary by property and project. Seek necessary advice early from your council and relevant qualified professionals. Elma S’s compact dimensions do not automatically mean fewer requirements apply. General guidance is available under Useful information.

Who is Elma S especially suited to?

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

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

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

A compact barrel sauna such as the HC150 creates different design accents. Its round form and pronounced timber appearance are 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 the view of the sauna from the house. Choosing between Elma S and a barrel sauna is not simply a question of quality: the deciding factor is which form better suits your routines, property and existing design.

If more than two people will regularly sauna at the same time, or you would like more room to move in the clean-lined Elma series, the larger Elma L is a suitable alternative.

Planning paths, ventilation and care throughout the year

Plan the route between house and sauna for the conditions in which you will actually use it. It should remain easy to recognise in darkness, free from trip hazards and have a suitable slip-resistant surface. Set out towels, robe and suitable footwear before heating up, so the door does not remain open unnecessarily. After sauna use, both the cooling-down area and a sheltered resting place should be easy to reach. Cold water can form part of your personal routine, but avoid splashing around the entrance or beneath the sauna. If you have health concerns, seek medical advice before use.

After use, moisture created inside the cabin must be able to escape. Follow the specified ventilation and operating instructions and keep any air paths clear. Allow the cabin to dry before leaving it closed for a long period. Remove wet textiles and water-filled containers. The exact routine depends on equipment and weather, but permanently trapped moisture must always be avoided. Inside, check the seating, backrest, 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, glazing and exterior cladding, together with any changes to the base. After frosty conditions or heavy rainfall, check that the sauna remains level and water continues to drain reliably. Use only suitable methods and products for cleaning and surface treatment. Work on electrical components must be carried out by qualified professionals. The product-specific installation and maintenance instructions apply.

Balancing glass frontage, outlook and privacy

The view through the clear-glass front has a considerable effect on the sense of space in Elma S. Mark out the intended site and assess the outlook from a seated height where possible. A view towards planting or a quiet part of the garden can support the cabin’s open character. Direct alignment with frequently used paths, neighbours’ windows, rubbish areas or vehicle parking can be distracting in everyday life. Remember too that interior lighting after dark creates different sightlines from those in daylight.

If screening is required, position it to the side or at sufficient distance from the front. Access, air paths and maintenance areas must remain clear. When planting, allow for seasonal growth and the space needed for upkeep. A hedge that is dense in summer may offer much less privacy in winter. Fixed slats or other built elements must be included in local planning considerations. The aim is a balanced solution that protects privacy and outlook without restricting access to the sauna.

At the planned site, also observe possible reflections and direct sunlight at the times of day when you expect to use the sauna. There is no universally ideal compass direction. Houses, trees, canopies and neighbouring buildings usually affect light and views more than orientation alone.

Organising sauna use 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 not suitable for high temperatures do not belong in the sauna. Before a sauna session, check that the entrance and interior are clear, and follow the specified operating instructions for the heater and controls. Children and people requiring assistance must not use the sauna unsupervised.

The resting place should be quick to reach between sauna sessions without chairs or loungers blocking the walkway. Store robes and towels on a dry, sheltered surface so unnecessary moisture does not enter the cabin. For a smooth routine, a clear path, suitable shelf and comfortably accessible resting area in front of the entrance are enough.

If you later plan to add an outdoor shower, cold-water plunge pool or canopy, reserve a separate area for it. Coordinate water supply, drainage, electrical lines and maintenance access so every area remains accessible. 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 step by step without compromising access to or maintenance of Elma S.

FAQ – Bloomcabin Elma S