Case Study #1
Commercial Cedar Sauna Installation – Regenerative Wellness Facility in Tampa, Florida
Table of Contents
1. Project Overview
In 2025, AC Forest Ltd., a leading Canadian sauna builder specializing in handcrafted cedar saunas, completed a major commercial sauna installation for a regenerative wellness center in Tampa, Florida. This project featured two custom-designed barrel sauna units constructed from premium-grade Canadian Western Red Cedar. Built for group therapy and intensive commercial use, each sauna unit offers an immersive wellness experience focusing on heat therapy, detoxification, and mental relaxation.
AC Forest Ltd. is recognized across North America for its precision-crafted barrel sauna designs custom-tailored to its clients, which deliver high durability, premium aesthetics, and exceptional performance. Our Canadian saunas are engineered to meet the needs of wellness centers, spas, medical clinics, and recovery facilities across the USA. This Tampa-based installation showcases the strength, versatility, and therapeutic value of our Canadian cedar saunas for American clients.
2. Client Objectives
The Tampa wellness center approached AC Forest Ltd. with the goal of expanding its integrative health services by incorporating commercial-grade cedar saunas. Key objectives included:
- Installing large-capacity saunas to serve 15 clients plus an instructor per session
- Ensuring compatibility with existing treatments like IV therapy, red light therapy, and physiotherapy
- Delivering an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing environment
- Meeting safety, lighting, and ventilation standards for commercial wellness settings
- Creating a premium Canadian sauna experience delivered to the USA
3. About the Manufacturer – AC Forest Ltd.
AC Forest Ltd.
305 – 45910 Rowat Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
Website: www.acforest.ca | Email: info@acforest.ca
AC Forest Ltd. is a trusted Canadian sauna manufacturer specializing in premium custom Western Red Cedar barrel saunas and interior sauna rooms. Built in British Columbia, our saunas are known for their natural antimicrobial qualities, resistance to moisture and decay, meticulous quality and unmatched visual appeal. We ship fully assembled saunas across the USA, ensuring each unit arrives in pristine condition.
4. How AC Forest Brings Wellness Concepts to Life
Innovative Design
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Custom-designed square barrel sauna units with rounded corners and curved walls
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Integrated panoramic triple-pane curved windows for enhanced aesthetics and natural light
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Configured for 16-person capacity (15 clients + 1 instructor), supporting group therapy environments
Precision Fabrication
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Manufactured to exacting standards to ensure long-term performance and visual impact
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Designed to align with wellness center architecture and functional requirements
Premium Materials
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Constructed using carefully selected Canadian Western Red Cedar for durability, beauty, and thermal insulation
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Natural resistance to moisture, decay, and warping ensures low maintenance and longevity
Fully Assembled in Canada
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Units were fully assembled and quality-checked in Canada to guarantee consistency and minimize on-site labor
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Protected with secure packaging to maintain integrity during transport
International Shipping Management
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Coordinated logistics and export procedures for seamless cross-border delivery to Florida
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Ensured full compliance with international shipping and handling requirements
On-Site Installation & Commissioning
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Final installation and commissioning performed by the AC Forest team
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Included system checks, performance validation, and readiness for immediate operation
5. Sauna Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 ft (L) × 8 ft (W) × 7.5 ft (H)
- Layout: Two-tier L-shape bench seating, instructor seat, and rear bench
- Ventilation: Three commercial-grade vents (4" and 6") for optimal airflow
- Lighting: Heat and moisture resistant LED strips for consistent illumination, soft glow and a relaxing, cozy atmosphere
- Roof: 29GA black SMP metal with waterproof underlayment and custom cedar flashings
- Heating: Designed for 15 KW 208V 3-phase electric heaters and 650 lbs of sauna stones
- Bonus accessories: Custom handcrafted cedar towel racks, headrests, bucket and ladle
6. Transportation & Installation
The two barrel sauna units were fully assembled as per specifications in Chilliwack, British Columbia and carefully packaged using internal bracing and poly wrap for long-haul transit. Shipped on March 5, 2025 they arrived in Tampa in 4 days.
