Smart Sauna

When people hear smart home, most imagine intelligent lighting, heating, blinds or a security system. We asked ourselves a simple question — why couldn't a Finnish sauna work the same way? That idea was the starting point of the whole project.

Our goal was not to create yet another device with its own mobile app. We wanted the sauna to work as a natural part of the whole smart home and be controlled from one place together with all the other technology. As the foundation we chose a Harvia combi sauna with the Harvia Xenio Combi CX110C WiFi control unit, which provides reliable control of heating, steam mode, lighting and ventilation.

We then extended the project with more smart elements. Audio in the wellness zone is handled by a Belkin SoundForm™ Connect with AirPlay support, so music can be played from Apple Music or any Apple device. We built a smart shower using an Aqara Valve Controller T1 controlling the water supply, with a Fibaro Button providing practical control. A single press starts the shower, a double press stops it — simple, reliable and with no need to reach for a phone.

The biggest added value, however, comes from the automations. The sauna can only start when the door is closed, relaxing music starts automatically once the set temperature is reached and stops again as it cools down. The outdoor lighting also changes colour based on the current sauna temperature — from cool blue to warm orange signalling that the sauna is ready to use.

The result is an intelligent wellness zone where all the technology works together as one ecosystem. This project shows that a smart home does not have to end with lights or heating. With the right design, even devices without official support can be connected into a solution that is not only technologically advanced but above all practical and comfortable for everyday use.