FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our sauna lodges, materials, installation, heating, finishes, pricing and ongoing care.
Everything you need to know about our sauna lodges, materials, installation, heating, finishes, pricing and ongoing care.
Everything you need to know about our sauna lodges, materials, installation, heating, finishes, pricing and ongoing care.
The Lodge
The Lodge
The Lodge
What size are the lodges?
What size are the lodges?
What size are the lodges?
Our standard lodge is 2.4m x 2.4m and seats up to six bathers on two benches. If you need something larger or have an unusual space to work with, we build bespoke. Get in touch and we’ll design around you.
Our standard lodge is 2.4m x 2.4m and seats up to six bathers on two benches. If you need something larger or have an unusual space to work with, we build bespoke. Get in touch and we’ll design around you.
Can I customise the size and layout?
Can I customise the size and layout?
Can I customise the size and layout?
Yes. Every lodge is bespoke. We’ll visit your site, understand your space and design something built precisely for it.
Yes. Every lodge is bespoke. We’ll visit your site, understand your space and design something built precisely for it.
How long do the lodges last?
How long do the lodges last?
How long do the lodges last?
A long time. The timber we use is slow-grown, tight-grained and milled from the tree’s core. Our sauna lodges are designed to be handed down, not replaced. We are the only sauna maker using 100mm solid timber to craft our lodges.
A long time. The timber we use is slow-grown, tight-grained and milled from the tree’s core. Our sauna lodges are designed to be handed down, not replaced. We are the only sauna maker using 100mm solid timber to craft our lodges.
Will it look out of place in my garden?
Will it look out of place in my garden?
Will it look out of place in my garden?
No. That’s the whole point. We work from a palette of finishes, natural timbers, corten, galvanised or powder-coated steel roofs, to make sure the lodge feels like it belongs. Whether it’s next to a natural swimming pond in the Cotswolds or a terrace in Shoreditch, we design your sauna lodge to blend into its landscape.
No. That’s the whole point. We work from a palette of finishes, natural timbers, corten, galvanised or powder-coated steel roofs, to make sure the lodge feels like it belongs. Whether it’s next to a natural swimming pond in the Cotswolds or a terrace in Shoreditch, we design your sauna lodge to blend into its landscape.
Does it need a concrete base?
Does it need a concrete base?
Does it need a concrete base?
No, and we’d rather avoid one. Our sauna lodges sit on four small concrete foundations, which is better for the land and makes installation far less invasive. You can download our foundation specifications from our team on request.
No, and we’d rather avoid one. Our sauna lodges sit on four small concrete foundations, which is better for the land and makes installation far less invasive. You can download our foundation specifications from our team on request.
What’s the difference between the Swedish (SMÅLAND) and Swiss (GSTAAD) sauna lodges?
What’s the difference between the Swedish (SMÅLAND) and Swiss (GSTAAD) sauna lodges?
What’s the difference between the Swedish (SMÅLAND) and Swiss (GSTAAD) sauna lodges?
The SMÅLAND sauna lodge is our original, inspired by the savusauna tradition of the Scandinavian highlands, hand milled, built by axe and chisel in Sweden. Rough cut timbers and hand finishing creates a truly raw, rustic building that ages beautifully. Johannes and his workshop are traditional boat builders and specialist in timber house construction.
The GSTAAD is our Alpine interpretation, crafted by Swiss craftsmen using timber from their own forests. It is precise and engineered, creating a luxurious natural finish. Sandro and his team for generations have built the luxury chalets around the Gstaad region. The Gstaad can be kept simple or embellished with traditional Swiss detailing.
Both share the same commitment to craft; the aesthetic differs.
The SMÅLAND sauna lodge is our original, inspired by the savusauna tradition of the Scandinavian highlands, hand milled, built by axe and chisel in Sweden. Rough cut timbers and hand finishing creates a truly raw, rustic building that ages beautifully. Johannes and his workshop are traditional boat builders and specialist in timber house construction.
