Since ancient times, the bathhouse was just a bathhouse - they steamed, washed and occasionally rested in it. Today, more and more summer residents are choosing a project in which the construction of a steam room combines two functions: a bathhouse and a living area. And for this purpose, a second floor is often built, on which rooms for rest and sleep are located, devoting the first floor only to a steam room and a washing room. A terrace, gazebos and extensions are also used. The result is just one structure that has several purposes at once. It is cheaper and faster to erect such a structure than several one-story buildings on one site. In addition, a two-story bathhouse is perfect for temporary accommodation of guests, as well as for arranging a personal workshop, which is separated from the house.
The design of a two-story wooden bathhouse may include a second floor as an additional place for relaxation.
{advertisement1}
The projects are presented in a gallery at the end of the article - GO TO PROJECTS .
Projects for two-story baths, and even with extensions, are much more complex. But it’s not difficult to build a steam room on them yourself. The main thing is to choose the most successful design for a two-story bathhouse, which will take into account all the features of the area, all the wishes of the household and will guarantee ease and low cost of maintenance. On our website you can find many options for designing a two-story bathhouse. But first, it is important to understand some points for yourself.
Stairs
Drainage system in the bathhouse.
When choosing a project for a two-story bathhouse, it is a good idea to pay attention to the design of the staircase. If you plan to visit the bathhouse frequently, the more convenient the stairs are, the better.
The most compact space-saving options are ornate staircases. But climbing them often is not always comfortable. Standard steps are more cumbersome. But the worst option, even if it saves a lot of space in the bathhouse, is stairs from the outside of the walls. After staying in the steam room, walking through such a structure can even be dangerous due to drafts. Therefore, initially it is better to choose a project with a good-quality and durable staircase that will not put stress on the spine, and most importantly, will not slip.
Video description
Food for thought about the correct layout of the bathhouse in the video:
A mandatory attribute of the bathhouse is a high threshold in front of the entrance - about 15 cm above the floor level. The ceiling should not be made too high, this will increase the heating time; it should be no more than 2 m. You can calculate the required size of the bathhouse based on the number of family members visiting the bathhouse at the same time. For one person, it is recommended to measure at least 1.3 m2 of dressing area, 1 m2 in the steam room and about 2-2.5 m2 in the washing department.
Year-round and seasonal baths will differ in size. If you plan to use it in winter, you will have to insulate the walls, floor, and build in heating, so the size will be larger.
Heating system
For a small two-story bathhouse, the ideal heating option is a brick stove. It will warm up quite slowly, but it will give off heat evenly and for a long time. Temperature stability will be maintained in the steam room, and the living quarters on the second floor will not overheat. There is no need for special heating for them - the pipe coming out of the first floor will warm up the entire room well. It will only be enough to properly insulate the walls.
{advertisement2}
But for a two-story bathhouse with a large area, one stove for winter heating of the entire building will not be enough. To do this, you need additional heating, and gas type is not the worst option.
Lathing - to do or not to do
Craftsmen prefer to install the sheathing and attach the interior trim to it. The popular base size is 50x50, less often they make 70x70. The pitch is not standard and varies depending on the size of the blocks being strengthened.
The sheathing is made of wood, less often of metal. Considering the operating conditions, the metal must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds. The lining or logs are secured with self-tapping screws and nails. They must be copper or brass. The installation of the base is done perpendicular to the sheathing.
Lathing walls in a steam room under clapboard Source seattlehelpers.org
Projects
The construction of any bathhouse should begin with a plan. There are many options for how to organize a diagram of partitions in a 6x6 m bathhouse. To draw a drawing diagram, you should decide on the architectural style and the desired content.
There is a list of premises that must be included in the layout, these are:
- restroom;
- steam room;
- washing room
One-story
This is the simplest project; in addition to a standard set of premises, it can include a terrace or terrace and a bathroom. For the convenience of changing clothes, the building can be equipped with an entrance hall or a closed veranda. You can expand the space inside by abandoning the terrace in favor of a small porch.
