The bathhouse has been in demand throughout human history. And not so long ago another type of similar design appeared. A worthy competitor to the Finnish sauna and Russian steam room has become the oriental bathhouse, which is more often found under the name hammam.
The structure of a hammam, differences from a bathhouse and a sauna
The countries of the Middle East have a hot, dry climate, so local residents do not need steam rooms with elevated temperatures. The average temperature in such a building is about 35–45 °C. This may seem like child's play for those who are used to steaming in a Finnish sauna, where the temperature sometimes reaches 120 °C. Although the lack of temperature is compensated by excessive humidity affecting the body, and heated shelves made of stone.
An oriental bathhouse can remove toxins from the body and have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. A unique method of cleansing in an oriental bath is a procedure called “foam peeling”.
Whipped buttery foam moisturizes the skin and unclogs body pores
The advantage of the hammam is that the “soft” steam has a positive effect on the nervous system.
If you compare the design of an oriental bathhouse with a Russian steam room, you will find almost no similarities. The main material of the hammam is stone, not wood. Such structures are built from marble, and the interior rooms are decorated with mosaics made of semi-precious onyx.
The Russian bath is heated by a large heater installed in the steam room. And in the hammam, the desired temperature is created by heating the walls, floor and all horizontal beds, as well as jets of warm steam. The source of steam production is located behind the adjacent wall. Previously, a boiler was used for this purpose: steam leaked from it through the wall holes, as a result of which the entire steam room was heated. Modern hammams have automatic steam generators and heating systems.
An integral part of the eastern steam room are kurnas - special bowls made of stone with incoming water to wash off the foam after the massage. Kurnas are used as containers for scooping up water.
Wash bowls allow you to refresh yourself during long procedures
Saunas and Russian steam rooms are made with a simple interior. Hammam is a luxurious place with exquisite interior decoration. Its main goal is to create comfortable conditions for visitors in an unusual environment with bright, attractive ornaments, so that they can get aesthetic pleasure from visiting this establishment.
The Finnish sauna is chosen by those who like high temperatures with low humidity, as it allows you to warm up quickly, which is especially important in the cold Finnish climate. Russian steam rooms maintain high heat, but the humidity there is also high. This helps to instantly warm up and clear the airways in a short period of time.
And the Turkish bath is considered the coldest of all, but with high humidity, reaching up to 80-100%. For this purpose, a special steam generator is installed in it.
An important feature of the hammam is its high dome-shaped ceilings, which prevent moisture condensation. And if a Russian bath can be placed in a steam shower box, then a hammam requires a separate room. Along the perimeter of the eastern bathhouse (and sometimes in the center of the room) chebek-tashis are built - heated stone beds. They are used for relaxation and relaxation massage.
Initially, the eastern bathhouse was created as a public place for relaxation and communication, but in modern homes, a small space has also been allocated for the personal use of the family.
Video: what a Turkish bath gives to the body - the specifics of massage in a hammam
It is difficult to compare a hammam with a bathhouse or sauna - there are many differences, and each design has its own advantages. It is easier to build a wooden sauna, since there is no need to lay ceramic tiles or construct a domed ceiling. The main advantages of hamam:
- luxurious interior decoration of the rooms;
- the presence of special massage beds and the presence of experienced massage therapists;
- long service life of the building.
Disadvantages of the oriental bath:
- high cost of materials;
- difficulty of installation.
Photo gallery: homemade Turkish structures
The Turkish bath in the apartment occupies a small area and is used only for the family 
Chebek-tashi are illuminated with dim light so as not to disturb the person’s peace during the massage 
The changing room is equipped with a shower so you can prepare for procedures 
Illumination in the main room of the hammam sets people up for relaxation and rest. 
For convenience, loungers with backrests are installed in the relaxation room 
In a large room, sometimes a round chebek-tashi is placed in the center 
If the room area is insufficient, then only one massage bed is installed 
In some hammam relaxation rooms, 1 or 2 pools are installed: with hot and cold water 
In a large square room, sun loungers are arranged symmetrically, in accordance with geometric patterns. 
