Building Navia Bathhouse Ep.1 - Scandinavian Sauna Concept & Design

A Journey Through Scandinavian Saunas

Salt Sauna, Oslo, from the outside

In early 2024, Patrick and I embarked on a journey through Scandinavia, where we fell in love with the sauna and cold plunge culture. The experience went far beyond just relaxation—it was a deeply ingrained ritual, one that celebrated connection, nature, and intentional design.

We were captivated by the beautiful architecture of the saunas, each thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience. This was evident at Salt in Oslo, where the striking A-shaped sauna allowed heat to rise with each ascending level, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

Cold Plunge at Pust Sauna Tromso

Another unforgettable moment was at Pust in Tromsø, where we plunged into the frozen Arctic Ocean while snowflakes fell around us, all against the breathtaking backdrop of snowy mountains. It was exhilarating, surreal, and deeply restorative.

Bringing the Vision to Byron Bay

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of our travels was how each sauna overlooked breathtaking landscapes, creating a seamless connection between relaxation and the natural world. While we knew we couldn’t replicate the exact scenery in Byron Bay’s city centre, we wanted to capture the essence of those experiences. Our vision for Navia was to create a traditional Finnish sauna that offers a compelling view—whether it's watching people embrace the challenge of the cold plunge or simply observing the gentle movement of water over our the infinity-edge of our magnesium hot pool.

As soon as we touched down back in Australia, we were so excited to bring our newfound passion for hot and cold therapy to life. For our initial concept of Navia, we worked closely with Leo Terrando, a Byron Bay local with over 20 years of experience as an architectural interior designer. Leo is known for creating bespoke, refined spaces that challenge design norms, and his expertise helped shape Navia into a sanctuary that embodies both functionality and aesthetic beauty.

At Navia, every detail has been designed with intention, just like the Scandinavian saunas that inspired us. Our space invites you to pause, immerse, and reconnect—whether through heat, cold, or the natural rhythm of water.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you.

- Lucia, Navia Co-Founder