The GSTAAD is our Alpine interpretation, crafted by Swiss craftsmen using timber from their own forests. It is precise and engineered, creating a luxurious natural finish. Sandro and his team for generations have built the luxury chalets around the Gstaad region. The Gstaad can be kept simple or embellished with traditional Swiss detailing.
Both share the same commitment to craft; the aesthetic differs.
Materials & Craft
Materials & Craft
Materials & Craft
What timber do you use?
What timber do you use?
What timber do you use?
SMÅLAND
Our SMÅLAND sauna lodge is built with Swedish iron pine, ’kärnved’. It’s slow-grown in ethically managed forests in the southern Swedish highlands. The tight grain makes it exceptionally strong and durable. We mill the whole tree and use the dense core timber for the exterior facing, where it needs to work hardest.
GSTAAD
Our GSTAAD sauna lodge is built with locally grown larch, the same wood used to build the Swiss chalets.
WESTWOOD
Our WESTWOOD sauna lodge is stick frame built. The walls are foiled and insulated then clad in your chosen materials.
SMÅLAND
Our SMÅLAND sauna lodge is built with Swedish iron pine, ’kärnved’. It’s slow-grown in ethically managed forests in the southern Swedish highlands. The tight grain makes it exceptionally strong and durable. We mill the whole tree and use the dense core timber for the exterior facing, where it needs to work hardest.
GSTAAD
Our GSTAAD sauna lodge is built with locally grown larch, the same wood used to build the Swiss chalets.
WESTWOOD
Our WESTWOOD sauna lodge is stick frame built. The walls are foiled and insulated then clad in your chosen materials.
What materials are used on the inside?
What materials are used on the inside?
What materials are used on the inside?
For the interior benches, floor, and ceiling cladding, we use alder or cedar.
For the interior benches, floor, and ceiling cladding, we use alder or cedar.
Are nails used in construction?
Are nails used in construction?
Are nails used in construction?
The structure of the SMÅLAND and GSTAAD is held together by hand-axed dovetail joints. We use a holding screw at the end of each timber. The lodge is designed to move naturally as the timber breathes and settles.
On the other hand, the WESTWOOD is built using more contemporary methods, giving you more flexibility for bespoke alterations.
The structure of the SMÅLAND and GSTAAD is held together by hand-axed dovetail joints. We use a holding screw at the end of each timber. The lodge is designed to move naturally as the timber breathes and settles.
On the other hand, the WESTWOOD is built using more contemporary methods, giving you more flexibility for bespoke alterations.
Where are your sauna lodges designed and built?
Where are your sauna lodges designed and built?
Where are your sauna lodges designed and built?
All of our Sauna lodges are designed in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.
GSTAAD — Built in Switzerland.
SMÅLAND — Built in Sweden.
WESTWOOD — Built in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
The SMÅLAND and GSTAAD are fully assembled in the workshop first, then every piece is numbered, dismantled and shipped to site.
The WESTWOOD is built at our workshop and delivered pre-built.
All of our Sauna lodges are designed in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.
GSTAAD — Built in Switzerland.
SMÅLAND — Built in Sweden.
WESTWOOD — Built in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
The SMÅLAND and GSTAAD are fully assembled in the workshop first, then every piece is numbered, dismantled and shipped to site.
The WESTWOOD is built at our workshop and delivered pre-built.
Who builds it?
Who builds it?
Who builds it?
Johannes and his team in the Swedish highlands. A workshop found deep in the forest, beside the family’s lake. Their background spans timber framing, boat building and Scandinavian log construction. Skills that aren’t easy to find. In Switzerland, we work with Sandro and his team of craftsmen behind the great chalets of Gstaad. Builders who have spent generations working with timber from their own forests in Saanenland.
Johannes and his team in the Swedish highlands. A workshop found deep in the forest, beside the family’s lake. Their background spans timber framing, boat building and Scandinavian log construction. Skills that aren’t easy to find. In Switzerland, we work with Sandro and his team of craftsmen behind the great chalets of Gstaad. Builders who have spent generations working with timber from their own forests in Saanenland.
