The owner of a suburban area often faces the question of erecting an individual building for a bathhouse. The layout of the bathhouse, where the sink and steam room are separate, is a crucial moment, where it is important to study the drawings and step-by-step guides. The area of such a house usually allows the building to fit even on small plots. If we are talking about full-scale territories, then for a special building you can allocate a full-fledged place, for example, provide for the construction of a 6x6 bathhouse with an attic.
What to remember to include in the minimum plan
Regardless of the size of the area that is planned to be used for the construction of a bathhouse, it is necessary to take into account the presence of traditional premises. These sections include a steam room, a washing room and a rest room between steam sessions.
A good layout of a 6x6 bathhouse is the key to the reliability of the structure as a whole and the performance of its function. Miscalculations in a project usually don’t take long to appear. The adverse consequences of mistakes may appear as early as next season.
Photo
Each user expects from a bathhouse a well and quickly heated steam room that holds steam for a long time, optimal temperature in the washing compartment and uninterrupted access to water supply.
An indicator of a well-thought-out and intelligently built bathhouse is the tightness of the entire structure and each room separately. If the sink and steam room are separate, it will be necessary to reconsider the entire project as a whole and provide additional reinforcement options.
Drawing where the sink and steam room are separate
In the development of small-sized projects, it is quite justified to move individual rooms outside the perimeter of the building. So, in a suburban area, you can easily equip a relaxation room outside the bathhouse or combine it with similar rooms.
Independent planning of a private building does not entail anything terrible. You can always use ready-made projects or experiment a little with your brainchild.
If we consider a building for a bathhouse on a summer cottage, we almost always have to assume that the land area will be limited. Nevertheless, the 3x4 (3x5) bathhouse layout is very compact and in practice is the most popular.
Steam room in the bath
The size of the steam room, as well as the dressing room, is calculated based on the minimum allowable norm of 1 m² of area for each steamer. The area for each steamer is calculated on a net basis, not taking into account the area for the stove (fireplace). An important detail that applies only to this specific room: add one person to the estimated number of visitors to the steam room as a reserve. This is done because steam and high temperature place a serious burden on the body (oxygen starvation). And this reserve, in combination with properly arranged ventilation, minimizes these risks.
The height of the ceiling in the steam room should allow an adult to stand at full height on the first step of the shelf and wave a broom without touching the ceiling. For safety reasons, the door from the steam room must open into the dressing room. Benches or wooden shelves in 1, 2, 3 tiers are installed along the wall. When arranging shelves, it is necessary to comply with the condition that the sitting person’s legs rest and do not hang down. Otherwise, the edge of the shelf becomes an obstacle to blood circulation in the extremities, while at the same time the intensity of the blood flow increases.
The steam room must be well insulated and equipped with a proper ventilation system. Thermal insulation is needed to maintain high temperature in the room for a long time, and ventilation is needed to properly organize air exchange.
Bathhouse project for a country house
To install a new structure for a steam room, you must select a free area. The specific criteria for allocating a plot of land are determined solely by the owner himself.
For example, those who are predisposed to colds prefer to place a bathhouse closer to a residential building.
If a person thinks like an engineer, he will be interested in technical issues, for example, how best to install supply pipelines or a gas main.
With all this, you don’t want the bathhouse to be located next to a place of discharge of natural needs (unless, of course, you have a septic tank) or a garbage pit.
Often, users prefer to place the bathhouse adjacent to the main building, ensuring the proper level of heat and vapor barrier.
Bathhouse at the dacha: photo
Another direction in planning the site for installing a building for a bathhouse comes from geological research data. Of course, if the layout of a 4x6 bathhouse involves the creation of drainage for water disposal, then the requirements for soil quality may not be so high.
Bathhouse design: photo of the location of the sink, steam room, relaxation room, bathroom and terrace
Often, a traditional project does not involve the creation of a special sewer system; in this case, a reinforced foundation is planned and a place with a low groundwater level is selected.
