In short: Sauna by a pond No. 6 is a log building on the bank of a pond, with a gable roof, a chimney and a large terrace, part of which projects over the water. The terrace is surrounded by a railing of natural-wood stakes, tables and chairs stand on it, and you can sit under the open gable even when it rains. The size, finishing and equipment of the sauna are agreed with each customer individually.
A sauna and water: the best combination
A sauna by the water is a dream for many people, and this photo shows why. The building stands on the bank of a pond, surrounded by dense forest. The still water reflects the trees and the railing of the terrace, and silence hangs all around. After the heat of the sauna you can simply walk down to the water to cool off, and then sit on the terrace and look out over the pond.
Water next to a sauna is not only a pleasure but also a convenience. Cool water is a perfect counterpart to the heat of the sauna, and in summer you can swim from the shore. Even a small pond creates a special mood: in the evenings coolness rises from the water, in the mornings mist, and the terrace always has fresh air.
On the roof you can see a metal chimney pipe, from which we can tell that a wood-burning stove or fireplace is installed inside. What equipment stands inside cannot be seen in the photo, so the heating solution is discussed when you order.
The walls of the building are made of round logs in a warm brown shade. In the side wall there is a large window with a dark frame, a lamp is fixed to the wall, and next to it stands a metal outdoor grill. All this shows that the sauna is used not only for steaming but also for gatherings with friends.
When choosing a spot for a sauna by a pond, think about where it will be most convenient to get into the water. In the photo the terrace projects over the water, so the whole pond opens out from it. If you plan to swim, you can provide separate steps or a small pier so that you do not have to wade through the shore grass and mud.
A large terrace over the water
The biggest advantage of this building is its terrace. It is much larger than usual for a sauna and partly projects over the pond. The terrace floor is made of wooden boards, and its edges are surrounded by a railing of natural-wood stakes with rounded, curved tops.
Several tables with chairs stand on the terrace, so a sizable group can fit. It is a real outdoor living room by the water, where you can eat, talk and rest after the sauna. By the railing stands a wooden bench with a carved, wavy backrest that goes perfectly with the stake fence.
Railings by the water are especially important. They protect against accidental falls, especially for children and guests who may be dizzy from the heat after the sauna. Stakes of natural wood make these railings not only a safety feature but also a decoration of the terrace.
A large terrace can be divided into several zones. Closer to the building, under the roof, a dining table can stand; farther away, a relaxation area with loungers or benches; and at the very edge by the water, a bench from which the pond is seen best. That way every guest finds a comfortable place. Oak garden and outdoor furniture will also suit the terrace, as it does well outdoors.
The part of the terrace next to the building is under an open gable held up by trunks of natural shape. You can sit here even when it rains, while the other part of the terrace stays open to the sun. This combination lets you use the terrace in any weather.
In the evening such a terrace becomes especially cozy. A lamp fixed to the wall lights the table, and the water reflects the lights and the sky. If you want more light on the terrace, you can think about several lamps on the railings or trunks. Laukbaldis also makes wooden lamps that go with the natural-wood style.
A roof with an open gable
The building is covered with a gable roof with a dark covering that resembles tiles. At the front the roof is extended forward and forms an open gable over the terrace. From below you can see the board-clad ceiling of the gable, and the roof is held up by forked trunks and a crossbeam.
The dark roof covering contrasts nicely with the warm logs and the green forest. A covering like this suits places where many leaves and needles fall on the roof, because a smooth surface is easier to clean. The edges of the roof project beyond the walls and protect them from rain.
The roof covering color and material can be chosen when you order. A dark covering, as in the photo, looks restrained and goes well with the forest, but wooden shingles, which Laukbaldis also makes, suit a log sauna as well.
The open gable gives the terrace space and light. It does not feel cramped beneath it, and the air moves freely. For a sauna this is very important: after the heat you want cool, clean air and not a closed, stuffy porch.
When a sauna stands in a forest, it is important that the chimney is high enough and away from the tree branches. Sparks and hot air must not reach the leaves or needles. The height and position of the chimney are chosen according to the stove and the surroundings, so this is discussed when you order.