Customer responsibilities included crane rental for sauna placement, site preparation using concrete pads, drainage systems and electrical conduit installation. AC Forest handled final placement and commissioning on-site. Such seamless process demonstrates our expertise in shipping custom Canadian cedar saunas to the USA safely and efficiently.
7. Project Challenges & AC Forest Solutions
1. Unique Group Layout – Custom dual-zone design accommodated 15 clients and an instructor.
2. Cross-Border Delivery – Coordinated logistics from Canada to the USA with full packaging, protection and customs clearance.
3. Tariff Management – Correct classifications and certification of origin ensured no unexpected lumber tariffs on saunas made from Western Red Cedar and other locally sourced materials in Canada.
4. Safety Compliance – All materials and layout met fire safety and building standards.
5. Lighting Reliability – Installation of certified LED lighting for heat and humidity tolerance resistance.
6. Ventilation Requirements – Integration of proper airflow, implementing three vent configurations for commercial use.
8. Project Results
- Successfully expanded the wellness center’s service capacity
- Delivered a luxurious, therapeutic, visually impressive cedar sauna environment and true sauna experience with numerous health benefits
- Integrated saunas into a holistic treatment practice focusing on blood circulation, skin cleansing, detox, mind and body relaxationand recovery
- No additional tariffs or delays incurred, with installation completed on time
- Fully satisfied performance standards for safety, lighting, ventilation and customer satisfaction
- Improved AC Forest’s reputation as a premium Canadian sauna builder for U.S. projects
9. Nationwide Sauna Delivery Across USA
AC Forest Ltd. is proud to deliver and install handcrafted cedar saunas across the United States. Whether you're based in California, Texas, New York, Colorado, or Florida, our Canadian barrel saunas are ideal for commercial use in spas, wellness centers, yoga studios, gyms, and recovery clinics as well as residential use in your backyard, garden, garage or inside your home.
We specialize in:
- Fully pre-assembled sauna delivery
- On-site support and commissioning ensuring customer satisfaction
- Durable, high-end, energy-efficient and code-compliant designs
- Commercial-grade quality incorporating authentic Canadian Western Red Cedar and amplifying its beauty, usage and health benefits through our design and construction
With proper transit protection and expert planning, your business can benefit from Canadian craftsmanship incorporated in our saunas and delivered directly to your facility in the USA turn key.
10. Why Barrel Saunas Are Booming in the U.S. Wellness Market
The U.S. wellness industry is witnessing a significant surge in demand for barrel saunas—especially high-capacity Canadian cedar barrel saunas that seamlessly combine performance, visual appeal, and proven health benefits. As spas, wellness centers, and integrative health clinics seek non-invasive, holistic treatment solutions, the barrel sauna is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern therapeutic practice.
Health Benefits of Barrel Sauna Therapy
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Boosts blood circulation and supports full-body detoxification
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Accelerates muscle recovery and enhances skin purification
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Improves sleep quality and sharpens mental clarity
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Regulates blood sugar, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity
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Reduces stress and significantly lowers the risk of cardiac events
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Strengthens immune function and supports cardiovascular health
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Ideal for group therapy and scalable wellness programming
Combining traditional sauna therapy with a cold plunge and a Hydrogen-Infused Water pod amplifies wellness outcomes.This contrast therapy promotes vascular resilience, accelerates muscle recovery, and further enhances mental clarity. The infusion of hydrogen-rich water, known for its powerful antioxidant properties, supports cellular repair and reduces inflammation, adding another layer of therapeutic value to the sauna experience.
AC Forest’s handcrafted Canadian cedar saunas go beyond conventional heat therapy—they create a luxury sensory experiencethat nurtures both mind and body. With increasing interest in sustainable wellness solutions and natural healing methodsthroughout the U.S., our barrel saunas are emerging as must-have therapeutic equipment in spas, health retreats, and regenerative medicine facilities.
Whether you're seeking a barrel sauna for your home or looking to expand your offerings as a wellness provider in the U.S., AC Forest delivers quality, durability, and results that clients can feel.