Areas of high moisture accumulation are usually excluded from the 5x6 project. In this case, it is necessary to maintain distance from the following objects:
- from the well - at least 5 meters;
- from the toilet and garbage pit - at least 8 meters;
- from a residential building - at least 8 meters.
If you are really lucky and your site is located close to water, it makes sense to install a bathhouse with access to a body of water. In this case, the issue of planning and installing the pool is removed; immediately after the steam room you can plunge into the cool water of the lake.
The second advantage of the site being close to the water is the possibility of organizing an autonomous water supply
When the issue with the location is resolved, it is worth thinking about the project itself. The plan reflects such parameters as the number and purpose of premises, the size of the steam room and washing departments, the presence of additional compartments, and the number of floors.
Contrary to current stereotypes, a bathhouse project is expensive. This is true if you purchase a construction plan from a construction company. However, no one prohibits the use of template developments. In this article we provide the necessary drawings and diagrams, according to which you can develop your personal design for the location of functional elements.
For example, the layout of a 6x4 bathhouse can be easily obtained proportionally from a project of another multiplicity, where the sink and steam room will be located separately or adjacent.
From a security point of view
It is also necessary to consider the layout of the premises in the bathhouse from a safety point of view. Therefore, it is advisable to make the path from the steam room to the street as simple and short as possible, without labyrinths. This is necessary in case someone becomes ill. The sooner a person can get out into the fresh air, the better. Therefore, some projects provide two doors in the steam room: one from the washing room - for regular use, the second - to the vestibule - for emergency situations.
In order to be able to evacuate as quickly as possible, the washing room must have a window of decent size - no less than 50*50 cm. And it must open inward (again, safety precautions). And it’s better not to skimp on size: small sizes will not provide the amount of fresh air required for ventilation. It’s also difficult to climb out through the small window.
There should be windows in the steam room - one on the wall opposite the entrance, the other under the shelves
Many, by the way, do not install windows in either the washing room or the steam room, and they are very mistaken. Now we will briefly explain why.
These windows are needed not for lighting, but for ventilation. The steam room needs two windows - one in the wall opposite the door, measuring 40*40 cm or so. Its upper edge should be level with the door lintel. The second window in the steam room is made under the shelf. It can be small - 20*20 cm.
All of them are needed for ventilation and drying of rooms after use. Then you will not have any problems with wood and fungus. They are also opened to correct temperature/humidity. Everyone is comfortable with their own conditions, so they regulate them with the help of windows. Read more about where windows should be in a bathhouse and what sizes they are, and in the article “Which doors to choose for a bathhouse and sauna” we talk about doors and their sizes.
The window in the washing room is also an emergency exit. You shouldn’t forget about this either. Of course, we try not to break the rules and install the stoves correctly, but it’s better to be safe.
Finishing work
In most cases, for the construction of bathhouses in summer cottages or local suburban areas, users prefer to use a log house - a ready-made form that will serve as the basis for a future structure. Of course, the log house will not yet have a sink and a steam room. They can always be allocated in a common space according to the intended project.
The method of finishing a bathhouse with wood from the inside has proven itself in practice. The natural material is environmentally friendly, retains precious heat well and creates an extraordinary aroma in the room. Linden, pine, oak, aspen, ash and larch are good materials for interior decoration.
Those who like to relax in an atmosphere of tart woody smell are recommended to select coniferous wood.
Additional services
- Replacing timber 150x100 mm with timber 150x150 mm RUB 30,000.
- Replacing timber 150x100 mm with timber 150x200 mm 60,000 rub.
- Wood-burning stove Ermak from RUB 32,000. (more details)
- Increase the height of the bathhouse by one crown (+15 cm) RUB 9,000.
- Construction of partitions from timber (150x100 mm) RUB 9,000.