For a one-story building, a hip hip roof is perfect. The process of installing such a roof is not very simple, but it will perfectly withstand a large mass of snow, is resistant to strong and hurricane winds, and looks good. The building will not be high, thus it will not clutter up the site.
With attic or second floor
You can get additional space if you manage the space under the roof wisely. On the attic floor you can place one or two guest rooms, open space for a billiard table, a large plasma TV and comfortable armchairs and sofas. The presence of sleeping places expands the functionality of the building, allows you to accommodate guests, and if the main residential building is still under construction, the bathhouse can become a temporary home for the owners. Two-story bath houses are not uncommon today.
Taking these parameters into account, you can plan a convenient building for these purposes, which will include the following premises:
- on the 1st floor: entrance hall, toilet with shower, relaxation room (combined with kitchen, including stove and sink), steam room.
- on the 2nd floor: large bedroom, hall, dressing room.
To save space, a spiral or corner staircase can lead to the second floor. For the attic floor, a gable sloping roof is better suited. For a two-story building, a hip roof is preferable.
Additional rooms or objects in the baths can be:
- pool;
- font;
- balcony;
- pantry;
- fireplace in the recreation room.
Dimensions
The equipment has dimensions that are considered standard for a refrigerator - 0.6 x 0.6 x 1.7 m. Any deviation from these dimensions is not a standard. The internal volume can vary in the range of 260 – 350 liters.
The dimensions of the equipment are determined based on the area of the kitchen, this also applies to built-in refrigerators. Height parameters can be from 80 to 170 cm, sometimes there are even larger models.
In tiny kitchens, placing a refrigerator in the countertop is a great option. For two residents this volume is quite enough, but for a family with a child it will most likely not be enough.
The volume of products that you plan to place should lie freely on the shelves. Air should circulate between them, which will allow vegetables and fruits to remain fresh.
For a large kitchen, you can use a large refrigerator with two doors. The cabinet size for a built-in refrigerator can be any size. Furniture makers will make any fantasies come true, the main thing is to decide on the model and correlate its volume with the area of the kitchen.
Advantages of two-story bathhouse projects, features of their design
- compactness. A two-story building makes it possible to fit all the bath rooms and living rooms in a small area; such a project is ideal for areas with a small area;
- functionality. Many people draw up a project for a two-story bath house, combining a living area and a recreation area in one room. It makes no sense to build two separate buildings if you can make one;
- efficiency. A bathhouse with a second floor will cost less than the construction of two separate buildings. In addition, with this design, heating the second floor is easier due to the hot air rising upward from the steam room.
In a finished two-story bathhouse, you can equip a recreation room, a workshop, a bedroom, etc. Here you can make a terrace, a barbecue area; the project of two-story bathhouses with a swimming pool is popular.
Since this layout is quite compact, space is freed up on the site where a swimming pool can be installed. It can be made without a roof, placed under a canopy, or a glass extension can be built around it.
A swimming pool is especially relevant if there is no body of water nearby. After visiting the steam room, it is pleasant and useful to cool your body by swimming in cool water. This procedure hardens, strengthens the body, improves immunity and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
Projects for a two-story bathhouse with a swimming pool:
Please note that the best designs for two-story baths are ready-made or compiled by professionals. If the design of a one-story building can still be done independently, then a two-story building is much more difficult from a technical point of view.
The project must indicate all room sizes, door and window openings. Think about sewerage and ventilation systems in advance.
If you plan to make a sauna stove on the first floor and a fireplace on the second floor, then you need to make separate chimneys for them.
The traditional option is a bathhouse with a residential second floor, where the steam room, washing room, and relaxation room are located on the first floor, and bedrooms on the second floor. This layout is considered the most successful and convenient.