Is your timber sustainably sourced?
Is your timber sustainably sourced?
Is your timber sustainably sourced?
Yes. We work with locally managed forests and Johannes supports Svensk Kolinlagring and Plockhugget, Swedish organisations working to protect forests and sustainable forestry practices.
Yes. We work with locally managed forests and Johannes supports Svensk Kolinlagring and Plockhugget, Swedish organisations working to protect forests and sustainable forestry practices.
Installation
Installation
Installation
How long does installation take?
How long does installation take?
How long does installation take?
Three days on site (weather dependant).
Day one: foundations and floor.
Day two: walls and roof structure.
Day three: roofing, windows, vents and cladding.
By the end of day three, it looks like it’s always been there.
Three days on site (weather dependant).
Day one: foundations and floor.
Day two: walls and roof structure.
Day three: roofing, windows, vents and cladding.
By the end of day three, it looks like it’s always been there.
Do I need to prepare the site in advance?
Do I need to prepare the site in advance?
Do I need to prepare the site in advance?
We’ll advise you on this during the survey visit. Generally, the groundwork is minimal compared to a traditional build. Only four small foundations are required. You can download our foundation specifications from our team on request.
We’ll advise you on this during the survey visit. Generally, the groundwork is minimal compared to a traditional build. Only four small foundations are required. You can download our foundation specifications from our team on request.
Can you install anywhere in the UK?
Can you install anywhere in the UK?
Can you install anywhere in the UK?
Yes. Our team can build and install across the UK. Our team travels to site. As the GSTAAD and SMÅLAND are built on site, timber by timber, we can get to sites impossible for others.
Yes. Our team can build and install across the UK. Our team travels to site. As the GSTAAD and SMÅLAND are built on site, timber by timber, we can get to sites impossible for others.
Can you ship internationally?
Can you ship internationally?
Can you ship internationally?
Yes. Our SMÅLAND & GSTAAD lodges can both be shipped as a numbered kit, ready for a local contractor to assemble.
Yes. Our SMÅLAND & GSTAAD lodges can both be shipped as a numbered kit, ready for a local contractor to assemble.
Do I need planning permission?
Do I need planning permission?
Do I need planning permission?
This depends on your location, property type and how the lodge will be used. Most residential installations fall within permitted development rights, but listed buildings, conservation areas and some commercial properties may require consent.
This depends on your location, property type and how the lodge will be used. Most residential installations fall within permitted development rights, but listed buildings, conservation areas and some commercial properties may require consent.
The Stove & Heating
The Stove & Heating
The Stove & Heating
What heating options are available?
What heating options are available?
What heating options are available?
We recommend Huum sauna stoves as they look great and are highly engineered. They have global distribution so we recommend you order direct from Huum and commission a locally certified electrician. We will guide you all the way with the specification and installation.
Authentic wood fired sauna stove
You will require the stove, sauna stones and chimney system.
Electric sauna heaters
You will require a sauna heater, sauna stones, and a smart remote control system.
We recommend Huum sauna stoves as they look great and are highly engineered. They have global distribution so we recommend you order direct from Huum and commission a locally certified electrician. We will guide you all the way with the specification and installation.
Authentic wood fired sauna stove
You will require the stove, sauna stones and chimney system.
Electric sauna heaters
You will require a sauna heater, sauna stones, and a smart remote control system.
How long does the sauna take to heat up?
How long does the sauna take to heat up?
How long does the sauna take to heat up?
A wood-fired stove typically takes 45–60 minutes to reach temperature. Electric stoves can be quicker and can be pre-set remotely.
A wood-fired stove typically takes 45–60 minutes to reach temperature. Electric stoves can be quicker and can be pre-set remotely.
Can I use the sauna year-round?
Can I use the sauna year-round?
Can I use the sauna year-round?
Yes. The lodge is built to withstand whatever the weather throws at it. Many of our clients find winter the most rewarding time to use it.
Yes. The lodge is built to withstand whatever the weather throws at it. Many of our clients find winter the most rewarding time to use it.