- Coating of joists and subfloor (as a gift: promotion until October 31) 400 RUR/m²
- Replacing a 27 mm floorboard with a tongue and groove board 36 mm thick 280 RUR/m²
- Metal entrance door (China) 7,000 rub.
- Bath insulation up to 100 mm 250 RUR/m²
- Warm corner (as a gift: promotion until October 31) RUB 24,000.
- Assembling a bathhouse on wooden dowels RUB 24,000.
- Cladding the stove with bricks (as a gift: promotion until October 31) RUB 8,000.
- Construction shed 3x2 m. 16,000 rub. (more details)
- Roofing (metal tiles) 590 RUR/m²
- Finishing the gables of a block house RUB 1,200/m²
- Generator rental (customer’s gasoline) RUB 9,000.
Additional elements of the project - a bathhouse with access to the terrace
When planning a bath, variations are possible, because everything is done to your taste. One of the options for placing a recreation room is to move it outside the project. Or rather, it will no longer be a place, but a small area decorated with flowers or other elements of an artificial landscape. This will free up space in the bathhouse itself and provide a truly original place to relax between air treatments in the steam room.
A project with a terrace is well suited for those who prefer outdoor recreation and appreciate every piece of their landscape. At the same time, the area occupied by the steam room and washing compartments can be slightly reduced, adjusting the size according to preferences.
The terrace in the project is somewhat reminiscent of a large spacious porch with a fence. The length of the veranda will coincide with the length of the entire 4x4 bathhouse, taking away from it only the width.
Arrangement of a bathhouse - why is it important
What is more important to you in a bathhouse - good steam or the visual appeal of the interior decoration? Everyone has their own answer. Some will be satisfied with the unpretentious, spartan look of a bathhouse built from high-quality materials. There will also be those who want to bring comfort. Everyone is right, and every component of the bath cult is important.
In this review, the arrangement of a bathhouse will be considered mainly in terms of functional features. Therefore, first of all, it is worth noting that all optimization measures are aimed at creating a comfortable resting and washing area, as well as being able to achieve a stable high temperature in the steam room. To do this, during design and construction, not only the right types of wood must be selected, not only ventilation and air circulation must be intelligently arranged, but also the most comfortable layout must be thought out.
You can understand whether a bathhouse is well designed using your personal feelings. So, using the example of a steam room, when the construction technology is not followed, in a heated room after some time you may feel nauseous and a rapid heartbeat. Perhaps this method is subjective, but, you see, no one will put up with discomfort when taking bath procedures. Therefore, it is better to study many years of experience in advance, adhere to all the rules and avoid mistakes.
Features of a bathhouse made of logs or timber
The classic version is made from cylindered logs or bars. The only difference between building materials is the wood processing technology. The basis of such a structure is usually a log house or box. Environmentally friendly materials and quick construction times make this type of bathhouse the most popular.
Owners of such buildings can save on finishing, since everything inside is already made to look like wood. All that remains is to take care of the proper quality of sealing of walls and interior spaces, and the laying of communications.
The walls of the bathhouse are treated with special compounds that can prevent fire and damage to the wood by fungi and parasites.
When planning a 5x6 bathhouse, where the sink and steam room are separate (see photo in the article), special attention should be paid to the quality of the wood. It must be well dried, otherwise defects may appear over time. Typically, wooden baths are formed with separate rooms; there are many photographs online of what a finished wooden bath looks like.
Entrance to the bathhouse. Dressing room and terrace
This article will tell you how to properly organize the entrance to the bathhouse. For a Russian person, a bathhouse is not just a room where you can wash and steam. The bathhouse is a whole cult. There are many different traditions and rituals associated with the bathhouse; just remember our favorite movie “The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!” Therefore, it is quite understandable that everyone wants to have this useful structure on their site. But building your own bathhouse according to all the rules so that it faithfully serves the benefit of your soul and body for many years is quite difficult. There are many nuances that should be taken into account when building a bathhouse.