A good choice would be a bathhouse project with a second residential floor, complemented by a balcony or even a small terrace. It will not be difficult to implement such a project, and it will be incredibly pleasant to spend the evening on a cozy balcony, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Bathhouse designs with a second residential floor are incredibly diverse and provide the opportunity to realize a variety of ideas. You can make only the main rooms, and at the same time they will be quite spacious. You can add additional rooms; two floors are enough to complement the bathhouse with a kitchen, bathroom and even a SPA room. If you are vacationing with a large family or company, then a good option would be to divide the second floor into several living rooms with beds where you can stay overnight.
Below are several photos of two-story bathhouse projects:
Selection of materials
Currently, renovation specialists offer a large list of materials suitable for finishing two-story bath structures. At the same time, the vast majority of consumers traditionally choose different types of wood. It is the wooden base that is most often used in the construction of these structures.
Most often, simple timber is used for finishing. This material is environmentally friendly and can be used to create a beautiful and harmonious room design without much difficulty. A similar option to timber can be a base made of logs - it has practically the same important properties and qualities.
Foam concrete is often used in the construction of two-story baths - this material is gaining increasing popularity among buyers.
Although it is inferior to wood bases in terms of environmental friendliness, it still boasts important positive qualities:
- has high fire resistance;
- has a light weight;
- allows for easy installation.
It should also be noted that this material does not require a super-strong foundation; a conventional strip base is sufficient for it, because the foam concrete structure is quite light in weight.
It is worth noting that if foam concrete is used in the construction of a two-tier bathhouse, additional external finishing of the structure will be required.
This type of product is not decorative; it is not suitable for decorating such structures, either inside or outside. Otherwise, the design of the environment will be too ugly and uninteresting.
Currently, many consumers give their preference to decorating bath structures using siding. Some repair experts note that this material can attract consumers not only with its beautiful aesthetic appearance, but also with its low cost.
Another popular material for the exterior decoration of two-tier baths is brick. Such a foundation will be quite strong and will be able to serve its owners for many years.
Adviсe
Recommendations have been developed that must be followed when choosing the layout of a bathhouse, as well as during the construction stage:
You should not try to provide a bathhouse with a large number of rooms; it is better to make them spacious. It is important to take care of communications in advance. For construction, it is worth choosing good, high-quality materials that are not afraid of exposure to high temperatures and high humidity. A strong foundation is needed for the durability of the structure.
It is necessary to ensure fire safety inside the bathhouse. When constructing a bathhouse with a second or attic floor, great attention should be paid to thermal insulation between floors. The facade of the bathhouse should echo the facade of a residential building and other outbuildings. Natural finishing materials will help create coziness indoors. You should not choose slippery coatings for finishing the floor, for example, glazed ceramic tiles: this can be dangerous.
Rules for creating a foundation
Choosing the right foundation for a two-story building is very important, since the total weight of the entire structure will be very large, which means the base must be more massive and immersed in the ground than in the case of one-story buildings.
Experts do not recommend paying attention to a columnar foundation, even in cases where a minimal load will be created on it (during construction from foam blocks or profiled timber). Such a foundation will not be able to withstand a more significant load, and therefore it is better to take care of safety and pour a concrete monolithic reinforced strip foundation, laying it to a depth below the soil freezing level.
Foundation type
Two-story baths have a greater total mass than one-story baths, and therefore require the construction of a more powerful and buried foundation. Especially if the bathhouse is built from fairly heavy material.
Baths of two residential floors today are a tribute to the modern world, which is increasingly striving for practicality and comfort. And you can build almost any type of two-story bathhouse with your own hands: we have projects and clear instructions on our website. All that remains is to purchase the necessary building materials and furniture. After all, such buildings have long been erected by the owners themselves - without the expensive services of construction companies.
We present to your attention some projects:
Installation of skylights in the roof of a bathhouse
Skylights look great, although installing them is a rather labor-intensive process, and this needs to be done at the stage of constructing the rafter system. Proper ventilation and lighting in this room is ensured precisely thanks to the proper arrangement of windows. To make the most of window openings, we carry out the work in the following order:
- We install a large semi-oval panoramic window on the pediment. You can also choose any other shape except square and rectangular. Non-standard lines will visually expand the space.