In the main room of the hammam you can relax under the hands of an experienced massage therapist
You can make a small, high-quality building with your own hands, the appearance of which will depend on the chosen finishing material.
Drawing up a project drawing
To prevent the bathhouse from causing problems due to improper planning and construction, it is important to first assess the possibilities. Construction of an oriental bathhouse is a long and expensive process. But if you have already decided to build a hammam, then be sure to draw up a plan for all stages:
- take measurements of the room taking into account the design of the ceiling and the dimensions of the planned equipment;
- draw up a design project for a Turkish bath, including decoration, location of sunbeds and kurna;
- plan the placement of lighting fixtures, steam generator, sewer outlet and ventilation;
- think over a heating system for the floor base, walls and sunbeds.
If the bathhouse is located in the house, then special attention should be paid to covering the walls and installing thermal insulation. The walls must be treated with a special agent that prevents the destructive effects of moisture. Waterproofing must be done so that the construction does not cause damage to a private home and lasts for many years. An important nuance is maintaining heat inside the room using thermal insulation. This will make it possible to conserve resources and prevent nearby rooms from heating up.
You can make a design project yourself or order it from a specialist, specifying all measurements and finishing material. The door is made of glass or wood.
Today you can find a large number of ready-made hamam projects.
The hammam water heating diagram helps to see how the heat is distributed inside the structure
The construction plan begins with drawing up a ceiling design. The layout depends on its dimensions. The tilt is made so that the resulting drops immediately flow down the edges and do not accumulate on the ceiling. Therefore, the height of the ceiling structure at the extreme point is determined to be at least 2.7 m. At a height of 2.2 m, the dome should turn into a condensate tank. The angle of inclination of the dome walls should not be large.
If the structure is designed incorrectly, you can lose a significant part of the room's area. The room itself is made flat, rounded or in the form of a honeycomb. You can provide electrical energy to the lighting devices in the steam room using a step-down transformer.
A step-down transformer is used in various types of baths to reduce operating voltage
A prerequisite for the full operation of the steam room is the presence of a technical room: it will contain a steam generator and the main systems for ensuring the operation of the hammam. This is a small room or just a compartment with a door adjacent to the main room of the hammam. Its optimal size is 1.5 m².
It is important to provide ventilation outlet to the outside. The steam will cool and settle on the walls of the duct. Errors in design can lead to the accumulation of liquid in the recesses of the ventilation duct and the formation of mold.
Video: hammam on the second floor of the house - tricks for installing all systems and arranging the room
How to draw up a ventilation diagram
Inside the hammam, an optimal temperature is maintained with air circulation. Ventilation is either in-line or forced. Pipes for ventilation can be installed in place of the dismantled window. Important things to consider:
- design features;
- room layout.
The air duct pipe must be sealed and have a groove to drain moisture from evaporation. The product is made of stainless steel. Mixed ventilation is usually used. The room is planned to have 2 ventilation holes located opposite.
In some cases, multi-level ventilation is installed, then the recesses are located at different heights. In this case, it will be possible to maintain the required temperature all year round.
The Turkish bath is divided into several rooms with different functions
Ordering a hamam diagram from a company will be expensive, but it will eliminate errors and problems during the construction process.
Dimensions of the Turkish bath
You should not make a large steam room: the larger the building, the more power the steam generator will need. Its power is calculated by the formula: V x 0.7, where V is the volume of the room.
For a family of 4–5 people, a room measuring 2.5 x 2.5 m is sufficient. Statistics show that 80% of baths have an area of less than 8 m². Large hammams are built if it is necessary to place a massage table, the dimensions of which are 0.8 x 2 m with a height of 70 cm. The minimum size of a hammam for 1 steam generator is 3.5 m2.
Inexperienced craftsmen make a table 80 or 90 cm high, but this is wrong. Since it will be inconvenient for a short person to massage a visitor.
Insulation, finishing and waterproofing materials take approximately 3–4 cm of thickness from the dimensions of the room. The reinforcement will take another 2–3 cm. In the drawing this is indicated by a separate wall.
