The space nobody knew what to do with
Every home has one. A corner of the basement that’s always been used for overflow storage. A space that gets walked past without a second thought. For this Des Peres family, it was a narrow alcove — too tight for a proper room, too useful to ignore.
When they reached out to St. Louis Sauna Company, they weren’t even sure it could work. The dimensions were challenging. The ceiling had constraints.
We’ve heard this before. It’s almost always solvable.
Designing around the constraints
Our first visit was less about measurements and more about listening. What did they actually want from this space? How many people would use it at once? How hot did they like it? Did they want the ritual feel of traditional Finnish sauna, or something more spa-like?
The answers shaped everything: tiered cedar benches running the length of the narrow space to maximize seating, a HUUM heater tucked precisely at the far end, recessed lighting on a dimmer for ambience, and a full glass door to keep the room feeling open despite its footprint.
The result uses every inch. Nothing is wasted. And the narrow shape, which initially felt like a liability, actually creates something unusual: a long, immersive sauna that feels more like a private retreat than a room addition.
“We never thought that corner could become anything. Now it’s the best part of our home. We use it every single night.” — Des Peres homeowner
The build
Before — During — After
Our team fitted every tongue-and-groove western red cedar panel on-site, joint by joint, bench by bench. The same craftsmanship that goes into the saunas Satori Cedar Spas ships across the country — applied right here in Des Peres.
Electrical was run for the HUUM heater and recessed lighting, ventilation was built into the design from the start — resulting in a room that heats evenly, holds temperature well, and feels finished from every angle.
From first consultation to first session: six weeks.
What’s possible in your home
This project is a reminder that the right space for a custom indoor sauna is rarely obvious. It almost always takes a fresh set of eyes — and a team that’s built enough of them to see the possibilities most people miss.
If you have a corner, a closet, a basement room, or just a nagging feeling that a space in your home could be more than it is, we’d love to take a look.