The Rise of Wellness Bathing Surrounded by Wood

Trends like cold plunging, taking the form of backyard, makeshift ice baths, are increasingly entering the mainstream, inspiring ambient, architecturally designed facilities to pop up in main centres around the world. Similarly, Japanese Onsen-like spas and European-style saunas can be found in all corners of the globe, offering gentle, health-giving waters and space to unwind from busy lives.

While many of these practices have been around for millennia, their recent popularity may be a symptom of our complex world, especially offering respite from the ever-present nature of the news cycle on smartphones, which must be placed aside when entering wet areas. Importantly, many modern facilities are also designed to promote a sense of community, with sauna seating curved for conversation, and relaxation areas alongside spas designed with open seating to help forge connections between patrons.

Whatever is causing this call to invigorating or soothing waters, there is one material that is ever-present in the designs of these spaces: wood. And there is a good reason for this.

It has been scientifically proven that wood has relaxing properties, with the mere presence of timber causing people to feel calmer, more focused and more creative. The scent, texture and warm colour of wood provides similar effects to forest bathing, the Japanese practice of entering an enclave of trees to take in verdant colours and breathe fresh, fragrant air.

Of course, humans have known this for centuries, with Scandinavian saunas and Asian baths being created from timber long before scientific research was carried out on the topic. Humans have an innate connection with nature, and timber environments are the next best thing to spending time outdoors when it comes to our mental and physical health.

It is also no secret that wealth and health go hand-in-hand, which is why many high-end resorts, hotels and upmarket residential zones now feature wellness facilities such as saunas as well as green outdoor areas where residents can relax in natural settings. These buildings also use environmentally responsible design techniques, which emphasise connections to nature and prioritise clean air and healthy living.

Leaving old growth trees standing

Cedar is one of the most common choices for such applications, but eco-conscious consumers are becoming aware of the downside of felling old growth forests, which provide biodiverse habitats for wildlife and hold important meaning for indigenous people.

Vulcan panelling, cladding and joinery can be used in place of old-growth timbers such as Western Red Cedar. Abodo's thermal modification schedule at 230°C changes the cell structure of the Radiata Pine, resulting in a low moisture content of ~7%. This increases dimensional stability and reduces resin bleed, creating a highly durable timber.

Abodo is also Declare Red List Free, making it a perfect solution for those wanting to achieve healthy indoor air, particularly important in small spaces such as bathrooms and saunas.

Ballance Street - Gisborne

With a custom bath made from Abodo Vulcan panelling and Vulcan-lined walls, this bathroom has a tropical aesthetic reminiscent of open-air Balinese baths.

Cardrona Cabin - Cardrona Valley

Like all the spaces in the Cardrona Cabin, the bathroom has the benefit of being surrounded by Vulcan Panelling walls and Vulcan timber ceilings and rafters, creating a nourishing sense of wellbeing throughout.

The Chodge - Waikato

Vulcan Cladding with a Brushed Finish provides a rich, natural look on the walls of this bathroom, juxtaposed against the swirling blue tones of the narrow tile used in the shower. As the adjacent bedroom also uses the same cladding, this lends cohesion across the whole master suite.

Roscommon House - Western Australia

A custom profile of Vulcan Panelling adorns the outer wall and vanity of this bathroom, with a warm smooth look that contrasts with the rough texture of the concrete formwork.

Stoked Stainless Hot Tub, Cardona Eco Villa

This Stoked Stainless hot tub was custom made especially for one of the Cardrona Eco Villas using WB12 Profile 138x20mm Cladding in a Brushed Finish, coated in Protector – Nero.

Saunas

Increasingly we are aware of Abodo timber being used in saunas. Due to the thermal modification process Vulcan timber it goes through, which prevents moisture from penetrating its surface, Abodo timbers are sure to be a stable product in this damp environment. To accentuate the longevity of the timber, we recommend adding a clear coat or a polyurethane protective coating for wet environments.

Made by Hideaway Saunas, Auckland

With an exterior clad in Vulcan Screening in Protector - Nero, this sauna takes on a modern look that is befitting of the home’s architecture.

Banks Peninsula House

A minimalist screen created from Vulcan Cladding with a Sioo:x finish creates a soft look for the outdoor shower at this coastal home.

Made by Hideaway, Auckland

This Northcote sauna encompasses copper shower fittings complete with patina, against the dark backdrop of Protector - Nero coated Vulcan Screening.