Just as a theater begins with a hanger, so a bathhouse begins with the entrance, or, to be more precise, with the dressing room. The entrance to the bathhouse itself is usually made on the south side for easier entry in winter. Of course, this is not important, and if you regularly clear the snow around your bathhouse, then the entrance can also be located from the north, east, and west. The main function of the dressing room is to prevent cold air from the street from entering the steam room, but in addition, the dressing room is a multifunctional room in which you can undress, as well as relax and cool down after the steam room. As a rule, a window opening is made in the dressing room, but doors and windows should be small in size to preserve and retain heat inside the room. Therefore, sauna doors are usually 160-180 centimeters in height and 60-80 centimeters in width. Moreover, the door leading from the dressing room to the steam room must be installed in such a way that it opens inside the dressing room, in order to avoid wet clothes.
The area of the dressing room may vary, depending on the capabilities and desires of the owner, but usually the dressing room is a small room of about 4-6 square meters. Insulation of the dressing room is mandatory. For convenience and functionality, there should be nothing superfluous in the dressing room. The standard set is a wide bench for relaxation, a table and a hanger. But everyone can supplement this set with other necessary items.
In the corner of the dressing room you can put a shelf for storing all kinds of oils, shampoos and other hygiene products. The bookcase can be successfully replaced with a hanging cabinet to save space. Fans of long gatherings after the steam room can place a TV and refrigerator in the waiting room, but in this case, special attention should be paid to the serviceability and safety of the electrical wiring.
If you use a bathhouse only in the warm season, it is quite possible to build a terrace instead of a dressing room. One does not exclude the other, so a terrace can exist along with a good insulated dressing room. As a result, you will kill two birds with one stone: you will have a terrace for relaxing after the steam room in the summer, and a dressing room for a comfortable visit to the bathhouse in the winter. When building a terrace, no one limits your imagination, so you can design it however you like. But, of course, you should put country furniture on the terrace for comfortable relaxation and organize lighting. Ultraviolet lovers use special emitting lamps for these purposes.
Thus, we can come to the conclusion that the construction of the bathhouse itself and the entrance to the bathhouse itself is a creative activity. But do not forget about the necessary nuances and rules developed over the years, then the steam in your bath will always be light.
Communication planning
This design stage is associated with the zoning of the waiting room. Attention is paid to the following communications:
- Electricity. Thinking through the heating system. If electric convectors are used, then additional cable power is installed. The wire is selected to be non-flammable and protected from water. It is worth remembering the high humidity in the waiting room. The presence of condensation due to the temperature difference in the relaxation room and the steam room can cause a short circuit and fire. Provide a lighting scheme. Connect an outlet to the table that will allow you to boil tea. If you plan to place a TV and other electrical appliances, it is better to think about the connection system at the design stage. This will avoid extension cords and carrying during operation.
Waiting room lighting scheme - Heating. Often the stove is used not only to heat the steam room, but also the dressing room. For this purpose, two types of placement are provided: the firebox from the dressing room or one of the walls of the sauna stove opens into the rest room. This placement allows you to save on energy. Installing a bench and table in such a warm area allows you to get maximum pleasure from your bathing holiday. For heating, a warm floor can be installed in the dressing room. It will ensure comfortable movement around the rest room barefoot. If the bathhouse is used regularly, then many people connect it to the general heating system of residential buildings. It is important to take into account the location of buildings and the technical ability to implement this.
- Ventilation. A supply and exhaust system is provided. The scheme is planned in connection with the general ventilation system of the bathhouse.
At the time of design, the location of the channels is thought through, their dimensions and flow are calculated. The air within an hour should be completely renewed to three times the volume of the room. Forced ventilation is often installed. It allows you to ensure a normal indoor microclimate. When developing an air flow diagram, consider the placement of vents and vents. They should not create drafts.
Proper calculation and location of communications make it possible to organize an optimal microclimate in the dressing room.
