Thermowood Barrel Sauna

S 210 barrel sauna: 12 m³ sauna room, long benches and electric or wood heater

The Bloomcabin S 210 uses its compact external dimensions of approx. 211 × 210 × 222 cm almost entirely for the heated cabin. With an internal height of around 195 cm, a bench area of about 180 × 198 cm and an interior volume of approximately 12 m³, it offers ample room for sitting and moving. As there is no anteroom, it suits properties where sauna space takes priority over an integrated changing or storage area. Allow for a dry, easy-to-walk area directly outside the door as well as the installation footprint.

Explore other designs in the Bloomcabin sauna range.

Dimensions, layout and heating options for the S 210

When comparing models, consider external dimensions, usable bench space, internal height, anteroom and heating type together. The S 210 combines a compact barrel shape with a sauna room that is not shortened by a secondary space. At the proposed location, measure more than the outer footprint: allow for assembly, future servicing, the door area and requirements for the selected heater version.

For regular sauna sessions at home

For regular sauna sessions, the routine outside the cabin deserves as much planning as the interior. A short, safe route from the house, a dedicated place for dry textiles, and easy-to-reach places to rest and cool down make the change between sessions easier. As there is no anteroom, these functions need to be arranged outside the S 210.

Comfort depends not only on bench space but also on free movement inside the cabin. Regular users should be able to reach and leave their places without having to squeeze past one another. Consider not just seating positions, but also getting up, pouring water on the stones and walking to the door.

If several guests will often use the sauna together or a sheltered changing space is needed, compare other models. The key figure is not an occasional maximum occupancy, but the number of people who should usually use the sauna together comfortably. Also consider rest breaks: with more users, more seating is needed outside the S 210.

Natural barrel styling for gardens, decks or holiday homes

The S 210 is made from FSC®-certified thermowood. Heat treatment reduces moisture uptake and helps the timber retain its shape. It remains a natural material that responds to moisture, sun and temperature changes. Minor changes in colour and surface appearance are part of its natural development. Use only cleaning and exterior-care products explicitly suitable for the intended application and thermally treated timber.

Its warm timber tone and rounded shape work especially well in planted gardens, alongside timber decks and at holiday homes. Appearance should not be the only factor when choosing a site. Splashback, dense planting, continual shade and inaccessible rear areas make cleaning and inspection more difficult. Leave sufficient clearance from plants and adjacent structures so timber surfaces, barrel bands and roof covering remain accessible.

Sunlight can alter the timber colour over time. A suitable exterior treatment may help retain the original tone for longer. Before the first treatment, decide whether to allow this natural colour change or preserve the initial timber tone. Follow the care-product instructions and first test it in an inconspicuous area.

Electric or wood heater: two distinct sauna experiences

An electric heater is straightforward to use and well suited to spontaneous or regular sessions. There is no firewood to prepare or store, and no ash to remove. It needs a professionally installed connection suitable for the selected heater. Before ordering, ask a licensed electrical worker to assess the cable route, protection, controls and connection for the proposed site.

With a wood heater, lighting the fire is part of the sauna experience. Flame, wood scent and tending the fire create a traditional atmosphere, but require more preparation and attention. Firewood must be stored dry and safely, the heater needs supervision during operation, and cooled ash must be disposed of correctly. Plan the flue route and access for future checks when selecting the site.

For a wood-heater version, plan the chimney, heat protection and safety clearances using the selected heater’s documentation. Ask the local council whether building consent is required, check the relevant regional air rules and confirm current fire restrictions. For either heating option, verify which components are included in the selected configuration before ordering. Base the choice on site requirements and everyday effort as well as atmosphere, with connections or flue routing planned by the appropriate professionals.

A level, load-bearing base for the S 210

The sauna needs a level, permanently load-bearing surface. In addition to the timber structure, the base must support the heater, sauna stones and users. Uneven settlement can affect the barrel shape, door operation and installed connections. Have the proposed set-up assessed by a qualified professional if ground conditions, an existing foundation or deck load capacity are uncertain.

For an existing deck, inspect the whole construction, particularly if it is raised, older or timber-built. The visible boards are not the only consideration: check the substructure, supports and load-bearing connections. Before installation, also establish how components can be moved to the planned location without damaging railings, eaves or other building parts.

Rainwater or cleaning water must not collect permanently beneath the sauna. The site should direct water away in a controlled manner while allowing adequate airflow below. Avoid tightly fitted cladding, later-added fill or plant growth that retains moisture and blocks inspection of the substructure.

S 210 or N 210: large sauna room or separate anteroom?

The N 210 has a separate anteroom despite a similar basic form. This sheltered intermediate space makes the transition between outdoors and the heated cabin easier, but uses part of the available length. The comparison is therefore less about external shape than about which use should take priority within each model size.

With the S 210, by contrast, almost the full length is available for the sauna room and generous bench area. It is the more suitable layout where comfortable seating and freedom of movement in the cabin are the priority. The absent anteroom is a deliberate choice: changing, storage and a weather-sheltered transition happen outside the barrel sauna.

What matters is where an anteroom’s functions can be accommodated. Check whether there is a sheltered area outside the sauna for shoes, dry textiles and moving to the rest area. If that arrangement works, the S 210 gives more space to the cabin itself. If changing and storage need to take place within the sauna structure, the N 210’s anteroom is the better solution.

