Spa Planning: Commercial Sauna and Wellness Solutions

Create holistic wellness worlds with KLAFS

Spa design by KLAFS is far more than the aesthetic refinement of spaces. It is the art of shaping atmospheres and creating places that can be felt the moment you enter them. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of our experts, materials, light, scents, textures and spatial architecture merge into a harmonious experience for all the senses. This is how distinctive worlds of wellbeing are created: spaces that offer inner calm, enable regeneration and make lasting relaxation truly tangible.

Today, wellness means far more than taking time out – it is a lifestyle, an expression of individuality, and part of a contemporary way of living. The importance of well considered spa design is growing everywhere, whether in exclusive hotels, modern thermal spas or private wellness retreats. The design of the spa area has become a key factor for health and relaxation – every detail serves wellbeing, every dimension appeals to the senses. The result is an environment that instantly calms and centres people the moment they enter.

…and we create these extraordinary wellness experiences together with you

With our holistic approach to spa design, KLAFS unlocks entirely new possibilities: natural surfaces, refined details and bespoke concepts give every space its own character. Innovatively designed lighting, artistic engravings or special design accents transform the spa into a sanctuary that radiates tranquillity, restores energy and inspires from the very first moment..

Under the dome: The interior of the DOME sauna is a true eye catcher.

Whether it’s an image, graphic, text or logo – with the new 3D laser engraving, there are endless possibilities to design surfaces entirely individually.

The cylindrical ENYA infusion bowl for automatic infusions beautifully complements the elegant MAJUS design.

Effective spa design is the result of a carefully considered interplay of numerous elements – visual, functional and emotional. Six principles are key:

Multisensory experience– Harmony arises from the subtle symbiosis of light, scent, acoustics, texture and temperature, creating an atmosphere that appeals to all the senses.
Biophilic design – High‑quality natural materials and generous views of greenery open up the space and have a calming effect.
Individualisation – Flexible concepts create spaces with a distinctive character that reflect personal needs.
Intuitive flow – Spaces are structured so guests naturally follow the phases of an effective wellness ritual, from warming up to deep relaxation.
Technology – Smart systems discreetly enhance the sensory experience without dominating or diminishing the meaningful atmosphere of the space.
Sustainability – Resource‑efficient, durable materials and solutions enrich the wellness experience and make sustainability a visible promise of quality.

This holistic approach is essential and shows how today, insights from psychology, architecture, technology and even biophilia play a significant role in spa design.

JAZ Hotel Amsterdam, Netherlands: In the “Hot Poetry,” a sauna cabin designed exclusively for the hotel, proverbs and aphorisms adorn the walls and ceiling.

The Future of Spa Design

Discover current design trends and forward thinking concepts for commercial spas – from material selection and lighting strategies to spatial dynamics. Plan today, shape tomorrow.

The Language of Natural Elements

KLAFS combines the warmth of wood with architectural precision. Discover how sustainable materials are shaping modern spa design.

Skilfully composed phases of heat, cold and rest

Experience oriented spa design – where architecture, atmosphere and application are perfectly in harmony.

Innovation that unites function and craftsmanship

With absolute precision, advanced manufacturing methods and patented energy saving solutions, KLAFS sets technological benchmarks in sauna construction – ensuring maximum efficiency, safety and longevity.

At KLAFS, there are no standard solutions. Today’s spa environments must be flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of guests. Personalised solutions, from individually adjustable lighting and temperature concepts to variable infusion and wellbeing features, are no longer a “nice‑to‑have” but the decisive factor that creates memorable, one‑of‑a‑kind experiences.

That’s why we have a conversation in the very beginning with architects, spa consultants and operators. The aim is to understand user needs and preferences early on. Our knowledge and experience gained from more than 250,000 completed projects make us a trusted partner from day one.

Challenging conditions? Complex requirements? With expertise, precision and creativity, we design spaces that stand out from the crowd and inspire people for years to come.

Design phase – from vision to experience

Every planning process begins with a clear idea of how a space should feel. From this, we develop concepts that not only structure pathways and experiences but also support physical and emotional wellbeing in a targeted way.

Through creative, interdisciplinary and visionary collaboration, solutions emerge that resonate with guests and excite operators. Even in the planning stage, the spa experience becomes tangible: atmospheric mood boards and high‑quality 3D visualisations help refine ideas and support early decision‑making.

