Traditional and IR saunas only produce convection and radiation heat—that is, the body is exposed to hot air and infrared radiation rather than to true steam. A traditional sauna only produces low-temperature, foggy, and humid “steam,” good for scrubbing the skin.
While these saunas certainly have physical benefits, no dynamic heating up, sweating, or cleansing processes occur in these environments. A dynamic application of high-temperature steam mixed with air, infused by herbs and controlled by a qualified practitioner, requires special stoves of the kind we use in our HeartFelt domes. These stoves allow steam to build up in the dome, and the experience of heat is enriched by venik—a combination of eucalyptus, juniper, oak, and birch, which is applied to the body. Venik contains vitamins A and C and other essential oils, helps with joint and muscle pain, and revitalizes the lungs.
In the first place, guided sessions are the traditional approach to steam rooms, and we want to honor both the established practices and the culture from which the steam room emerged.
Secondly, the application of steam and herbs is an active process, requiring the practitioner to use their experience and best judgment to lead, and to hold, each new steam experience skillfully. Because the conditions and intentions of guests differ, so do the sessions. It’s analogous to bodywork: you wouldn’t expect a proper massage session to be done by a guest on himself. The point is for the guest to feel held in someone else’s good hands.
Thirdly, in our experience, guidance both strengthens communities and grows them over time. Guests become practitioners, practitioners become masters, and the knowledge they hold gets passed on to new guests, who master the practice. So the culture grows, and so your center grows.
In most cases, an outdoor structure is superior to an indoor one. There are three principal reasons for this:
1) safety
2) the speed and cost of set-up (plumbing and other connections are simpler to arrange
for an outdoor dome)
3) guest experience: the sensation of emerging from a steam room into a natural
environment surpasses the sensation of emerging into an indoor setting
The HeartFelt dome is a fast-assembly structure, but it’s designed to last for years and to withstand a range of climate conditions. The outer shell materials can last for 10 years or more, and the stove—which is industrially produced specifically for commercial steam centers—is designed to last for at least a decade as well. The dome has been engineered to withstand strong winds (up to 100 mph in testing in Europe) and significant snow loads. We’re happy to discuss any environmental concerns you might have for your particular project.
The materials deployed both inside and outside our domes are mold-resistant and fire-retardant. If your HeartFelt dome is cleaned and maintained regularly, you can expect many years of seamless operation.
Our industrially-manufactured stoves use both propane/natural gas and wood; you can choose your fuel source based on your preferences or your existing infrastructure. Solutions based on electricity can be also designed and supplied. You’ll need a water source as well. Wastewater is minimal and is usually suitable for agriculture, since it contains neither human waste nor chemical contaminants.
That depends upon regional regulations: you’ll need to check in with local departments for specifics about permitting. However, since HeartFelt is not a residential structure and has no foundation, in most places it’s as simple to install as a yurt is.
How you operate HeartFelt may or may not require you to have a commercial license. Typically, running your steam room as a private or membership structure makes permitting either easy or nonexistent. Consider, too, that HeartFelt is technically a temporary structure: you can disassemble and rebuild it in weeks with minimum effort, if necessary.
Contact us; we’d love to show you the possible layouts! We can deliver water stations, showers, and cold plunges if desired. You might also decide to build a lounge, set up walkways, and/or add external lights to produce a complete environment for your guests. We recognize that you already have existing structures in place, and we want to help you create a space that’s as unique as your community is.
Not really. Essential Steam and the Steamology Institute will help train the Steam Guardians and Steam Guides from your community. Once trained, your team will be able to conduct both individual and communal steam sessions, developing their skills through practice and continuous education.
Once the contract is signed, it will take us 1-2 months to build your steam room and another 2-3 months to supply your HeartFelt dome as a self-assembly kit, including all necessary supplies. (If you require assembly assistance, we’re happy to discuss that with you!) HeartFelt domes are typically assembled within a week using the instructions provided… and you’re ready for launch! In the weeks after you’re set up, we’ll educate your soon-to-be Steam Guardians and Steam Guides. After that, we’ll keep in touch to help you program, market your steam experience, and develop the skills of your staff and community.
