Case Study #2
Commercial Cedar Sauna Installation – Yunshuiyao GYM & Healthcare Centre in Richmond, BC, Canada
Interior
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.
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305 – 45910 Rowat Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
🌐 www.acsaunas.com | ✉️ 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.