The more accurately the plan and drawing of the premises are drawn up, the less likely there are errors during construction
In the Turkish bath you can plan:
- flat resting bases - 47–50 cm;
- structures for lying - 70–75 cm;
- designs with backs - 65–70 cm;
- curved seating structures - 100–120 cm;
- shelves with a bend - 150–180 cm.
Steam is supplied to the room so that it does not burn the feet of visitors. The steam line exits at a height of 20–30 cm from the floor level.
The ceiling is most often made arched. There is no need to make cornices, because after filling the building with steam, the walls will be covered with a dense layer of condensate. And cornices are usually used only to hide the illumination of the dome.
Video: secrets of the design of all systems of a small hammam equipped inside a wooden house
Room requirements
When planning, it is important to consider the following:
- the floor, ceiling and walls must be durable for cladding with natural minerals or stone ceramic tiles;
- a Turkish bath must consist of at least 4 rooms: steam room, technical area, shower and relaxation room;
- minimum ceiling height - 2.5 m;
- The room will need to be equipped with sewerage and ventilation systems.
When a hammam is built in a private house, the technical room is moved outside it by a maximum of 15 m. And a room not adjacent to the steam room is used as a recreation room. It is recommended to build a Turkish bath from bricks or blocks. If you plan to make a hammam in a wooden house, then all bases must first be treated with a special agent.
The ceiling is arched.
A dome-shaped ceiling will allow condensation to flow down the walls rather than drip onto the heads of visitors
Construction supermarkets offer a large selection of materials for finishing such a structure. Requirements for facing materials:
- moisture resistance;
- high strength;
- heat resistance.
Marble is best suited for interior decoration of a hammam.
Marble is expensive, but it also has a long service life
Marble is smooth to the touch, retains heat for a long time, is durable and can emphasize the status of the owner of a private home. A significant disadvantage of this material is its high cost. Soapstone is comparable to marble in price, but surpasses it in heat capacity. It can help reduce sudden temperature changes.
Affordable replacement for marble - tiles and small mosaics. Smalt is a fine-grained mosaic made of glass of different colors: it can be used to create beautiful exclusive canvases with oriental ornaments. The color of the material shimmers under different lighting angles.
Smalt finishing decorates the room: it can be used to lay out multi-colored panels on the walls
Smalt is produced in the form of plates or tiles ranging in size from 2 cm² to 4 cm², it can be rough and smooth, colored and colorless. Places on flat or curved surface. The main advantages of this finish:
- zero water absorption;
- frost resistance;
- heat resistance;
- unique color design of patterns.
There is only one drawback: laying out the mosaic is time-consuming. But on sale you can find ready-made mosaic panels that make the work easier.
The most affordable of all materials is ceramic tile. In addition, it is easy to install.
Ceramic tiles are easier and faster to lay than small mosaics
If you have no experience in decorating hammams, then it is recommended to choose a simple finishing method. It is not necessary to lay out a mosaic; you can buy tiles of a similar type and lay out the desired patterns. Some manufacturers have developed and launched Eastern series ceramics.
Calculation of materials and list of tools for construction
To build a Turkish bath with your own hands, you will need the following materials:
- Styrofoam;
- mortar of cement and sand;
- polyurethane adhesive mixture;
- tile adhesive;
- concrete;
- elements for fastening;
- bars of great thickness;
- waterproofing material;
- plaster;
- insulation material;
- putty;
- Entrance door;
- foam blocks or bricks;
- finishing material.
Prepare your tools:
- rubber coated hammer;
- building level;
- putty knife;
- plumb line;
- hammer drill
You can calculate the required amount of material for finishing using the following formula: N = Sp / Smat, where N is the amount of material, Sp is the area of the base, Smat is the area of one part of the material. It is recommended to take tiles with a margin of 5–10%. If the room area is 8 m² and the tile size is 35x35 cm², then the calculation will be as follows: N = 8 / (0.35 x 0.35). Accordingly, you will need approximately 70 tiles.
Step-by-step instructions for building a hammam
You can make a Turkish bath yourself in a few months. Construction work must begin with choosing a location. The hammam does not require the construction of a special building, which is located separately from a private house. Any part of the building is suitable, provided that the technical requirements are met.