11. Partner With Canada’s Leading Sauna Builder
AC Forest Ltd. is your go-to source for custom Canadian cedar barrel saunas built for commercial clients as well as residential clients in the USA. From custom design to final installation, we deliver quality, efficiency, and elegance tailored to your preferences.
📧 Contact us today at info@acforest.ca
🌐 Visit us at www.acforest.ca to request your custom sauna quote and browse some of our beautiful designs
Case Study #2
Commercial Cedar Sauna Installation – Yunshuiyao GYM & Healthcare Centre in Richmond, BC
Table of Contents
1. Project Overview
In 2024, AC Forest Ltd., a leading Canadian manufacturer of handcrafted cedar saunas, completed a custom commercial sauna installation for the upcoming Yunshuiyao GYM & Healthcare Centre in Richmond, British Columbia. The project consisted of two fully tailored indoor sauna rooms, constructed from clear-grade Western Red Cedar and designed to provide safe, durable, and luxurious wellness experiences for high-volume public use.
Although the wellness centre is set to open in Summer 2025, AC Forest’s team completed the installation well in advance to meet the overall construction and operational timelines. This case study showcases AC Forest’s ability to deliver high-quality, code-compliant sauna environments with architectural precision and spa-level aesthetics.
2. Client Objectives
Yunshuiyao GYM & Healthcare Centre sought to integrate sauna therapy into its suite of wellness services, prioritizing both guest experience and operational durability. Their key goals included:
- Installing two mirrored sauna rooms optimized for high-capacity use
- Achieving a luxurious, inviting, and culturally resonant interior design
- Ensuring safe heating, moisture resistance, and high thermal retention
- Meeting strict electrical, HVAC, and lighting codes for commercial wellness environments
- Selecting materials and finishes that would remain beautiful and functional over time
- Guaranteeing easy access for cleaning and maintenance in a public-use context
3. About the manufacturer AC Forest Ltd.
AC Forest Ltd.
305 – 45910 Rowat Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
🌐 www.acforest.ca | ✉️ info@acforest.ca
AC Forest Ltd. is a premier builder of custom cedar saunas in Canada, serving both residential and commercial clients across North America. Known for expert craftsmanship, premium-grade Western Red Cedar, and turnkey delivery services, AC Forest specializes in both indoor sauna rooms and fully assembled outdoor barrel saunas.
With an emphasis on performance, comfort, and natural materials, AC Forest saunas are engineered to withstand North American climates and meet evolving standards in health and wellness architecture.
4. How AC Forest Brings Indoor Sauna Rooms to Life
Innovative Design
- Fully custom-built rooms based on mirrored architectural layouts
- Curved benching and wall transitions for ergonomic comfort
- Integrated wall niches with decorative lighting and Chinese symbolic art
- Thoughtful safety-first modifications, including solid cedar doors with built-in glass windows for visibility and guest safety
- Premium finishes throughout: walls, ceilings, door trims, and vent frames
Precision Fabrication
- Western Red Cedar selected for tight grain and visual clarity
- Smooth transitions and hidden fasteners for seamless appearance
- Removable lower bench panels for cleaning and light fixture access
Premium Materials
- Double-layer insulation: R22 fiberglass + reflective fire-rated foil
- Heat- and moisture-resistant LED lighting (perimeter, under-bench, and niche lights)
- Stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion or staining
- Solid cedar-framed doors with safety window inserts
On-Site Assembly & Commissioning
- Delivery and full assembly by the AC Forest installation team
- Completion of heater installation, lighting, finishing, and detail work
- Final cleanup and commissioning for immediate use
5. Sauna Specifications
- Room Size: 13'8" × 15'8" × 8'6" per unit
- Heating: Dual 15kW commercial electric heaters per room (208V, 3-phase)
- Bench Layout: Multi-level ergonomic seating with rounded edges
- Lighting: Soft-glow perimeter LEDs, under-bench lights, and niche illumination
- Ventilation: Custom cedar vent plates integrated with HVAC
- Doors: Solid Western Red Cedar with built-in safety-view windows
- Finish: Fine-sanded clear cedar with consistent wood grain and warm tone
6. Project Challenges & AC Forest Solutions
1. Unfinished Interior Shells – Framing and insulation built directly into raw concrete and metal frame environments
2. High-Traffic Use – Designed for durability and low maintenance with removable access panels
