Finnmark Sauna's work on SAUNA HOUSE at Boscombe Beach has been recognised with the Best Sauna Design award at the 2026 UK Sauna Summit, highlighting a growing focus on accessibility, operational performance and guest experience in commercial wellness design.
Opened in May 2026, SAUNA HOUSE is the flagship venue for The Saltwater Sauna and the UK's largest beachfront sauna. Designed to accommodate up to 35 guests, the facility offers year-round communal sauna experiences and sea plunges in a coastal setting that presents significant environmental and operational challenges.
Rather than treating the landscape as a backdrop, the design places the surrounding coastline at the centre of the guest experience. The proportions of the sauna, bench configuration and lighting have all been developed to maximise uninterrupted views across Boscombe Beach, creating a stronger connection between the interior environment and the seafront beyond.
Alongside the architectural concept, the project also reflects the practical considerations increasingly influencing commercial wellness developments. Materials and construction methods were selected to withstand prolonged exposure to heat, humidity and salt air, while supporting long-term durability and reduced maintenance in a high-use environment.
Accessibility was incorporated from the outset, with features including a removable bench section that enables wheelchair users to access the sauna without requiring permanent alterations to the overall design.
The project reflects a wider shift across the hospitality and wellness sectors, where operators are placing greater emphasis on balancing design quality with operational resilience, inclusivity and longevity as demand for premium communal wellness experiences continues to grow.
Jake Newport, CEO of Finnmark Sauna, said: "The starting point for this project was understanding how the surrounding landscape could become part of the sauna experience. From there, every design decision supported that vision while also addressing the practical realities of operating a commercial sauna in a beachfront environment.
"Receiving this award is recognition of an approach that considers not only aesthetics, but also durability, accessibility and long-term performance. These are becoming increasingly important priorities for commercial wellness operators."
Developed in collaboration with The Saltwater Sauna, architects and the wider project team, SAUNA HOUSE provides an example of how commercial sauna design is evolving to meet changing expectations across the wellness, hospitality and leisure sectors.
