What’s An Outdoor Sauna? Why Iglucraft Sauna & Modular Cabins Are Trending
Outdoor saunas are standalone heated wooden structures designed for relaxation and wellness. In the UK, outdoor saunas and modular cabins are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s what you need to know
By Chere Di Boscio
Outdoor saunas are fast becoming the must-have wellness feature for modern homes — and it’s easy to see why. Once reserved for luxury spas and Nordic retreats, these stylish wooden sanctuaries are now appearing in back gardens, countryside escapes, and even chic urban terraces. As women increasingly prioritise self-care, slow living, and holistic wellbeing, the appeal of stepping into a steaming outdoor sauna after a stressful day feels less like an indulgence and more like an essential ritual.
While you could buy a cheap shed and stick sauna heater in it, there are better, more attractive solutions. And Iglucraft provides some of the best.
What Is the Iglucraft Sauna?
The Iglucraft Sauna is a premium outdoor sauna designed and built by Estonian brand Iglucraft. It’s known for its chic, curved wooden design, handcrafted shingle exterior, and its focus on combining eco-friendly architecture with aesthetics.
Key features include:
- Distinctive curved structure
- Natural timber materials
- Hand-laid wooden shingles
- Minimal, calming interior design
The Iglucraft Sauna is considered a high-end option within the growing prefab sauna market. No wonder celebrities from Gordon Ramsay to Victoria Beckham are installing them in their gardens!
The Iglucraft Sauna: A Premium Outdoor Sauna Designed for Modern Living
The Iglucraft Sauna is designed as a sculptural, immersive space. And it’s not just for the rich and famous: there’s a variety of sizes available to fit all budgets.
The curved silhouette of their designs immediately sets it apart from traditional box-like structures. The soft, organic form allows it to sit naturally within the landscape, almost as if it has always been there.
Step inside, and the focus shifts from architecture to atmosphere.
The interior of the Iglucraft Sauna is intentionally minimal, yet rich in texture. Warm timber surfaces, soft lighting, and carefully balanced proportions create a calming, enclosed environment. This is where the difference lies. Many outdoor saunas deliver function. The Iglucraft Sauna delivers ritual—turning a simple activity into a daily wellness habit.
Beyond Outdoor Saunas: Modular Cabins, Tiny Homes and Garden Rooms
While the Iglucraft Sauna is a flagship product, the brand offers prefab cabins that tap into another major trend: modular cabins and tiny homes.
Iglucraft designs and builds beautiful, fully functional prefab cabins that can serve as:
- Guest houses
- Backyard offices
- Creative studios
- Off-grid living spaces
These modular cabins are not your average garden shed. Rather, they can serve as complete living environments. Think chic tiny homes with comfy sleeping areas, fully functioning bathrooms, and compact kitchens.
These cabins are ideal for so many situations, from home offices and gyms to meditation rooms, yoga studios, music or art studios and guest houses. And the best part? They can either add value to your home if you’re looking to invest, or, conversely, if you need to downsize, they can help you do that, too.
Downsizing, Affordability and the Rise of Modular Homes
As economic pressures increase, many homeowners are rethinking how much space they actually need.
Downsizing is no longer just a lifestyle choice—it’s a financial strategy. Rising energy costs, property prices, and maintenance demands are pushing people toward smaller, more efficient living solutions.
This is where modular cabins and tiny homes come into play.
An Iglucraft tiny home has many benefits and can function as:
- A primary residence
- A secondary dwelling
- A multi-generational living solution
By focusing on smart design rather than square footage, these structures offer a way to simplify life without sacrificing comfort or quality.
For younger buyers, the traditional housing market can feel out of reach. High property prices and limited availability are forcing many to explore alternative paths.
Luckily, these prefab cabins and modular homes offer a more accessible entry point.
With a smaller upfront investment and faster installation, modular outdoor structures allow buyers to:
- Own property sooner
- Live off-grid or semi-independently
- Build gradually over time
This shift reflects a broader change in priorities—where flexibility, experience, and independence matter more than size.
Outdoor Saunas and Cabins as Airbnb Investments
But there’s also another angle that’s driving interest in outdoor saunas and modular cabins: short-term rental income.