- We install a wide wooden window sill near the window opening on the roof slope and insert a transforming window that opens in the vertical direction. It can easily transform into a small balcony. The upper doors will serve as a canopy, and the lower ones will be used as a fence.
- We install small vertical windows around the perimeter of the roof.
- We place blinds for inclined structures on the windows on the slopes. They are equipped with special supports and fasteners that make it easy to adjust the position.
- We install double curtain rods above small windows and attach roller blinds made of lightweight material in a soft pastel shade to them.
To ensure good ventilation, give preference to high-quality double-glazed windows. The best option would be “breathable” windows made of wood. The use of wooden structures is preferable, since PVC windows will not fit the overall style of a room decorated with wood.
Peculiarities
There is a huge range of two-story baths that you can build yourself. Some people love the idea of creating their own sauna entirely from scratch using someone else's designs, and it's a truly unique experience that means the sauna design can be customized.
When starting construction, it is necessary to carefully consider the projects, then make the right choice.
A two-story bathhouse takes up less space on the site, it is functional and accommodates more rooms than a one-story one.
With such a bathhouse, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on heating the second floor - hot air from the steam room rises and heats the rooms. It is impossible not to note the presentable appearance of such a bathhouse.
You can install a small pool inside, just find a place for it.
Availability of a swimming pool
The swimming pool in the bathhouse is built in a separate extension.
In large two-story bathhouses, a swimming pool is often built - the area allows this
Such a pool can be of any size and shape, but it is important to remember that moisture evaporates from plain water, and therefore waterproofing of the ceiling will be needed in this sector as well - so that the living quarters on the second floor do not end up damp
If the two-story bathhouse is small in size, then you can choose a design for a bathhouse with a swimming pool in a special extension. For this purpose, a special room like a veranda is built next to the bathhouse, using one of its walls as a common one. The walls of this design can be completely glass - this is fashionable even today. But there is another option - a pool under the terrace. To do this, special, durable posts are placed in the ground, onto which the canopy is attached. And the pool is already installed under the canopy. Thus, you can enjoy cool water after a hot steam room in the fresh air, but not in the open air.
Purpose of the second floor
The second floor of the bathhouse can be arranged as a bedroom or billiard room.
Based on exactly how the second floor of the bathhouse will be used, you need to choose a project for construction. On the ground floor it would be better to leave only the steam room, washing room and dressing room. The rest room can be equipped either on the terrace or on the second floor.
The premises on the second floor can be used as you wish: make it a billiard room, a gym, a tea room, a summer bedroom. But it is becoming increasingly popular to create a mini SPA salon in such a room, which becomes an excellent addition to the steam room and washing room. For this purpose, special interior design, aromatherapy with healing odors are used, and various vibrating massagers are installed. Therefore, if a small two-story bathhouse project has been chosen for construction, just such a SPA corner can be equipped in it, turning an ordinary steam room into a whole home health complex.
If you don’t need a full second floor and the attic would be enough, you might be more interested in bathhouse projects with an attic.
Construction of two-story baths
Two-story baths are built from logs, profiled and laminated timber, the choice depends on preferences and financial capabilities. If you compare logs and timber, then when building a bathhouse with your own hands it is better to give preference to timber, since it has the following advantages:
- ease of assembly of the log house. The work can be done with your own hands;
- small shrinkage: for laminated veneer lumber only 2%, for profiled timber – 5%;
- neat appearance;
- easy to do interior decoration;
- cheapness.
Whatever option you choose, in any case you will get a structure made of environmentally friendly material that retains heat well and can withstand temperature changes and high humidity.
A more modern option are foam blocks. Today this material is one of the most affordable and easy to use. It is light weight, so it does not put a strong load on the foundation. The disadvantage of a foam block bathhouse is its low moisture resistance, so you need to make high-quality waterproofing of the walls.
When building a bathhouse, you must first of all purchase all the necessary materials.
Please note that you will need to purchase materials with a reserve in case of defects or deformation of the material. Otherwise, you may be forced to stop construction.
