How to Read a Sauna Catalogue Profile

Every profile in the Outdoor Sauna Index archive is built from the same set of fields, so you can compare very different saunas on equal terms. This guide walks through what those fields mean.

Identity

Each profile carries a name, a catalogue ID (such as SA-CA-001) and a profile type. The profile type — Reference Configuration, Design Profile, Typical Layout, Concept Profile or Construction Archetype — tells you how literally to read the entry. None of them claims to be a specific, real building.

Specifications are reference ranges

Footprints, internal volumes, ceiling heights and heater classes are all approximate. They exist to help you plan and compare, not to size a real structure. Treat every number as a starting point to confirm with professionals and manufacturer documentation.

Classification fields

Sauna type, style and setting place a profile in the catalogue’s taxonomy. Capacity is given as a minimum–maximum. Heating notes whether a profile is drawn for electric, wood-burning or either, and the recommended heater class gives an approximate kW range and stone-capacity preference.

Construction fields

Insulation class, glazing level, foundation options, roof type and ventilation principle describe how the profile is built. Difficulty and maintenance level set expectations for the work involved.

How to compare fairly

Use the comparison tool to place up to four profiles side by side. Because every profile shares the same fields, differences in footprint, heater class or insulation are directly comparable — which is the whole point of the archive.