You will need to equip 2 rooms: for the bathhouse and the technical compartment. The selected location must have basic communications: water, electricity, heating, sewerage and ventilation. The dimensions and shape of the room depend on the wishes of the owner. The technical compartment will contain:
- steam generator;
- aroma generator;
- cleaning filter;
- other small devices, without which the hammam will not be able to function smoothly.
Construction of the foundation and laying out the walls
A strip base is suitable for such a construction.
Sequence of actions for building a foundation:
- Level the area and dig a pit.
- According to the markings, drive pegs into the ground and install wooden formwork.
- Install reinforcing bars.
- Pour concrete solution.
Leave the foundation to dry completely for 28 days.
The laying depth and width of the strip foundation are calculated from the size and massiveness of the future building
At the next stage, the walls are made. Step by step guide:
- Place waterproofing material on the base.
- Install 3 rows of foam blocks or bricks on its edge, starting the laying from the highest corner of the base.
- The seam between the blocks should be less than 5 mm.
- Lay reinforcement mesh with small cells made of rods (to strengthen the walls).
Foam block masonry is easier and faster to build than brick masonry
Installation of roof, windows and doors
Then the roof is installed. To do this, you need to assemble a frame from bars and attach rafters to it. The rafters are covered with board sheathing. Next, waterproofing is carried out with roofing felt, followed by covering the surface with slate or corrugated board.
A gable roof is best suited for the construction of a hammam.
After this, the windows are installed. Windows made of glass blocks or metal-plastic are suitable for the hammam: they do not need to be additionally waterproofed. Installation process:
After this, the installation of entrance and interior doors is carried out.
The door for the steam room is made of impact-resistant glass 8 mm thick
Door installation:
- Make the opening a few centimeters larger than the door frame.
- Make recesses in the frame structure of the door frame and install it on the anchor bolts.
- Cover the gaps between the wall and the door frame with foam.
- Secure the door leaf.
Finally, hang the fittings on the door.
Ceiling arrangement and installation of supporting systems
If the room has a flat ceiling, then you will have to build a dome. It can be made from polystyrene foam or moisture-resistant plasterboard. Another option is to bend the polycarbonate and attach it to the profiles.
The dome elements must be identical so that they can easily be combined into the desired structure
Sequencing:
A ventilation duct is made from a sandwich pipe on the ceiling. The part is mounted with a slight slope. A valve is attached to the edge of the air duct. The material used is stainless steel. If it is planned to conduct sessions lasting more than 2 hours, then the ventilation system is connected to the house structure. It is equipped with a steam separator to dry the air from the steam room.
Sewage system:
- Install sewerage pipes in the soil around the perimeter of the building. Place a sewer pipeline inside the building and connect it to an external pipeline.
- Take it outside the private house into a special deep pit.
- Equip the sewer drain with a hydraulic seal, which will prevent the formation of a foul odor in the steam room.
It is advisable to locate the pit at a distance of at least 10 m from the house.
Construction of floors and installation of heating devices
The next stage is the arrangement of the floor base.
The floor in the hammam is first installed with heating, and then covered with tiles
Sequencing:
- Perform a rough screed.
- Fill the structure with mortar.
- Form the floor with a slope of 7° so that liquid from the floor base flows into the sewer drain.
- After the leveling solution has dried, apply bitumen mastic.
- Cover the floor with waterproofing material: lay the sheets with an overlap of 10 mm in several layers.
Now we are laying out the heating system. This could be a heated floor design or water heating. At the end, a finishing concrete screed is performed.
The heated floor system is laid along the walls and all horizontal surfaces of the hammam
Installation of communications in the steam room and finishing:
- Cover the walls and ceiling with a plaster mixture for waterproofing.
- Install communications: electrical wiring, plumbing and steam (condensate drain).
- Mount the kurna on the floor base.
- Build a massage table: it is made of brick and trimmed with ceramic tiles.
The steam room should be faced with marble, tiles or other material. Attach lighting fixtures and install switches at the entrance. For lighting, use waterproof lamps rated for 24 V. Place switch-off structures in the next room.
Arrangement of shower and technical room
Arranging a shower room includes the following steps:
Preparation and equipment of the technical room:
Then you need to check and adjust the operation of all devices before testing the steam room.