The area where construction is planned must be cleared of debris and grass. Afterwards, the foundation is prepared (strip, pile or monolithic).
Afterwards you can move on to building walls. When laying out the first rows, carefully ensure that they are as even as possible; how even the entire building will be depends on them.
When building a bathhouse from timber, you must not forget to treat the wood with an antiseptic solution, which protects against mold and mildew. Foam blocks need reinforcement with metal mesh.
After building the walls of the first floor, you need to install stairs, make floors, and continue building the walls of the second floor.
Having finished the walls, you should leave the building for the period of shrinkage - six months to a year. During this period, the upper crowns must be covered with boards and roofing felt.
Afterwards, you can proceed to installing the roof, exterior and interior decoration of the bathhouse.
The construction of a two-story bathhouse provides for the rational use of the site. By choosing such a project, you will receive a full-fledged home for permanent or temporary residence. It is much more profitable to build one two-story building instead of two separate ones.
Which timber to choose
The construction industry is well developed. It provides high-quality materials for construction. For the construction of a bathhouse, four-edged timber is best suited. It has a square or rectangular (less commonly) cross-section, all sides are treated with special substances.
A bathhouse with an attic made of timber is a popular construction solution
To choose a high-quality material to be used in construction, it is important to study several options
Simple timber
Relatively cheap option. The low cost is due to the appropriate quality. However, increased humidity leads to shrinkage of the timber. This type is more susceptible to fungal diseases.
Profiled timber
Its main difference from the first option is its specific form. Due to its rectangular cross-section with grooves on the timber, this type is actively used in construction. Building a bathhouse with an attic from profiled timber is a great idea.
Glued laminated timber
This type is also called “puff” because it’s a matter of the manufacturing method.
Glued laminated timber is not a single piece, like a regular one, but glued together from several layers. He goes through a complex procedure in several stages. Therefore, creating a bathhouse from laminated timber with an attic will cost the most. However, the owner will be pleased with the high quality.
Rules for dismantling an old bathhouse roof
Before starting work on the construction of a full-fledged attic floor, you should calculate the attic for the bathhouse and the rafter system.
If it does not correspond to your project, it will have to be dismantled along with the old roofing, only after which can you begin installing new rafters. Before dismantling the roof over the bathhouse, you should clear it of all communications - wires, antennas, drains. Stock up on the necessary tools and materials - a screwdriver, a nail puller, a rope, a saw, a crowbar. Be sure to take care of your own protection and insurance. It is also recommended to install a block system for lowering roofing materials to the ground. We carry out the work in the following sequence:
- We begin disassembly by removing the roofing material around the pipes and walls.
- To remove metal tiles, we start with the ridge, wind and valley linings. We disassemble the sheets of material from top to bottom.
- To dismantle the layered rafters, we remove all metal parts. After this, we remove the loose elements. First, we tear off a couple of boards 1-1.5 meters from the ceiling. Through the resulting hole we remove the boards that lie below.
- We dismantle the rafters, formwork and sheathing using an electric or chainsaw or crowbar. If we are dealing with hanging rafters, then every 4-5 lathing should be left in order to avoid the collapse of the rafter system.
- We lower the rafter legs down one at a time.
If you are removing a soft roofing covering, then work on its dismantling should be done in cool or cloudy weather. Under the sun, soft roofing materials heat up and soften, making the removal process more difficult.
Where to begin?
When planning to independently build a bathhouse on a summer cottage, you first need to deal with a number of issues.
You need to start preparing by choosing a project. Then, in the absence of sufficient experience in the field of construction, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the theoretical part of the construction work on the construction of a bathhouse.
Consider the placement of the building and the supply of communications to it, purchase all the materials necessary for the work. After this, you can begin the interior arrangement and decoration of the room.
The last stage will be the purchase or independent production of furniture for the bathhouse.