Plan the space in front of the sauna as part of the project

A small covered space provides shelter for shoes, towels and robes. An existing deck cover or pergola may be suitable. Keep the sauna door’s swing and walking area completely clear. In everyday use, furniture, baskets and shoe storage are best placed to one side of the entrance.

An outdoor shower or plunge pool can complement cooling down, but is not necessary to use the S 210. More important is an accessible place to cool down outside the cabin. Where water installations are planned, include drainage, cleaning and how they will be managed during frosty periods in the design.

For use after dark and in winter, good lighting and reliably walkable paths matter. Steps and edges should be clearly visible without glare. Loose pavers, slippery timber surfaces and poorly secured mats can become obstacles when wet. Check the access route in darkness and damp weather too.

Clean, dry and inspect benches and thermowood correctly

After every sauna session, remove wet textiles and visible water from the cabin. Then open the door and intended ventilation routes so residual moisture can escape. Drying time depends on use and weather. Do not close the sauna after a fixed time; wait until benches, floor and less visible edge areas have dried sufficiently.

Clean bench surfaces regularly with material-compatible products. Sauna towels protect timber surfaces from direct contact with perspiration. Use little water and avoid harsh household cleaners or abrasive tools unless they are expressly suitable. Remove all cleaning-product residue before heating the cabin again. Regular gentle cleaning is less demanding on the material than infrequent intensive deep cleaning.

Also inspect barrel bands, connections and roof covering, especially after severe weather. Look for loose components, conspicuous gaps, damaged surfaces and areas of standing water. Early changes can be assessed before moisture or movement affects further areas. Work on the electrical installation belongs with a licensed electrical worker; use suitably qualified professionals for heater or chimney work and follow the relevant manufacturer and operating instructions.

For couples and small households wanting generous bench space

If the sauna is usually used by one or two people and generous bench space matters, the S 210 is especially suitable. It is intended for users who would rather devote the available space to the sauna room than to a separate area in front. Alongside user numbers, consider preferred posture, desired personal space and whether all rest breaks will take place outside the sauna.

Small families can also use the cabin if they do not need a separate anteroom. Arrange seating so everyone can sit comfortably and leave in an orderly way. Children should use the sauna only under direct supervision and may experience heat differently from adults. Hot heater parts, sauna stones and pouring water on the stones require a calm, controlled routine.

Anyone seeking more internal height or room for four or more people should also consider a barrel sauna from the HCF range. Compare models by their stated product data and your usual occupancy, not by an unusual one-off situation. A larger design needs more installation and circulation space and may have different access, foundation and heating requirements. The S 210 instead focuses on generous bench space within compact external dimensions.

Good access makes use easier in every season

For year-round use, a dependable route between the house and sauna is especially important. Since the S 210 has no anteroom, there should be no obstacles directly in front of the door. A firm surface, clearly visible edges and suitable lighting make access easier. Leaves and moisture must not obstruct the entrance or door movement.

If a shower, pool or water connection is to form part of the sauna area, water must be directed away from the foundation. Plan pipework and fittings so they remain accessible during seasonal breaks and can be maintained without dismantling parts of the sauna. This is particularly important where the installation is exposed to frosty periods.

A cover can make the entrance more weather-protected, but must not impair ventilation, roof drainage or access to exterior surfaces. Rainwater should not collect between the cover and barrel. Privacy screens also need sufficient clearance so barrel bands, timber surfaces and roof connections can still be inspected and maintained.

Four questions for choosing your model

Do not assess the following points in isolation: your preferred seating position determines bench space, the absent anteroom determines storage, and the chosen heater determines technical preparation. Only once access for assembly and care is secure can the site be assessed sensibly.

Clarify configuration, delivery route and local requirements before purchase

Check the selected configuration’s scope of supply against the order documents. Whether the heater, controls, sauna stones, chimney parts and protective components are included depends on the version. Match order items with assembly documentation before preparatory work begins. This allows connections and required protective components to be planned in good time.

Check vehicle access, the unloading point and the full transport route to the foundation. Allow for low branches, roof overhangs, slopes and sensitive surfaces. At the unloading point, components must be able to be laid out neatly and protected from dirt without unnecessarily blocking public or shared accessways.

New Zealand building-consent exemptions do not settle Building Code duties, resource consent or district-plan requirements. Ask the local council to assess the S 210’s actual design and use, including its foundations, services, boundary fire separation, setbacks and stormwater. For a wood heater, also ask whether building consent is required, check the relevant regional air rules and confirm current fire restrictions. Arrange any required approvals and specialist work early. Property boundaries and nearby buildings may affect planning. Find further guidance in planning and installation advice.

Allow for safe operation and good maintenance access from the start

Before installation, decide which way the entrance should face and how the sauna will be reached in darkness or poor weather. The site may offer privacy, but must remain easily accessible for regular use. Leave adequate space around the structure for cleaning, inspections and possible repairs. This lets the S 210 sit naturally in the garden without making future care harder.

Before heating, keep the area around the heater free of combustible items. Use only controls intended for the selected equipment and follow its operating instructions. For a wood heater, follow the selected heater’s instructions for the chimney, heat protection and safety clearances, together with any council conditions and current fire restrictions. If there is an unusual smell, visible damage or a fault, do not use the sauna again until it has been professionally checked.

Prepare the sauna for longer breaks in use as well. Clean and dry the cabin completely first; textiles, loose items and care products should not be left inside permanently. Keep ventilation routes clear. Before the next heating cycle, check the interior, door, heater area and accessible external components for moisture, foreign objects or visible damage.

FAQ about the Bloomcabin S 210