Indicators of optimal temperature and features of using hammam
Water treatments in a Turkish bath are not tiring, as it is relatively cool. The steam room has high humidity, so it is easy to create tropical conditions there, allowing visitors to relax with benefits for the body.
In the hammam changing room the temperature is close to 30 °C. The main hall of the Turkish bath warms up more: the temperature in it can reach 70 °C. To make it comfortable to wash in the steam room, it is recommended to stay at medium temperatures, maintaining 37–40 °C.
It is important to visit a Turkish bath taking into account the following rules:
- Warm up the body. To do this, you need to lie down on a warm lounger and stay on it until the first drops of sweat appear.
- When the body is prepared, you can begin the massage. To do this, the skin must be lubricated with a special soap solution containing peach and olive oil, and woolen gloves must be put on your hands: they can clean the keratinized epithelium.
- Wash your body with water from the qurna.
- Take a cold shower to help tighten the pores.
If you do not follow the rules, you can harm your health.
Video: how to make a hammam with your own hands in the basement of a house
You need to choose finishing material based on personal preferences and financial capabilities. The floor, walls, benches and other parts are covered with the same material. All elements of the bathhouse must have a good waterproofing coating. This is necessary to maintain the building in excellent technical condition.
Construction of a hammam is a costly process in terms of time and finances. If you prepare for this task, you can achieve success - build a high-quality building in which friends and relatives can relax with great pleasure.
The hammam can be placed in any building - a house, apartment, health center, etc. When choosing a room, it is important to consider that building a bathhouse will slightly reduce the size of the site. The walls will become thicker by about 7-15 cm. This is due to the presence of interior decoration, as well as good hydro- and thermal insulation.
Watch a video review of a small Turkish bath below:
Turkish bath project
The traditional hammam consists of three separate rooms. In the first there is a dressing room and shower, in the second there is a steam room, in the third there is a relaxation room. There are also three pools in the bathhouse - with warm, neutral and cold water. It is impossible to do this in an apartment, so one or two rooms are enough for a home hammam. In most cases, the size of a Turkish bath does not exceed 8 square meters. In the first room you can install sun loungers, and in the second room you can place the steam room itself.
In addition to the premises of the bathhouse itself, it is necessary to allocate space for installing the technical unit. There will be steam generators, flavors, a heating system, and light projectors. For a technical room, 1 square meter is enough. It should be located no further than 15 m from the main room.
Materials for the construction of hamam
The following materials are used to decorate the hammam:
- Natural marble. It is quite expensive, but very high quality material that will last a very long time. However, experts recommend choosing soapstone, which has approximately the same cost. Its advantage is to reduce sudden temperature changes (approximate price - $250/16,000 rubles per 1 sq. meter).
- Smalt. It is a small mosaic that can be laid out in different patterns. The material is decorative, creates a shimmer of color and has an internal glow. It can also be rough, transparent, matte or smooth (approximate price - $10/600 rubles per 1 kg).
- Ceramic tile. It is the most affordable material for building a hammam and perfectly replaces marble and smalt. Thanks to the variety of decor, you can create a beautiful interior and get a variety of shapes (approximate price - $22/1500 rubles per 1 sq. meter).
Turkish bath decoration
Finishing is one of the most important stages in the construction of a Turkish bath. There are two ways:
- First, a layer of plaster is applied to the walls for additional waterproofing, then thermal insulation is carried out. Next, a frame made of reinforcement is installed and a plaster mesh is attached to it. This allows you to install a heating system.
- In the second option, the frame is made of rigid foam polystyrene panels. They create excellent sound, heat and waterproofing. Polystyrene is a very popular material for hammam construction. From it you can create not only walls, but also sun loungers, fonts, pallets, a podium, a ceiling dome, cornices, columns, etc.
Floor and ceiling in the hammam
Let's look at the features of constructing the floor and ceiling of a Turkish bath:
- The floor consists of two layers of cement-sand screed, between which waterproofing is installed. It is important to equip it with a slight slope for water drainage, in which a shut-off device is installed to prevent the penetration of unpleasant odors. The finishing coating is made of marble, smalt or ceramics.
