In Finland, the sauna is a way of life - a natural, almost sacred, extension of the home. It’s where the body is cleansed, the mind is cleared, and the soul finds peace. At Harbor Saunas, we believe this philosophy is worth preserving through timeless design and meaningful build quality. We create saunas that aren’t just places to escape, but are built to last and to be used daily, season after season.

As Finnish architect Aarne Hytönen once said, “A sauna is where the soul rests. That’s why it belongs at home.” This speaks to the emotional and cultural significance the sauna holds in Nordic life, and it reflects what we are building at Harbor: straightforward, enduring structures that support real daily routines.

In the United States, saunas are often viewed as an optional extra—something you might find in a high-end spa or hotel. But in Nordic countries like Finland, the sauna is as central to the home as a kitchen or living room. It’s a space for solitude and recovery, but also for family connection and conversation.

Over 3 million saunas exist in Finland, a country of just over 5 million people. The message is clear: the sauna is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

At Harbor, we adopt this mindset, aiming to provide saunas that you anticipate returning to each day.That belief informs our approach to design and construction—making saunas that are practical, grounded, and built with intention.

Our design inspiration comes from the buildings that endure - coastal cabins, wharf buildings, and fishing huts along the shores of New England and Scandinavia. These structures weren’t built to impress, they were built to last. They used natural, durable materials like cedar and brass to endure the elements.

Harbor applies these principles to create outdoor saunas that feel connected to their surroundings. With thoughtul and time-honored materials, our saunas integrate naturally into the landscape and the life of the home.

The value of a sauna comes from regular use. When built into the rhythm of a home, it becomes more than a wellness feature—it becomes a dependable part of the week. A sauna provides a space to slow down, reflect, recover, and reset.

In Finland, the sauna is considered a leveler. It’s a space where everyone is equal, and nothing is required beyond being present. It becomes a functional tool for personal and shared time.

Many of our clients tell us that their sauna is the part of their home they use the most. It gives them time to disconnect, to be alone or together, without distractions. It’s not about indulgence. It’s about consistency.

We don’t build temporary structures. Our saunas are designed to last for decades, made with materials chosen for their durability and reliability across all seasons.

From brass exterior finishes to carefully designs window treatments, every detail is chosen for strength and utility. We build to deliver peace of mind and reduce the need for maintenance down the line. Our saunas aim to age alongside your home, looking better as the years pass by with regular use.

Our process starts with listening. We collaborate with homeowners, architects, and designers to ensure every sauna is well-positioned and proportioned to its environment. Whether installed beside a lake, on a wooded lot, or in a backyard, we aim to match our saunas to the surrounding landscapes.

When a sauna feels like it belongs, it becomes part of the routine. That’s why we pay close attention to placement, access, and the experience of using the space.

Today’s architects are designing homes that incorporate saunas not as separate buildings, but as extensions of living space. In Finland and beyond, modern homes are being built with saunas that share views, materials, and floorplans with the main house. They are positioned to catch light, connect to nature, and support daily use.

Architectural firms such as OOPEAA and Avanto Architects have shown how well the sauna fits into both contemporary and traditional building practices. As architect Tuomas Toivonen notes, "The sauna is a mediator between the built environment and nature. It’s a space where architecture becomes elemental."

At Harbor, we take a similar approach—our designs are made to work with the environment, not fight it. The result is a structure that looks like it’s always been there and will age timelessly over the years to come.

Long-lasting construction is one of the most effective forms of sustainability. Instead of short-lived materials, we build intentionally for longevity in the outdoors. Our hand selected materials and exterior finishes will help ensure your sauna becomes a lasting investment.

Sustainability on our builds is the outcome of many thoughtful decisions. We design our saunas to be used often, maintained easily, and passed down if desired. It’s a long-term approach that avoids waste and rewards care.

Our saunas are built for the decades to come, designed to serve your home and your routine for years, not just seasons.

We believe that good design should be useful. That craftsmanship matters. That wellness comes from regular, repeated practices - and that the best parts of the home are the ones you return to again and again.

Bringing a sauna into your home isn’t just a design choice, it’s a commitment to pace, care, and longevity.