The Cold Plunge
The Cold Plunge
The Cold Plunge
Do I need a natural water source?
Do I need a natural water source?
Do I need a natural water source?
No. We can incorporate a copper outdoor shower, our MOC+AWE BATH, or help you design a naturally filtered swimming pond. The ritual works with whatever your space allows.
No. We can incorporate a copper outdoor shower, our MOC+AWE BATH, or help you design a naturally filtered swimming pond. The ritual works with whatever your space allows.
Is cold water immersion safe?
Is cold water immersion safe?
Is cold water immersion safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. When approached sensibly. We recommend building the practice gradually. If you have any cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, speak to your GP first.
For most healthy adults, yes. When approached sensibly. We recommend building the practice gradually. If you have any cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, speak to your GP first.
The Hay Sauna
The Hay Sauna
The Hay Sauna
What is a hay sauna?
What is a hay sauna?
What is a hay sauna?
A tradition rooted in the Alpine farming calendar, wildflower hay is dried and brought into the sauna, where heat releases its fragrance. The scent is extraordinary: warm fields, wildflowers, summer air. It’s one of the most distinctive sensory experiences we offer.
A tradition rooted in the Alpine farming calendar, wildflower hay is dried and brought into the sauna, where heat releases its fragrance. The scent is extraordinary: warm fields, wildflowers, summer air. It’s one of the most distinctive sensory experiences we offer.
Is it available on all lodges?
Is it available on all lodges?
Is it available on all lodges?
It’s an optional addition. Ask us about it when you get in touch.
It’s an optional addition. Ask us about it when you get in touch.
Design & Finish
Design & Finish
Design & Finish
What roof options are available?
What roof options are available?
What roof options are available?
Corten steel, galvanised steel, powder-coated steel (in a range of colours) or a green/wildflower roof. Each sits differently in a landscape, we’ll help you choose the right one.
Corten steel, galvanised steel, powder-coated steel (in a range of colours) or a green/wildflower roof. Each sits differently in a landscape, we’ll help you choose the right one.
Can the exterior be charred?
Can the exterior be charred?
Can the exterior be charred?
Yes. A charred finish (similar to Yakisugi) gives a darker, more dramatic exterior and also adds natural weather resistance. It works particularly well in urban or contemporary settings.
Yes. A charred finish (similar to Yakisugi) gives a darker, more dramatic exterior and also adds natural weather resistance. It works particularly well in urban or contemporary settings.
Can the lodge be powder-coated in a custom colour?
Can the lodge be powder-coated in a custom colour?
Can the lodge be powder-coated in a custom colour?
Certain elements of all of our saunas, including roof panels, can be powder-coated. We’ll walk you through the palette options during the design phase. Our WESTWOOD sauna lodge is specifically designed for this.
Certain elements of all of our saunas, including roof panels, can be powder-coated. We’ll walk you through the palette options during the design phase. Our WESTWOOD sauna lodge is specifically designed for this.
Process & Pricing
Process & Pricing
Process & Pricing
How do I get started?
How do I get started?
How do I get started?
Get in touch with Tom, sales@shokkandawe.com Tell us a little about the project, your location, rough space available and what you’re looking for. We’ll take it from there.
Get in touch with Tom, sales@shokkandawe.com Tell us a little about the project, your location, rough space available and what you’re looking for. We’ll take it from there.
What’s the process after I make contact?
What’s the process after I make contact?
What’s the process after I make contact?
We’ll have a call, then arrange a site visit to survey the space and talk through the brief. From there, we prepare designs for your approval. Once finalised, your lodge begins production. Installation follows on an agreed date.
We’ll have a call, then arrange a site visit to survey the space and talk through the brief. From there, we prepare designs for your approval. Once finalised, your lodge begins production. Installation follows on an agreed date.
How long does the whole process take?
How long does the whole process take?
How long does the whole process take?
It varies depending on the complexity of the design and our production schedule. We’ll give you an honest timeline at the outset.