- The classic ceiling in Turkish hammams is domed. With a height of 2.5 m and above. This form was used for a reason - it forces condensation to flow onto the floor along the walls, and not drip on the head. Instead of a dome, you can create an arched or vaulted version of the ceiling structure.
Methods of heating a Turkish bath
The temperature is created thanks to internal heating. Heat should come from the walls, floor and benches. There are two ways to heat a Turkish bath:
- Electric heating. Electric heating elements are installed under the surfaces.
- Water heating. It is more favorable in price and performance characteristics. Involves the installation of hot water pipes in the floor, benches and walls. In the technical department there is a small electrically heated boiler, from which wiring goes under the surface.
Sewage and ventilation in the hammam
When creating a Turkish bath with your own hands, it is important to remember about sewage and ventilation. The sewer system must be connected to the common house one. Ventilation can be connected to the general cycle of the premises of the house, but condensed steam will form smudges in the rooms. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the ventilation to the general house system and install a steam separator to dry the moisture.
Turkish bath lighting
It is customary to install low-voltage moisture-proof lamps in the steam room, designed for swimming pools and baths. Some developers equip the ceiling with a “starry sky” system, which reproduces the twinkling of stars. This gives the Turkish bath the feeling of an oriental fairy tale.
Additional equipment and accessories
For a Turkish bath you will need a steam generator and a fragrance:
- The hammam is maintained using a steam generator with a temperature sensor that regulates the release of steam. If the temperature in the steam room exceeds 55°C, the steam supply stops. The steam nozzle is placed in the bath under the stove bench. In the steam room it is necessary to install a temperature display.
- Diffusing essential oils gives an unforgettable experience, so it is recommended to install an aromatherapy system. The fragrance itself is a metal flask with a fan, wick and remote control.
Now you know how to make a Turkish bath with your own hands. Completing the above steps will transform an ordinary room into an amazing corner of oriental culture. If you are not intimidated by construction and technical skills, as well as the prospect of becoming a plumber, electrician and designer at the same time, you can build a hammam yourself.
The Turkish bath or Hamam has a number of features. It quickly caught on and was loved in Russia for its soft and light steam, which is supplied through a special design of bends. A Turkish bath can be built with your own hands in 2–3 months. But before installation, you need to understand what features the Hammam has and how to assemble the structure correctly. Our experts will tell you how to build a Turkish bath yourself in this article. For the convenience of readers, we will tell you what a Hammam is, what features a bathhouse has, and the step-by-step construction of a Turkish bath.
Distinctive features of Hamam
The main difference between a Turkish bath and a Russian one is the supply of steam and the location of the hot water vat. The temperature of the steam is lower and it is moist, so when supplied to a dry steam room isolated from moisture, it has a beneficial effect on the body. The vat where the water boils is located in the next room, and the system regulates the steam supply.
Türkiye is a warm country, so there is no need for high-temperature steam rooms. The hammam is usually lined with stone inside and is heated only by steam. During construction, it is important to correctly plan the system of pipes and bends, select finishing materials and select equipment.
Material for finishing and construction
The classic Turkish bath was built of stone and finished with natural granite inside. The modern construction market offers a wide range of materials, which makes it possible to make the Hammam close to the traditional one.
The main requirements that the material for a Turkish bath must meet:
- Increased strength.
- Waterproof.
- Resistance to high temperatures.
- Environmental friendliness.
Granite in Turkish bath decoration is used as a classic option, but is expensive.
The best option is to use marble tiles or stone for interior decoration. But modern glass mosaics and ceramic tiles are not inferior to them in terms of quality characteristics. For DIY installation, it is easier to use large elements. If you have enough patience and skills, you can use smalt (small pieces of various shapes melted from a mixture of cobalt, silicic acid and colored glass). She has whole oriental-style patterns or full-fledged paintings laid out on the walls of the bathhouse. Ceramic mosaic has an even shape and is easier to work with your own hands.
A Turkish bath can be built from brick, gas blocks or stone. As a last resort, use wood. But the wooden one will need to be tiled inside, and this will be more difficult to do.
