The construction technology is not the only thing that influences the quality of banya. Design and right choice of construction materials is also essential.

Design

There is a certain purpose in the design of a banya; namely, to reduce the stress and shock, which man experiences when he enters an environment many times different from the one he is used to. The main differences include the temperature and the humidity. However, reducing the shock is not what is wanted to be achieved, the enjoyment and pleasure of changing the surroundings is that what really should be realized in the design of a banya. How can this be done?

First, the furnishing should be minimal. There shouldn’t be any odd details that catch the eye. Besides, everything that hints on the closeness of space should be taken away or avoided during the construction. There should be as few as possible angels, and they in no case should be emphasized: no casing, no battens and no plinths.

Second, illumination must be carefully considered as well. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity should be, at least, partly compensated by the calmness and placidness of the light. It is recommended to put the luminaires under the upper bench in the opposite corners, so that the bench decking is not continuous and too bright. The opening between the decking boards should be from 1.5 to 3 centimeters.

If to consider back rests, they should be avoided if possible. The only necessity of their installation may appear if the walls are made of the coniferous boards, which may be sticking and stingy.

Building Materials

Conifers are considered to be inappropriate for building a banya because of several reasons. Firstly, they contain resin and knots, which do not add to the comfort of the sits made of the coniferous trees. Although, it is possible to find coniferous wood without knots and with the removed resin, there is a second disadvantage: stimulating and toning qualities of this kind of wood. In a banya one should relax and get rid of stress. For this purpose deciduous kinds of trees like lime-tree and aspen are the most suitable. The Russians have a long tradition of building banias from the aspen, since it is believed that aspen energy exchange doesn’t allow bacteria to be developed and water in the wells were aspen grows is always more pure.

Finally, the last recommendation is not to combine deciduous and coniferous covering in a banya.