Why I'll always have a crush on shiplap siding

I always find myself imagining every sauna that we draw up with shiplap siding. To me, that is the type of structure that I picture in my head when I think of a true retreat space. I've been obsessed with it for years.

When I try to place it, I believe there is something inherently coastal about shiplap that I just can’t shake. Even if we’re building a sauna in the middle of an inland forest or a suburban backyard, the moment I see shiplap, the air feels different. I'm immediately reminded of old boat sheds, weathered wharf buildings, and Cape Cod retreats on the coast. These are places that channel the calm in me, places that I can really resonate with and make me feel like I'm at home. and my mind can go there as soon as I step inside.

But it’s not just about the aesthetic... shiplap stands the test of weathering and time! The overlapping joints of shiplap allows the wood to breathe and move without creating gaps or warping, which is obviously essential when it comes to the fast temperature changes that come with a sauna. Shiplap is both architectural and intentional. It's functional art.

At the end of the day, that’s what a sauna should be for you! A place that you can go to channel your calm. Using shiplap isn't just a design choice—it’s about building something that feels durable, generational, and a little bit like an escape, no matter where you actually are.