3. Moisture Management – Used high-tolerance components rated for humid, hot environments
4. Lighting Durability – Integrated certified sauna-grade lighting in all functional and decorative elements
5. Design Consistency – Delivered identical mirrored rooms with fully matched material execution
6. Safety Upgrade – Custom wooden doors with glass inserts replaced standard glass doors to improve safety in high-traffic usage
7. Schedule Coordination – Completed the project months in advance to align with overall construction milestones
7. Project Results
- Delivered a pair of fully operational sauna rooms ahead of the facility’s grand opening in Summer 2025
- Enhanced the spa’s interior environment with natural materials and modern functionality
- Supported the client’s wellness vision by enabling heat therapy for detox, muscle recovery, and relaxation
- Provided a safe, stylish, and sustainable interior aligned with commercial usage codes
- Strengthened AC Forest’s portfolio of premium indoor wellness installations
8. Why Saunas Matter in Commercial Wellness Design
Integrating saunas into a wellness center adds powerful therapeutic and business value. Health benefits include:
- Detoxification and enhanced blood circulation
- Stress reduction and improved cardiovascular function
- Support for immune health, skin clarity, and restful sleep
- Relief of muscle tension and post-workout recovery
For business owners, saunas offer high return on investment by increasing session bookings, elevating brand appeal, and supporting bundled therapy services such as massage, IV therapy, and cold plunge recovery.
9. Nationwide Sauna Expertise – Built in Canada, Delivered Across North America
AC Forest Ltd. serves clients across Canada and the USA with handcrafted, code-compliant sauna solutions for spas, fitness centers, and wellness resorts. Every sauna is built in British Columbia and delivered with care, precision, and a commitment to long-term value.
We specialize in:
- Custom indoor sauna rooms
- Pre-assembled outdoor barrel saunas
- Turnkey wellness architecture
- Full-service installation and project coordination
- Commercial-grade heaters, lighting, and cedar joinery
From design to delivery, AC Forest is your trusted partner for timeless wellness spaces—crafted in Canada, trusted across North America.
Case Study #3
Private Cedar Sauna with Foldable Benches for Yoga, Sports Recovery & Total Wellness
Custom-Crafted by AC Forest Ltd. – Shipping Available Across Canada and USA
1. Project Overview
In today’s fast-paced world, personal wellness spaces are no longer a luxury—they are an essential part of healthy living. One homeowner envisioned a private retreat that would support physical fitness, deep relaxation, and holistic recovery, all within the comfort of their own home. The result was a fully customized cedar sauna, built by AC Forest Ltd., featuring a unique foldable bench system that allowed the space to serve double duty: as a traditional sauna and as an open-floor area for hot yoga and sports recovery.
Crafted with Western Red Cedar and precision joinery, this square barrel sauna blends the timeless beauty of natural wood with functional, wellness-driven design. It reflects AC Forest's ongoing commitment to delivering bespoke sauna experiences that cater to both traditional and modern wellness practices.
2. Design Features & Specifications
- Model: Square barrel sauna with rounded corners for improved heat circulation
- Dimensions: 6FT deep interior with curved walls and vertical grain finish
- Material: Premium kiln-dried Western Red Cedar, sourced from sustainable Canadian forests
- Foldable Bench System: A standout feature of this sauna, the two-tier upper and lower benches are built with sturdy wall-mounted hinges, allowing them to fold flat against the walls. This design offers unmatched versatility, instantly converting the sauna into an open space ideal for hot yoga, breathwork, or stretching. It provides the ultimate dual-functionality for users who want more than a seated sauna experience.
- Heater: High-performance 6kW electric heater with volcanic stones and cedar safety guard
- Control System: Digital external panel for temperature and timer control
- Lighting: Optional soft LED lighting to support relaxation and meditative ambiance
- Ventilation: Built-in adjustable air vent for airflow regulation and safety
- Glazing: Dual-pane tempered glass on door and side window, offering light without compromising insulation
This sauna was designed with versatility at its core. Whether used for a 20-minute heat therapy session or a 45-minute power yoga flow, the interior adapts easily thanks to the foldable bench design—a feature that is growing in popularity among wellness-forward homeowners in both Canada and the United States.