It’s cheaper to take gas blocks and do the interior and exterior finishing. To decorate the outside of the bathhouse, natural or artificial stone, tiles, siding or plastic lining are used. But finishing the bath is not the most important thing; you need to calculate and select the equipment.
It’s easier to make a hammam in a separate room at home. This way you won’t have to spend effort on pouring the foundation, installing the frame and roof.
What equipment is needed for Hamam
The steam temperature in a Turkish bath should not exceed 55°C. A steam generator is used to generate and supply steam. This is the heart of the Turkish bath. To install a steam generator, it is necessary to plan a special room, and the steam generator is selected by power depending on the volume of the steam room. To maintain the temperature regime, it is necessary to install an automatic system that will operate at 56°C and above.
Modern steam generators can be equipped with a control panel. It is installed near the entrance to the steam room. This creates additional ease of management and is safe for users.
The Turkish bath is equipped with a ventilation system that will make the room as comfortable as possible. The air in the steam room should be completely renewed every 15-20 minutes. But because of the steam, the air in the hammam will always be humid; to dry it before entering the rest room, you need to install a separator. It will trap excess moisture and dry out the air.
In addition to the steam generator and separator, it is necessary to consider and install:
- Heating system (electric or water).
- Aromatherapy, special devices for adding additives based on infusions of herbs or oils into steam.
- Power supply system (special waterproof lamps, switches, etc.).
Plan diagram of a small Turkish bath, with dimensions and layout.
Water-based heating is less expensive, but installation will require some effort. It is necessary to draw up a plan and lay a system of pipes through which water will circulate through the floor structure and heating elements. Electric heating is expensive, but installing it yourself is easier. The main thing is that the temperature in the Turkish bath should always be at least +30°C.
If the bathhouse is built inside a residential building, then a separate heating circuit is made from the boiler; otherwise, the entire house will have to be heated in the summer.
How to properly plan premises for Hammam
When planning a Turkish bath in a house, you need to think about everything before construction. For a free-standing bathhouse, you need a box of a size that can accommodate not only a technical room for equipment, a steam room, a washing room, but also a small rest room. In the house there is no need to have a rest room and shower, just like in apartments.
There is no need to allocate a large area for a Turkish bath. Minimum sizes are calculated based on the following indicators:
- Technical room - minimum 1 m².
- Steam room - from 3 m²;
- Rest room - from 5 m².
The technical room where all the equipment is located should be located no further than 15 meters from the steam room. If it is placed in one part of the house, and the steam room in another, then when passing through the pipe system the steam will lose temperature, in addition, condensation may accumulate on the pipes in the summer.
Ceiling design of hammam and qurna
Separately, it is necessary to think about the ceiling of the Turkish steam room. Since the temperature in the steam room is low - 30 ° C, and the steam is 55 ° C, condensation will form on the ceiling. It will be unpleasant if it drips on the head while steaming, so traditionally in a steam room there is a dome-shaped ceiling. The ceiling height is provided for at least 2.5 m, which is not traditional for a Russian bath.
In the steam room there is a special bowl - kurna. It not only serves as a decorative element, but also serves as a container for herbal infusions and soap solutions for massage. Next to the kurna there is always a bench, traditionally made of stone, but you can make a wooden one with your own hands for massage. You can assemble a special table made of red brick and trim it with stone or ceramic tiles. Since the structure is heavy and designed for several people at once, a separate pillow is made for it in the foundation. Table height 80 cm, width at least 120 cm and length 210 cm.
In order not to slide on the massage bench, cover it on top with a sheet or a special rubber mat.
Features of DIY construction
When installing a Turkish bath with your own hands, it is important to carry out high-quality waterproofing of walls, floors, and ceilings. For this purpose, a special membrane waterproofing is used; it is easy to attach to the surface and does not prevent the penetration of oxygen.
Mandatory steps for building a Turkish bath with your own hands include:
- Installation of waterproofing material throughout the steam room.
- Insulation using materials that do not absorb moisture. It is easier to install insulation when finishing the façade outside the bathhouse and along the ceiling. We discussed how to properly insulate a bathhouse ceiling in one of the previous articles.
