6.11 Hammam

Hammam

Objective

A tile lined multi-chamber space for social gathering and ritual cleansing combining steam, scrubs and massages. The Hammam originated in Turkey as a communal bathing tradition and the word Hammam comes from the Arabic word for “to heat”.

Space Planning

Locate the Hammam 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 the local building code regulations and the Hammam manufacturer information.

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

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

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

• Antechamber or Camekan
• An entrance vestibule to remove spa wear and possibly change into bathing suits depending upon the local cultural norms. This room does not contain steam. The temperature should be slightly warmer than the spa but cooler than the scrub room.
• Install robe hooks inside the vestibule.
• Provide a small bench for changing and toweling off.
• Provide a decorative space to complement the interior design to offer clean towels, possibly a pestemal (a traditional cotton wrap) and dispose of soiled garments and towels.
• Millwork storage for therapists to store scrubs and supplies. Provide a therapist sink hidden in millwork.

• Hot Room, Caldarium, or Sicaklik
• Provide a chamber used for scrubs and massages. The temperatures in this room range between 79-90 degrees C (175-194 degrees F) and humidity at 100%.
• Install sloped or domed ceilings to prevent condensation from dripping on occupants. Traditionally the sicaklik has high domed ceilings with perforated lighting.
• Provide a heated marble or stone plinth (goebekta) for guests to lie down, and for therapists to perform treatments.
• The plinth should be approximately 45cm -76cm H (18”-30”). The platform should slope to the edges to prevent condensation from pooling on the slab.
• Ensure the plinth is long enough and wide enough to accommodate most guests when lying down. Minimum of 182.8cm (72”) L.
• The plinth should be heated to a temperature of approximately 37 degrees C (98 degrees F).
• Provide ample drainage around the plinth. Consider the use of a decorative trench drain.
• Provide hand held rinse hoses or a central basin for therapists to rinse off the guest while lying on the plinth.
• Provide bathing alcoves with showers or cold water vessels within or adjacent to the scrub room. These may have self-operated showers or vessels with spouts lining the walls of the room for individual washing and scrubbing.
• Provide slip resistant flooring. Many different scrubs and soaps may be used creating slippery conditions.

• Warm Room or Tepidarium
• A chamber for washing up with soap and water. This room has temperatures between 45-50 degrees C (113-122 degrees F) and humidity at approximately 50-60%.
• Provide built-in heated benches or individual heated thrones within the 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”).
• Benches should be sloped to prevent condensation from pooling on the benches.
• Position steam outlet nozzles opposite 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.
• Provide bathing alcoves with showers or cold water vessels within or adjacent to the scrub room. These may have self-operated showers or vessels with spouts lining the walls of the room for individual washing and scrubbing.
• Provide aromatherapy infusion.
• Consider a unique cooling feature within the steam room such as; a cold shower, a water fountain, or a rinse hose.
• Include a focal feature within the room.

• Cool Room or Soğukluk
• For resting or napping and to enjoy beverages and snacks.

• Individual Scrub Room
• If more privacy is desired within the communal Hammam experience create private individual scrub spaces and plinths.
• In lieu of a large Hammam experience individual private scrub treatment rooms may be offered. Refer to the expanded section on scrub treatment rooms for further information.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

Install wet area rated and heat resistant lighting.

• A sloped floor to a drain(s). Consider the use of decorative trench drains.

• Provide slit trap clean-outs at all drains in order to remove heavy scrubs and 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 an 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

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