3. The Benefits of Combining Sauna and Yoga
Using a sauna for yoga offers a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. The high heat helps to warm up muscles, making it easier to stretch and reduce the risk of injury. For many, hot yoga practiced inside a sauna creates a more immersive and meditative experience. Here's how this custom design supports wellness:
1. Increased Flexibility and Joint Mobility
Sauna temperatures elevate the core body temperature, which helps loosen tight muscles and connective tissues. This is especially beneficial for yoga poses that require deep stretching or joint articulation.
2. Enhanced Detoxification
Sweating during sauna yoga sessions assists in flushing out toxins through the skin. This natural detox process supports overall skin health, liver function, and immune efficiency.
3. Improved Mental Focus
The enclosed cedar interior and warm temperature create a calming, distraction-free space. Many users report that hot yoga in a sauna enhances their focus, deepens breathwork, and promotes mental clarity.
4. Stress Reduction and Nervous System Regulation
Sauna heat reduces cortisol levels and stimulates parasympathetic nervous system responses. Combined with yoga and meditation, this setting creates a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional balance.
4. Sports Recovery and Athletic Benefits
In addition to its benefits for yoga, this private sauna is an effective tool for sports recovery and athletic performance support:
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Relieves Post-Workout Muscle Soreness: Heat therapy reduces lactic acid buildup, aiding faster muscle recovery.
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Increases Blood Flow: The high temperature expands blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery to muscles.
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Prevents Injury: Athletes who use saunas post-training maintain better joint mobility and avoid overuse injuries.
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Complements Stretching Routines: With benches folded away, the user can perform dynamic stretches to improve muscle elasticity and utilize the sauna as a full-body mobility zone.
Whether you're a casual runner, weightlifter, or someone managing joint pain, combining sauna use with targeted movement can drastically improve recovery time and physical performance.
5. Holistic Wellness: Beyond Fitness
This sauna isn't just a physical therapy room—it's a space for inner work and emotional reset. Clients who integrate regular sauna sessions into their routines often report:
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Deeper, more restful sleep
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Reduced anxiety and tension
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A stronger sense of routine and self-discipline
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Greater body awareness and presence
Adding features like foldable benches gives users the space to practice yoga nidra, guided meditation, or deep stretching while bathed in calming cedar aroma and radiant warmth. The ability to easily switch from seated sauna mode to open floor yoga use makes this feature essential for homeowners seeking a complete wellness experience.
6. Why Canadian Cedar?
Western Red Cedar is not only beautiful, but also functional. It naturally resists rot, decay, and mold—perfect for high-moisture environments like saunas. Its thermal insulation properties ensure the space heats evenly and retains warmth efficiently. Plus, the calming woodsy scent promotes relaxation, making it the preferred choice for wellness-focused clients across North America.
7. Shipping Across the USA and Canada
Whether you're located in California, New York, Texas, Florida, or anywhere across Canada, AC Forest Ltd. offers secure and reliable shipping. Custom saunas are delivered either fully assembled or assembled on-site by a professional team. All components are precision-machined for fast, stress-free installation.
8. Conclusion
This case study reflects a growing movement among health-conscious individuals who are transforming everyday spaces into purpose-built wellness environments. AC Forest Ltd.’s foldable bench sauna design represents more than luxury—it represents flexibility, intentional living, and functional wellness.
The inclusion of foldable benches transforms the sauna into a truly multi-purpose zone, allowing users to transition between modes without compromising on comfort or utility. This design empowers homeowners to maximize space and deepen their wellness routines through yoga, recovery, and rest.
If you're seeking to enhance your home with a sauna that supports yoga, athletic recovery, and holistic health, AC Forest's custom cedar saunas are designed with your goals in mind.
For custom quotes and shipping options across Canada and USA, contact:
AC Forest Ltd.
www.acforest.ca
info@acforest.ca