6.10 Rhassoul

Plan Area

Objective

A tile lined room combining steam, aromatherapy, mud treatments and showers. Egyptian in origin this room allows guests to utilize a self-applied mud treatment, followed by an aromatherapy steam session with a final rinse. Temperatures range between 38-48 degrees Celsius (100-118 degrees F) and humidity levels at approximately 100%.

Space Planning

Locate the rhassoul adjacent to the wet lounge and positioned with other wet amenities.

Design Features

Features:

• Provide vapor-proof and heat resistant construction following criteria specified by local building code regulations and the rhassoul room installer.

• The rhassoul may consist of several spaces within one room: the antechamber for applying muds, the steam room portion containing seating, and possibly a separate rinse shower.

• Provide a heated decorative urn to dispense muds. Verify the number of muds with your representative. Muds should be kept at warm temperature that will keep the mud pliable yet prevent it from drying out.

• Guests will utilize a scoop to remove mud from the larger mud urn. Provide a display for the scoops and a place to dispose of used scoops.

• Provide built-in heated benches or individual heated thrones within the aromatherapy steam chamber.

• Recommended bench depth for a seated position is 45-60cm (18”-24”).

• Recommended minimum bench depth for a reclined position is 76cm (30”).

• Install sloped ceilings to prevent condensation from dripping on occupants.

• In order to retain the appropriate level of heat and humidity at user level the typical ceiling height is 2.4m (8’).

• Position the steam outlet nozzles opposite the seating and away from the doors to avoid contact burns to occupants. Provide a shield to prevent contact with nozzle. Consider a decorative urn around the steam nozzle.

• Include a focal feature within the room.

• Provide a method to rinse mud from the guests. This may involve hand showers or dramatic experience showers within the rhassoul chamber. These may be individual coves with self-operated showers or full ceiling rain showers activated by a timer.

• Utilize interesting materials within the rhassoul room to create a memorable experience.

• Provide equipment operation and life safety signage at appropriate locations.

• Locate steam controls and timers in back of house space to be controlled by the employees.

• Install robe hooks outside the entrance door.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

A sloped floor to a drain(s)

• Provide slit traps and clean-outs at all drains in to remove heavy muds.

Furniture and Equipment

Steam Generator Room: Provide an adjacent utility room to remotely locate the steam generator equipment. Provide access from a back of house area for maintenance. The room must be located no greater than 9m (30’) from the steam room in order to maintain optimum steam pressure.

Steam Generator Equipment: Specify a commercial steam generator for continual use with independent thermostat to control the room temperature. Size the generators for the steam room volume. Certain materials require the use of a larger generator. Please consult with the manufacturer prior to purchasing the generator. Provide an aromatherapy dispensing system. Install the required, water supply, inline water softening system, a floor drain, and the necessary electrical supply. Provide blocking within the partition if the generators are wall mounted.

Acoustics

Lighting

Install wet area rated and heat resistant lighting.

Temperature and Ventilation

Electrical and Technology Requirements

Wet area rated and heat resistant audio speakers

Sanitation and Safety Measures

Duress alarm or emergency shut-off

Adjacencies

Circulation

FAQs