General lead times from brief to installation are:
WESTWOOD 6–8 weeks;
GSTAAD 6–12 weeks;
SMÅLAND 3–6 months.
It varies depending on the complexity of the design and our production schedule. We’ll give you an honest timeline at the outset.
General lead times from brief to installation are:
WESTWOOD 6–8 weeks;
GSTAAD 6–12 weeks;
SMÅLAND 3–6 months.
Can I see a lodge before committing?
Can I see a lodge before committing?
Can I see a lodge before committing?
Yes. We have lodges available to visit. Get in touch and we’ll arrange it.
Yes. We have lodges available to visit. Get in touch and we’ll arrange it.
Do you offer payment in stages?
Do you offer payment in stages?
Do you offer payment in stages?
Yes. We work on a staged payment structure across the commission. Deposit, production and installation. Details are confirmed when we issue your quote.
Yes. We work on a staged payment structure across the commission. Deposit, production and installation. Details are confirmed when we issue your quote.
What does a lodge cost?
What does a lodge cost?
What does a lodge cost?
Each lodge is bespoke, so pricing depends on size, finish, stove choice and site specifics. We’ll give you a clear, itemised quote once we’ve understood the brief fully.
Each lodge is bespoke, so pricing depends on size, finish, stove choice and site specifics. We’ll give you a clear, itemised quote once we’ve understood the brief fully.
Commercial & Shokk&Awe Club
Commercial & Shokk&Awe Club
Commercial & Shokk&Awe Club
Do you work with hotels and hospitality venues?
Do you work with hotels and hospitality venues?
Do you work with hotels and hospitality venues?
Yes, and it’s a growing part of what we do. If you’re a hotelier, spa or other venue looking to add a sauna lodge as a guest experience or revenue-generating amenity, we’d love to talk.
Yes, and it’s a growing part of what we do. If you’re a hotelier, spa or other venue looking to add a sauna lodge as a guest experience or revenue-generating amenity, we’d love to talk.
What is the Shokk&Awe Club?
What is the Shokk&Awe Club?
What is the Shokk&Awe Club?
A partnership programme for venues. We work closely with clients to integrate a lodge into their offering in a way that feels native to the property rather than bolted on. Get in touch to find out more.
A partnership programme for venues. We work closely with clients to integrate a lodge into their offering in a way that feels native to the property rather than bolted on. Get in touch to find out more.
Can lodges be used commercially?
Can lodges be used commercially?
Can lodges be used commercially?
Yes. They’re built to last and designed to be used hard. Commercial installations may require specific planning consent and fire safety considerations, we’ll guide you through these.
Yes. They’re built to last and designed to be used hard. Commercial installations may require specific planning consent and fire safety considerations, we’ll guide you through these.
Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
Does the exterior need treating?
Does the exterior need treating?
Does the exterior need treating?
The rough-cut pine exterior is left natural by design. It weathers to a silver-grey over time, which we consider part of the beauty. No staining or sealing is required.
The rough-cut pine exterior is left natural by design. It weathers to a silver-grey over time, which we consider part of the beauty. No staining or sealing is required.
What about the interior?
What about the interior?
What about the interior?
The alder or cedar interior needs to be treated with sauna oil to protect the wood from use. Avoid harsh cleaning products, warm water is all it needs. The natural oils in the wood do most of the work.
The alder or cedar interior needs to be treated with sauna oil to protect the wood from use. Avoid harsh cleaning products, warm water is all it needs. The natural oils in the wood do most of the work.
What maintenance does the stove require?
What maintenance does the stove require?
What maintenance does the stove require?
Wood-fired stoves need the flue checked and swept periodically, annually is sensible. Electric stoves are essentially maintenance-free. We’ll provide full care guidance with every installation. Over time (one to two years) the stones will need to be replaced as they tend to erode with the heat.
Wood-fired stoves need the flue checked and swept periodically, annually is sensible. Electric stoves are essentially maintenance-free. We’ll provide full care guidance with every installation. Over time (one to two years) the stones will need to be replaced as they tend to erode with the heat.