6.3 Steam Room

Steam Room

Objective

A tile lined room with a generator producing steam usually at temperatures between 40-45 degrees Celsius (104-114 degrees F) and humidity levels at approximately 100%.

Steam Room Variations

Variations

• A Caldarium is another term for a steam bath that originated in ancient Rome. The Caldarium was the heart of the bathing tradition. This has a temperature range from 45-55 degrees C (114-131 degrees F) and 100% humidity.

• A Tepidarium is similar to the steam room and is located adjacent to the Caldarium. This room is generally used as a transition space between the hot and cold amenities. The temperature is lower than the Caldarium at 37-39 degrees C (98-102 degrees F) with humidity at approximately 15-20%.

• A Lanconium is a hot, dry room. This room is kept at the highest temperature 50-60 degrees C (122-140 degrees F) with humidity under 15%.

Space Planning

Locate the steam room adjacent to the experience showers and positioned with other wet amenities, if any. Situate the steam room near the showers to avoid guests traversing dry areas within the locker room.

Design Features

Features:

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

• Install a water proof, sloped floor to a drain(s).

• Install stone or tile around the perimeter of the door outside the steam room to prevent adjacent finishes from steam exposure.

• Provide a two tiered bench to allow different temperature seating options.

• 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.

• 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 door to avoid contact burns to occupants. Provide a shield to prevent contact with nozzle or a non scald nozzle.

• Include a focal feature within the steam room.

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

• Provide a heat resistant push/pull handle at steam room doors. Handle must remain cool to the touch and be rust resistant.

• 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.

• Consider a unique cooling feature within the steam room such as; a cold shower, an ice dispenser, a water fountain, or a rinse hose.

• Install robe hooks outside the steam door.

• Steam doors open out of the room. Ensure doors have vision panels to passively monitor the interior.

Flooring and Wall Finishes

Note that traditional tiled steam rooms require re-grouting to maintain proper waterproofing and hygiene levels approximately every 2-5 years.

Furniture and Equipment

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 feet) 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

40-45 degrees Celsius (104-114 degrees F) and humidity levels at approximately 100%.

• Wet area rated and heat resistant audio speakers.

Sanitation and Safety Measures

Duress alarm or emergency shut-off.

Adjacencies

Circulation

FAQs