Sauna Plans?

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Has anyone here built/plan to build/have plans for a sauna, and are there any good reference materials?
Figure'd there's gotta be something out there for a simple off grid sauna system, and surprised that my searches went empty!

[glenn kangiser]

We had a member in Finland building one.  Never heard how it came out as I recall.

[MaineRhino]

The Rob Roy book "The Sauna" is a good one, although it is more for cordwood building. We are also planning on building a sauna/bath house (shower). It will not be possible for us to pour a concrete floor, due to the remote location.  Any ideas?

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Some Google results:

http://www.finlandiasauna.com/sauna-roomlayouts.html
http://www.nippa.com/shopstovewood.html
http://www.greatsaunas.com/plans/build_sauna.cfm
http://www.greatsaunas.com/products/heaters/woodburning.cfm
http://www.cyberbohemia.com/Pages/buildyourown.htm
http://www.plentyofsteam.com/russian-banya/building.htm
http://www.kolmixal.com/CompactJM.cfm
"The Sauna Bible":
http://www.greatsaunas.com/sauna_book/index.cfm

When I was in Russia the entire village had a Dacha (summer cabin), with Banya (Sauna).  That was a previous lives.
Doesnt seem like there's much to it other than finding an inexpensive electric, wood, or gas sauna stove.  I'm thinking of a 110v 1500w element and weld up a steel housing for the rocks, but I dont see how this would meet the requirements of a sauna stove (ie: must heat up for a good hour or two...or four to dry out the air and thoroughly heat the rocks).  Seems as though 220v would be a requirement due to the high draw needed, and more sustainable/authentic.

After all of the previous materials, I'm leaning towards a wood sauna stove despite the expense. 

Anyone else got ideas?

[MaineRhino]

DLS, thank you so much for spending the time finding those links! This helps alot!

[Bill Houghton]

We had a wood fired sauna at our last cottage and really miss the deep heat the wood stove provided.  Our sauna is in our house now and electric.  Just doesn't feel like the heat is as penetrating.