Photo by Ethan Schultz
If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna for yourself, you’ve likely at least heard of the myriad ways the company, helmed by Justin Juntunen, is bringing saunas to the masses. From its public experiences on Lake Superior in Duluth to the Four Seasons Hotel rooftop in Minneapolis, Cedar and Stone even brings its beautifully designed, sustainably built saunas directly into homeowners’ backyards.
“We love designing outdoor spaces,” Juntunen says. “The backyard should provide access to all the elements of the sauna ritual—hot, cold, rest, rehydrate, and repeat. We are often working with owners, architects, contractors, and landscape designers to ensure everything fits and flows together. We love to include outdoor pools, showers, cold plunges, and places to rest all nestled around the sauna.”
Photo by Ethan Schultz
In Nordic countries, the sauna is a centerpiece to people’s property for their enjoyment and health, ultimately pointing to why homeowners choose to invest in a residential sauna. “The cultural wisdom of sauna health (known by the Nordic countries for centuries) is now being matched with scientific data that shows the impact of regular sauna use,” says Juntunen, who adds that the ease and simplicity of maintenance and upkeep is another perk. “You sit and enjoy the heat, and while doing so, get a light cardio workout, boost your immune system, lower your inflammation, improve sleep, and destroy the stress of the day. We [also] continually see our clients telling us stories of the ways they are valuing time with their partner, their children, and their neighbors while using the sauna.”
Other stand-alone structures, all of which are excellent ways to elevate your exteriors, span from she-sheds and accessory dwelling units (check out Christopher Strom Architects’ renowned work) to tiny homes, conservatories, and pub-style bars like the one Tays & Co. Design Studios built on Upper Gull Lake.