Paths, steps and the surroundings
A few steps lead from the terrace down to the shore, and on the bank you can see other wooden steps with a railing of branches of natural shape. They let you go down the slope safely and reach the sauna from other parts of the plot. All the railings are made in the same style, so the surroundings look unified.
Lawn and bushes grow around the sauna, and tall trees rise behind the building. The sauna seems to be nestled in a clearing in the forest by the water, which is a very cozy, sheltered place.
It is worth lighting the paths to the sauna, because people often walk there in the evening and come back after dark. Steps and paths by the water become slippery after rain or dew, so their surface should be rough and the railings sturdy.
Laukbaldis also makes wooden bridges, steps and fences, so a similar setting can be created on your plot as well. You will find examples in the section wooden bridges and fences.
What the photo shows
A short summary helps you quickly judge the solutions used in this typical example.
| Feature | In the photo |
|---|---|
| Round log walls | Yes |
| Gable roof with a dark covering | Yes |
| Chimney pipe | Yes |
| Terrace partly over the water | Yes, large |
| Stake railing | Yes |
| Tables with chairs | Yes |
| Bench with a carved backrest | Yes |
| Steps with a branch railing | Yes, on the bank |
A sauna by a pond: what to discuss when ordering
Laukbaldis shows only typical examples, so the size, finishing and equipment of the sauna are agreed with each customer. When building by the water, it is important to think ahead about:
- The size of the sauna. How many people will usually steam, and whether you need a rest room.
- The terrace. How large it should be and how far it should project over the water.
- The heating. What kind of stove or fireplace you want and where the chimney will be.
- The foundation. The soil of the bank and how the water level fluctuates.
- The steps and paths. How you will get to the sauna and to the water.
- The paperwork. What requirements apply to shorelines in your municipality.
Also discuss in advance whether the sauna will be heated all year round. A pond is especially beautiful in winter, and after the sauna some people even dare to plunge into a hole cut in the ice. But for winter you will need to plan paths that can be cleared, a dry place for firewood and convenient access to the sauna.
It will also help to compare other works: the log cabin by a pond No. 15 and the log sauna with a terrace No. 21. You will find all the examples in the section saunas and summerhouses.
Care and ordering
By the water the wood is exposed to more dampness, so care must be regular. Every year inspect the terrace floor and the supports, especially the part that is over the water. If you notice pale or rough wood, renew the protective coating. Check the railings every spring to make sure they hold firmly.
For a sauna it is important that the rooms dry out well after every steaming session. The chimney and the stove must be checked and cleaned regularly, and it is worth leaving that work to specialists. Place the grill at a safe distance from wooden walls and railings.
In autumn sweep the terrace clear of leaves and needles, which fall in large numbers in a forest. If the terrace is not used in winter, a thick layer of snow should not build up on it, and ice on the pond should not press on the supports of the terrace.
UAB “Laukbaldis” has worked since 1996 and makes saunas, log cabins, summerhouses, bridges and garden furniture. Call +370 687 25388 and quote No. 6. We will discuss the size of the sauna, the terrace, the heating and the place on the bank.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sauna terrace really project over the water?
Yes, in the photo part of the terrace projects over the pond. How far the terrace should project depends on the bank and is discussed individually.
How many people fit on the terrace?
In the photo several tables with chairs stand on the terrace, so a sizable group fits. The size of the terrace is agreed according to your needs.
Is there a stove in the sauna?
A chimney pipe can be seen on the roof, but the equipment inside cannot be seen in the photo. The solution for the stove or fireplace is discussed when you order.
What is important when building a sauna by a pond?
You need to assess the soil of the bank, the fluctuations of the water level and a suitable foundation. It is also worth asking your municipality what requirements apply to shorelines.
How do I look after a terrace over the water?
Every year inspect the floor and the supports, especially the part over the water, and renew the protective coating if needed. In spring check that the railings are firm.
How do I order sauna No. 6?
Call us and quote No. 6. We will discuss the size of the sauna, the terrace, the heating and the place on the bank.
