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Sauna Box turns an old shipping container into a self-contained steam room

By Dave Parrack
January 09, 2013
Sauna Box turns an old shipping container into a self-contained steam room
Once opened and in use Sauna Box comes into its own, being a wood-burning sauna perfect for cold conditions
Once opened and in use Sauna Box comes into its own, being a wood-burning sauna perfect for cold conditions
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When Sauna Box is not being used it looks just like any other shipping container
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When Sauna Box is not being used it looks just like any other shipping container
Once opened and in use Sauna Box comes into its own, being a wood-burning sauna perfect for cold conditions
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Once opened and in use Sauna Box comes into its own, being a wood-burning sauna perfect for cold conditions
The doors of the ordinary shipping container open out to reveal a self-contained sauna
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The doors of the ordinary shipping container open out to reveal a self-contained sauna
The cedar interior of Sauna Box is both traditional and cosy
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The cedar interior of Sauna Box is both traditional and cosy
Once inside Sauna Box you wouldn't know you're sitting inside a shipping container
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Once inside Sauna Box you wouldn't know you're sitting inside a shipping container
A diagram showing how Sauna Box is fitted out
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A diagram showing how Sauna Box is fitted out
A couple of chairs outside are perfect for cooling down on after leaving the sanctity of Sauna Box
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A couple of chairs outside are perfect for cooling down on after leaving the sanctity of Sauna Box
Sauna Box features an integrated iPod and electric guitar hook-up
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Sauna Box features an integrated iPod and electric guitar hook-up
The wood-burning oven that heats up Sauna Box, as seen from outside when not in use
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The wood-burning oven that heats up Sauna Box, as seen from outside when not in use
The wood-burning oven that heats up Sauna Box, as seen from outside when in use
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The wood-burning oven that heats up Sauna Box, as seen from outside when in use
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Being trapped inside a leaky shipping container on a hot day would probably give a fair approximation of being in a sauna, but thankfully Canadian-based design studio Castor provides something a bit more refined with its Sauna Box. Starting with an 8 ft (2.4 m) square shipping container, it has added a fully-functional wood-burning sauna with a cedar interior and a solar panel to power the lights.

The Castor team created Sauna Box after one of its founders, Brian Richer, decided he wanted a sauna at his cabin retreat but "didn't want to drive up every weekend to build it." The company has sold around 10 units to date, with one rumored to have been bought by American painter and photographer Richard Prince.

Sauna Box costs US$41,000 to buy, which isn't exactly cheap. However, you do get an integrated iPod stereo, an electric guitar hook-up, a Castor stool, a magnetic truck light, and bronze antlers thrown in as standard. And, of course, the freedom to privately sweat it out in a small room ... which could just be priceless.

Source: Castor Design via Uncrate

View gallery - 10 images

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Around The HomeShipping ContainerSaunaCastor
3 comments
Dave Parrack
Dave is a technology journalist with a ravenous appetite for gadgets, gizmos, and gubbins. He's based in the UK, and from his center of operations writes about all facets of modern and future technology. He has learned more in his five years writing for the Web than he did in 11 years at school, and with none of the boring subjects thrown in to the mix.

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3 comments
Ben Stewart
What a good idea! Nice Sauna Box and such a reasonable price too.
chidrbmt
Of course everything is more expensive in Canada but somebody is making a fortune from people with too much money. $41,000 for a old container,stove and some cedar thrown together.
How much rust with time?
Tom Benkert
For $41K I could build a self standing sauna, hot tub, cold plunge pool, throw a bit of solar and LED lights AND have enough money left for a Kick A$$ party AND a ski strip to Canada. Good God, what are these guys smoking up there?