Do-it-yourself exterior decoration of the attic bathhouse
Immediately upon completion of construction, the attic made of timber should be caulked using tow, flax or jute. From the outside, the completed attic should be decorated in the same style as the entire bathhouse. Regardless of the chosen finishing material, the timber structure needs shrinkage. Therefore, before starting exterior finishing work, you should wait a couple of years.
If both the bathhouse and the attic are built from timber, then it is enough to wait for all the structures to shrink and cover them with varnish, which is suitable for the exterior finishing of wooden buildings.
How to build an attic over a bathhouse - watch the video: Knowing how to build an attic in a bathhouse, you can cope with all the work yourself, without the help of professional builders. The main thing is to choose high-quality building materials, because the reliability of the structure will depend on this, and to strictly follow the instructions.
Water supply and sewerage equipment
Even at the initial stage, when two floors of a bathhouse are being designed, it is necessary to take care of including in the plan information on the installation of a water supply and drainage system (read: “How to make a water supply for a bathhouse with your own hands and what needs to be taken into account”).
A two-story building on a suburban site can be provided with water:
- by connecting to a central water supply system;
- from a drilled well or dug well, from which a pump will pump water into the building.
If there is frequent precipitation in the region and various natural weather events occur, then it would be reasonable to place the well or borehole in a closed structure. It is even possible to create them inside the building at the ground floor level, but then a separate area will have to be allocated for this room.
It is best to use a septic tank to dispose of sewage. Its advantage is that wastewater is purified and can subsequently be used for agricultural needs.
Design
The design of the bath depends on the type of sauna, namely: traditional or infrared. The choice depends on the tolerance to hot air and the therapeutic effects the owner is looking for.
A traditional sauna operates using a wood-burning heater that heats and transfers heat into the air, thereby raising the temperature inside. Traditional units limit their therapeutic effect by relaxing your body and causing it to sweat to rid itself of toxins.
An infrared sauna is based on infrared heaters made of ceramic or metal on infrared lamps that create infrared radiation similar to the heat of the sun. Unlike the traditional one, which creates hot air, it creates heat that is directly absorbed by the body without raising the air temperature too much. These units include a wide range of benefits such as better blood circulation, a stronger immune system, a healthier heart and more beautiful skin.
While traditional saunas use large amounts of heat and steam to create an appropriate environment inside, modern saunas tend to favor an infrared heating system.
They are easy to use because they operate at lower temperatures and are dry saunas, so they do not have the bacteria and maintenance problems associated with using water and steam.
Two-story baths vary significantly in appearance; it is worth taking into account both the architectural features of the building and the features of the landscape.
This will allow you to most conveniently plan your future project:
place the bathhouse on the site, taking into account its size and features; it is important to choose a design that is in harmony not only with the house, but also with nature and the environment; choose the most attractive design for the whole family; it is important to find interesting architectural solutions.
Baths with terrace
As a rule, this is a continuation of a room measuring 3x4 m, which opens to the open air. Such projects are preferred by large families in order to gather in the evenings to discuss the events of the past day with a cup of tea or coffee. In addition, terraces save several additional square meters of land, which will be occupied by a separate gazebo.
The only drawback of the broken terrace adjacent to the bathroom is the impossibility of equipping a barbecue area. There should be two entrances to the terrace (especially on the terraces of the first floor of the building) - from the street and through the bathhouse, where the base of the column (or pillar) should serve as the basis for the terrace. There are projects of two-story baths with terraces that have sliding walls and fences. The highlight of this design is that in the summer one wall of the terrace can be removed, pushing it towards the “sliding” gate. The owners receive a full-fledged closed veranda, which can be opened if desired.
Bathhouse with relaxation room
The implementation of a 2 in 1 plan (bathhouse + relaxation room) allows you to free up space in a suburban area for a swimming pool. In this case, the pool can be located both in the open air and under a canopy. And it is also possible to install a pool in a glazed extension or on the terrace.
Among the advantages of bathhouses with a swimming pool: you can get useful health treatments and an aesthetic design. The problem may be draining the pool during cleaning or replacing old water with clean water
Therefore, it is very important to provide a drainage system