Everything from a single source – guided by structure and experience

KLAFS manages spa projects holistically – from the first sketch to final implementation. Concept, planning, production, installation and service interlock seamlessly. Personal support from experienced project managers and specialists in design, technology and construction ensures smooth processes throughout.

Tailor‑made concepts are developed in close collaboration with architects and operators. High‑quality manufacturing, international logistics expertise and precise on‑site coordination ensure ideas become reality reliably and efficiently. If desired, we also support documentation and provide technical assistance after project completion.

The result is a streamlined, clearly structured process – with one point of contact who keeps every thread connected.

Scope of work

Efficiency meets responsibility

At KLAFS, sustainability is not an add‑on – it is part of our DNA. From certified wood and energy‑efficient production processes to innovative solutions like the GREEN SAUNA package: every step is designed to conserve resources and reduce emissions.

Wood waste is reused for energy at our own production site, intelligent control systems reduce energy consumption during operation, and even in planning, KLAFS thinks ahead: long‑lasting raw materials, optimised material usage and reduced production waste all contribute to a sustainable result.

This means every KLAFS project contributes not only to wellbeing – but also to the responsible use of natural resources.

Andreas Erke, Head of Design at KLAFS, on the impact of wellness design

A wellness space reveals its true impact only when it makes atmosphere not just visible, but truly tangible.

Andreas Erke, Head of Design at KLAFS, on the influence of wellness design

Why is that?

Andreas Erke: Our understanding of interior architecture has fundamentally changed. In the past, the focus was purely on aesthetics – today we know that spaces directly influence emotional and physical wellbeing. Wellness design therefore has to do more than look good: it should calm, balance and revitalise. This holistic approach shapes our work at KLAFS. And this is exactly where we create true added value – in our ability to use deep knowledge of light, materials, acoustics and temperature to create harmoniously composed spaces that genuinely make people feel good.

Which elements are particularly important to you in spa design?

Andreas Erke: What matters is that a space reveals its effect as a whole – not through individual highlights but through the overall composition. The key is the experience that emerges: How does light interact with texture? How does sound behave in the room? How does temperature or fragrance influence perception?
The interplay of these factors creates a quality that doesn’t need explanation – you simply feel it.

Another central aspect is individualisation. Clients want spaces that truly fit them. For us, that means no standard solutions, but concepts designed with flexibility. We shape spa areas so that they adapt both functionally and atmospherically to the people who use them – individual, thoughtful and with a clear ambition for excellence.

You’ve repeatedly mentioned the connection between spatial design and wellbeing. Which scientific insights influence your work as a wellness designer?

Andreas Erke: It is now well documented how strongly our surroundings affect our health and psyche. Particularly relevant for us is the approach of biophilic design – the conscious integration of natural elements into architecture. Materials like wood or stone, the targeted use of light and water, or views into greenery – all of these contribute measurably to stress reduction and support emotional balance. Even the impact of fire, ice or snow is not only sensorially powerful but also scientifically linked to relaxation.

We translate these findings in very concrete ways with authentic materials, intentional sightlines and sensory transitions. The symbiosis of architecture, psychology and nature is more important today than ever before.

DAS.GOLDBERG (Photo: ©Alex Gretter)

Andreas Erke: Smart technology is now an essential part of spa and wellness design. The crucial point is how it is integrated. We see technology as a silent service provider: it should support, not dominate. Systems for climate, lighting or infusions operate so discreetly that guests hardly notice them. I often say technology in our projects works invisibly, but effectively.

BERGWELT GRINDELWALD

Andreas Erke: Sustainability is a given for us. We work with durable, natural materials, rely on energy efficient systems and develop solutions that conserve resources. What’s interesting is that sustainability is not in conflict with comfort or aesthetics – in fact, it enhances the experience. And that’s exactly what makes it so compelling for architects and planners: they receive solutions that are both visually refined and ecologically sound.

Finally: What can architects, designers and planners expect from collaborating with KLAFS?

Andreas Erke: Above all, a deep understanding of how spatial impact, digital systems and user needs intersect. We accompany the entire process in close dialogue with architects, operators and later with the users themselves. Our goal: spaces that not only impress but truly benefit people.

What many appreciate is that even during the planning phase, we can show how a wellness area will look and feel. With our photorealistic 3D renderings, early ideas and spa layouts can be brought to life. This gives clients an immediate sense of how everything will come together. It creates clarity, making the vision tangible from the very beginning.