Outdoor saunas, as unique architectural structures integrating natural experience and thermotherapy, exhibit diversity in types stemming from different structural forms, heating methods, spatial scales, and usage scenarios.Establishing a scientific classification system helps users make precise choices based on their own conditions and preferences, while also providing a clear reference framework for design, manufacturing, and installation. Currently, the industry generally classifies saunas based on dimensions such as structural form, heating energy, spatial capacity, and functional positioning.
From a structural form perspective, outdoor saunas can be divided into three categories: freestanding, semi-enclosed connected, and modular assembly. Freestanding saunas are completely enclosed building units with independent walls, roofs, and foundations. They can be flexibly set up in any suitable location in courtyards, lakesides, or woodlands, offering a high degree of privacy and landscape integration. Semi-enclosed connected saunas connect the sauna with shower rooms, changing rooms, or rest pavilions, sharing some walls or roofs to form a continuous outdoor health and wellness route, saving space and facilitating functional integration. Modular assembly saunas are constructed from prefabricated wall panels, roof panels, and floor panels, assembled on-site. They offer advantages such as convenient transportation and short assembly times, making them suitable for scenarios with limited space or requiring seasonal disassembly and reassembly.
Based on the heating energy source, outdoor saunas can be categorized into electric heating, wood-burning, and far-infrared types. Electric heating saunas use electric furnaces or steam generators for heating, offering precise temperature control and easy operation. They rely on a stable power supply and are suitable for residential courtyards or suburban villas with readily available electricity. Wood-burning saunas use burning logs, wood pellets, or wood blocks as a heat source, providing a more traditional Nordic sauna experience with a rich atmosphere and no need for external electricity. They are suitable for remote holiday homes or users seeking an eco-friendly experience, but require higher standards for chimney installation and fire safety. Far-infrared saunas use infrared radiators to directly heat the human body, achieving a deep warming effect at relatively low ambient temperatures. They heat up quickly and are energy-efficient, making them particularly suitable for warm climates or people with low heat tolerance.
Based on space capacity, outdoor saunas are commonly categorized into small, medium, and large sizes. Small saunas typically range from 2 to 4 square meters, accommodating 2 to 4 people, suitable for families or individuals. Medium-sized saunas are approximately 5 to 8 square meters, accommodating 4 to 8 people, ideal for gatherings with friends or small clubs. Large saunas are often over 10 square meters, accommodating 8 or more people simultaneously, and are commonly found in resorts, hotels, or public health and wellness facilities. Their interior layout often features different temperature zones and tiered benches to enhance comfort.
From a functional perspective, saunas can be categorized into pure sauna types, multi-functional saunas, and scenic saunas. Pure saunas focus on high-temperature steam therapy, equipped with basic benches, heaters, and ventilation systems; their structure is simple and costs are relatively controllable. Multi-functional saunas integrate showers, changing rooms, cold water pools, or leisure terraces, creating a unified "sauna-bathing-relaxation" space to meet one-stop health and wellness needs. Landscape-oriented saunas emphasize integration with the surrounding natural environment, often employing large glass curtain walls or open facades to allow users to enjoy panoramic views of mountains, forests, or waterways during the sauna session, enhancing psychological pleasure and immersive experience.
Furthermore, they can be categorized based on usage frequency and seasonal adaptability into permanent and removable temporary types. Permanent saunas utilize durable materials and permanent foundations, suitable for frequent year-round use; removable temporary saunas typically use lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials and simple bases, facilitating winter storage or relocation across regions, catering to seasonal vacation needs.
Overall, the classification system for outdoor saunas encompasses core dimensions such as form, energy, capacity, function, and usage. These categories can also be combined to create diverse product forms. Clear classification not only helps users select models according to their needs but also provides manufacturers with a theoretical basis for optimizing product lines and improving engineering adaptability, promoting a richer role for outdoor saunas in the health, wellness, and leisure industry.
