Dynamically programmed bathhouses and saunas have cropped up across major metropolises. These alternative third spaces are far better for one’s health than the proverbial bar. People are drinking less and instead, getting in a good sweat to allay the pains of the day. But what if these third spaces were able to collapse back into our first spaces—our homes—quite literally? Home sauna products are a dime a dozen these days but most require considerable amounts of square footage to be installed, the measure of which most urban dwellers can only dream of attaining at some point in their lives.
Making the prospect of domestic wellness far more accessible to those residing in infinitesimal abodes, long established German brand KLAFS—a subsidiary of American bathroom fixture giant Kohler—just unveiled to the US market its fully retractable S1 sauna. Attuned to the equally acute push to imbue these primary environments with modular, adaptable solutions, the system compresses into itself not just two, but three, fold. Impressively, it does so without skimping on performance or style.
Retractable kitchens and beds that descend from the ceiling are becoming more commonplace in progressively compact apartments stacked on top of each other in increasingly populated urban centers. Why shouldn’t a sauna do the same?
Emerging from what would be the proportions of a standard bookshelf or bar cabinet, the flexible system expands into an enclosure fully equipped to support the schvitzing needs of three people. It does so, automatically, at the touch of a button.
The S1 is enabled with KLAFS proprietary SANARIUM control, offering five distinct climate experiences allowing its users to custom calibrate ambiance, humidity, and heat up to 210° Fahrenheit. The design is as sleek as it is versatile; able to fade into the background of interiors outfitted in various styles. Exterior finishes include matte black and walnut, both complemented by a walnut interior for a sophisticated yet inviting aesthetic. The S1 is available in three sizes—small, medium, and large—accommodating 2 to 3 users.
“For nearly a century, KLAFS has pushed the boundaries of sauna design, and the S1 represents our most transformative innovation for the wellness industry yet,” says KLAFS CEO Phillip Rock. “We’re thrilled to introduce a luxury wellness experience that makes sauna ownership attainable for people who may not have considered it possible due to limited space in their homes. By combining advanced engineering with thoughtful, space efficient design, we’ve created a sauna solution that elevates wellness in any home.”
To learn more about the latest wellness technology from the brand, visit klafsusa.com.
Photography courtesy of KLAFS.
