Transforming a retired horse trailer into a mobile, wood-fired sauna on Vancouver Island.
01 — The Vision
The client came to us with a bold idea — why build a stationary sauna when you could have one that travels? A retired horse trailer sat unused on their property, and they saw potential where others saw scrap. Our job was to transform it into a fully functioning, wood-fired mobile sauna without sacrificing warmth, craftsmanship, or character.
02 — The Design Phase
Before a single nail was driven, we completed all design planning phases. The trailer's curved ceiling and narrow footprint required careful layout decisions to maximise comfort, heat retention, and the natural beauty of the materials.
Spatial Layout
We maximised every inch of the trailer's footprint — without sacrificing comfort, headroom, or ventilation.
Ventilation Strategy
A custom layout was calculated to follow the curved ceiling for stable, even airflow around bathers.
Heat Retention
Two-inch Rockwool insulation layered throughout, followed by cedar lining for thermal mass and diffuse heat.
Material Selection
Locally sourced western red cedar — chosen for its aromatic quality, humidity resistance, and warmth under heat.
03 — The Build Process
Trailer Strip & Structural Prep
Every interior fitting was removed without disturbing the structural integrity, giving us a clean canvas for the new layout.
Insulation & Cedar Lining
Rockwool packed throughout walls and ceiling, followed by full cedar tongue-and-groove lining for an exceptionally insulated envelope.
Corrugated Metal Heat Shield
Original corrugated metal from the trailer was repurposed as the stove heat shield — preserving character while adding protection.
Live-Edge Benches & Flooring
Custom-milled live-edge cedar benches, supported by reclaimed log legs, positioned for optimal heat exposure.
Stove, Flue & Final Fitout
Wood-fired sauna stove with through-roof flue, firewood box, and all traditional Finnish accessories installed.
04 — The Result
The finished conversion is everything the client imagined — and more. A fully portable, wood-fired sauna with the soul of a craftsman's workshop. Cedar walls, live-edge benches, and the smell of woodsmoke. It reaches temperature in under 25 minutes and radiates heat evenly throughout.
05 — Client Feedback
"They truly turned an old horse trailer into an incredible sauna. The craftsmanship and creativity were really amazing — it has become the highlight of our property and everyone who visits wants a turn."
— Homeowner, Vancouver Island, BC
Have a space, a trailer, or a bold idea? We'd love to hear about it.