Unique stays are one of the fastest-growing segments on platforms like Airbnb. And Iglucraft cabins and saunas are particularly well suited to this market because they offer distinctive designs with high visual appeal, and a great deal of flexibility, since they can be placed in any environment, whether it’s on a beach, in a forest, or on a mountaintop.
For property owners, this creates an opportunity to generate income through:
- Airbnb rentals
- Boutique hospitality experiences
- Unique wellness retreats
Even a single outdoor sauna or cabin can significantly increase a property’s appeal and booking potential.
The Future of Outdoor Living: Why the Iglucraft Sauna Stands Out
Outdoor saunas, modular cabins, and tiny homes are not passing trends—they reflect a fundamental shift in how people want to live. In short, more flexibly, simply, and healthfully.
The Iglucraft Sauna sits at the centre of this movement, combining craftsmanship, wellness, and architectural beauty into a single experience.
For homeowners, investors, and anyone looking to rethink their living space, it represents something increasingly valuable: not just an addition to a property, but a transformation of how that space is used.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Saunas and Modular Cabins
What is an Iglucraft Sauna?
An Iglucraft Sauna is a handcrafted outdoor sauna made from natural timber, known for its distinctive curved design and high-quality shingle finish. Designed as a premium prefab sauna, it combines traditional craftsmanship with modern modular construction to create a unique wellness space for gardens and outdoor settings.
Are outdoor saunas popular in the UK?
Yes, outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular across the UK. As more homeowners invest in garden living, wellness spaces, and home upgrades, outdoor saunas are seen as a valuable addition.
Do you need planning permission for an outdoor sauna in the UK?
In many cases, outdoor saunas fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission, especially if they are:
- Single-storey structures
- Within height limits
- Located in the garden and not used as a primary residence
However, rules can vary depending on location, property type, and whether you live in a conservation area. It’s always best to check with your local council.
How much does an outdoor sauna cost in the UK?
The cost of an outdoor sauna in the UK varies widely depending on size, materials, and design. Basic models may start from £3,000, while premium options like an Iglucraft Sauna can cost more (starting at around £8,000) due to craftsmanship, larger size, materials, and bespoke features.
Are prefab saunas better than traditional builds?
Prefab saunas offer several advantages over traditional builds:
- Faster installation
- Controlled quality during manufacturing
- Less disruption on-site
- Often more energy efficient
Premium prefab saunas like the Iglucraft Sauna also focus heavily on design and longevity.
Can an Iglucraft cabin be used as a tiny home?
Yes, Iglucraft cabins can function as fully equipped tiny homes. Many models include sleeping areas, bathrooms, and kitchen space, making them suitable for full-time living, guest accommodation, or off-grid lifestyles.
Can you use a cabin or sauna as an Airbnb in the UK?
Yes, many homeowners use outdoor cabins and saunas as part of short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb.
Unique stays—especially those focused on wellness, nature, and design—are in high demand. Adding a distinctive structure like an Iglucraft Sauna or cabin can significantly increase booking appeal.
Are outdoor saunas worth it?
For many homeowners, outdoor saunas are a worthwhile investment. They offer:
- Health and wellness benefits
- A dedicated relaxation space
- Increased property value
- Potential rental income opportunities
Final Thoughts: Are Outdoor Saunas and Modular Cabins the Future of Living?
Outdoor saunas and modular cabins are no longer niche additions. They are fast becoming essential features of modern living in the UK. As homeowners look for ways to improve wellness, maximise space, and adapt to rising property costs, solutions like the Iglucraft Sauna and modular cabins offer a practical and design-led alternative.
Whether used as a personal wellness retreat, a downsized living space, or an income-generating Airbnb asset, these structures provide flexibility that traditional homes often cannot. Their ability to combine function, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal makes them particularly relevant in today’s housing market.
The Iglucraft approach stands out by bringing craftsmanship and architectural quality into the prefab space, transforming outdoor saunas and cabins into long-term lifestyle investments rather than temporary additions.
As interest in outdoor living, tiny homes, and wellness-focused design continues to grow, it’s clear that the Iglucraft Sauna is not just part of the trend—it’s helping define it.
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