About FinnSauna

Finnish born and bred, I’ve lived in New Zealand for 15 years — but my Nordic roots remain strong. The only Finnish word adopted into everyday English is sauna, yet its meaning and importance are often misunderstood.

Finnish Sauna Culture

In Finland, saunas aren’t a luxury — they’re a way of life. With over 2 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, they’re central to health, relaxation, and even social or business gatherings. Growing up, the sauna was the heart of every home — a place to unwind, reflect, and reconnect.

My Story

Over 40 years ago, I experienced the sauna ritual at my grandparents’ place near Lake Alanen in Lahti. A traditional vasta (birch twig whisk), followed by a plunge into icy water or snow, was part of everyday life.

Saunas in Finland have been built for thousands of years — evolving from simple earth-covered huts into modern wellness spaces. Each sauna has its own löyly (steam spirit), and every family takes pride in their unique sauna experience.

Experience That Comes from Living the Culture

I am a Scandinavian trained- and qualified builder who grew up with saunas being a regular and indispensable part of my life, and I acquired unmatched knowledge about their design and structure. Now living in New Zealand, I am keen to follow my love for Finnish sauna culture and share it with others, allowing them to enjoy the many benefits of a sauna as a place of relaxation, health, cleanliness and pureness.

My building background along with my knowledge of what is required to ensure an excellent sauna installation and an optimum sauna experience, are the driving force behind FinnSauna. My aim is to pass this on to my NZ clients so they can enjoy and appreciate an aesthetic and truly relaxing Finnish sauna experience.

Having built many saunas over my working life, I realise there is no such thing as a standard sauna. Building a sauna is a personal experience for every client, and the custom design and installation takes into account your goals, requirements, style and space. I will ensure that my expertise combined with your vision creates a sauna you are delighted with.

There are at least 2 million saunas according to official registers. The Finnish Sauna Society believes the number can actually be as high as 3.2 million saunas.