Exploring how steam, sauna, and wellness design are transforming the modern home.
Across the country, one of the fastest-growing priorities in home design is wellness. No longer reserved for resorts and spas, features like steam showers and saunas are becoming central to how people want to live at home — spaces that restore, recharge, and inspire daily rituals of balance.
To explore this evolution, Thermasol’s Patrick Weidl, Vice President of Sales for North America, sat down with Chris Bolio, Regional Partner for Alair Homes Texas. Together, they discussed how wellness is shaping the future of luxury homebuilding — from the earliest stages of planning to the integration of design details that make these spaces feel effortless.
From Luxury Amenity to Everyday Essential
In the past, wellness features were considered indulgences — the kinds of amenities you’d expect in a five-star resort. Today, they’re becoming non-negotiables in residential projects.
As Bolio explained, “Wellness is no longer a might-have. Wellness is a must-have in our homes. They’ve become more retreat-like, with the same amenities we’ve expected from spas for years.”
This shift reflects a larger cultural movement: homeowners are seeking more than shelter or aesthetics. They want environments that actively support balance, recovery, and wellbeing — every day.
Retreats at Home
For many Alair clients, the vision of wellness starts with the concept of retreat. Primary baths designed with steam showers, outdoor saunas that double as gathering spaces, and dedicated wellness suites are now as common in project briefs as kitchens and great rooms.
“Clients are coming to us requesting retreats — backyard or primary — where they can recharge and rejuvenate,” Bolio noted. “Wellness spaces have become just as important as kitchens or baths.”
Thermasol’s approach — integrating steam, sauna, and digital shower systems — allows those retreats to be deeply personal, customized to fit the design and function of each home.
Collaboration Drives Innovation
Behind every successful wellness space is collaboration. Builders, designers, and manufacturers working together from the earliest planning stages ensure that wellness doesn’t feel like an afterthought, but an integral part of the home.
“What we’re really trying to do with partners like Alair is transform everyday routines into sanctuaries — spaces where people can rejuvenate, restore, and feel safe,” Weidl explained.
This collaboration isn’t just about technology; it’s about trust. Homeowners expect their builder and product partners to create seamless, reliable experiences. Thermasol’s ability to integrate into any design language — from fixtures to finishes — makes that possible.
Accessible Luxury
While wellness will always be part of the luxury category, it’s no longer reserved for the ultra-elite. Builders and manufacturers are making wellness accessible luxury — attainable for more homeowners while still delivering elevated design and performance.
“This is luxury, but it’s becoming accessible luxury,” Bolio said. “We’re able to bring world-class wellness experiences into people’s homes in ways that were once unattainable.”
The Future of Wellness in Home Design
Looking ahead, wellness will continue to define the next era of homebuilding. Steam, sauna, and shower systems are increasingly seen not just as amenities, but as investments in health, livability, and long-term value.
“The future of wellness is part of Thermasol’s DNA: innovation, engineering, design, and, most importantly, personalization,” said Weidl.
And that personalization is what makes every project different — and every partnership essential. Together, Thermasol and Alair are helping homeowners reimagine what their homes can do: becoming sanctuaries for wellness, connection, and daily restoration.
Watch the full conversation with Patrick and Chris to see how wellness and design are shaping the homes of tomorrow!
📸 Photography: Thermasol - Sauna & Steam