- Installation of foil insulation, which will not only reflect heat, but will provide additional thermal insulation.
- Planning and installation of a communications system.
- Screed on walls, ceiling, floor, plaster.
- Final waterproofing.
- Facing work with tiles or stone.
Installation of the heating system is carried out according to the instructions from the manufacturer. The easiest way is to implement an infrared heating system. Since the walls, ceiling, and floor must be heated in the room, an infrared system in rolls is selected. It is rolled out and secured with a tie.
The situation is more complicated with the water one. Pipes must be installed after waterproofing. Then the entire system is plastered and leveled for cladding. It is necessary to install a separate boiler for the water system or install an individual circuit. In the second case, the boiler in the house must be double-circuit.
The floor is designed with a slope of 5-10 °C for water drainage, which can be seen in one of the photos above. The drain is installed at the screed construction stage. The screed consists of three layers: cement-sand, waterproofing and again cement-sand.
Since the drainage system will be installed into a single sewer system, a plug is made in the floor. it will protect the room from the penetration of unpleasant odors. The ceiling is made round in the shape of a dome.
Electrical wiring is made from thermal and moisture-resistant cables. For decoration, you can place fiber-optic moisture-resistant lamps on the ceiling. This will give effect and create the feeling of stars above your head. Then the kurna is installed and the massage bench is installed. They are placed according to the project plan.
At the end, the steam room is tiled with tiles, mosaics, stone or marble, as in the photo above. It is better to decorate the lounger with flat sea or river stones. It will look impressive, and in design it corresponds to a classic boor.
Do-it-yourself Turkish bath, construction secrets
DIY Turkish bath. Learning to build a hammam, expert advice with photos and videos. What features does a hammam have and how to properly organize a steam room.
How to build a hammam with your own hands
The bathing traditions of different nations have quite a lot of differences. This includes temperature, humidity level, and methods of steam formation. One of the most gentle baths is Turkish. The temperature here is not very high, and the high humidity causes profuse sweating, cleansing and healing the body. But building a hammam with your own hands is not an easy task and requires a significant investment of time, effort and money. Judge for yourself how much you will have to provide and take into account.
Hammam is not only a bathing procedure, but also an aesthetic pleasure
Construction of a Turkish bath
The hammam differs from the traditional Russian bath and Finnish sauna in that it has a more gentle temperature of no higher than 50-55 o C and very high humidity. Traditionally, this type of bathhouse was built from marble, which remains pleasant to the touch at any temperature, only sometimes other stones were used for cladding. Used as separate inserts onyx- a mineral that is a type of quartz.
Onyx is a very beautiful stone for decorating a hammam (klibel)
Today, ceramic tiles have become a good replacement for natural stones for hammam, which everyone chooses based on tastes and preferences, but mosaics are more suitable than others for creating national flavor.
Mosaic tiles are the best choice for decorating a hammam
Everything is made of stone: walls, floors, ceilings and sunbeds. Therefore, to maintain the required temperature, all surfaces are heated. Another feature of Turkish baths is location of equipment in a separate room. You won't see any technical stuff in any of them. The equipment is hidden and invisible, and steam is supplied through special holes. The technical room can be quite small - it is quite possible to place everything on an area of 1 m 2, but it should be located no further than 15 meters from the steam room.
In ancient times, to produce steam, water was boiled in large vats, and the steam was supplied through pipes. Today, steam is also supplied through pipes, but special equipment is used to generate it - steam generators. These are small devices, packed with electronics, which are easy to control (when laying communications, do not forget to lay steam supply pipes). Steam generators from the German company Hygromatik have proven themselves on the market and are quite suitable for use in a Turkish bath.
It is necessary to provide a heating system for the hammam, which will be located in the walls, sun loungers and on the floor. There are two ways to organize heating:
- Water - pipes are built in, and water circulates through them. In this case, the boiler can be of any kind, the main thing is that it can maintain a constant temperature of the coolant. If you plan to heat the hammam with a boiler that heats the house, you need to make a separate circuit. Otherwise, you will have to heat the house at any time of the year - when you need to go to the bathhouse.
- Using electric heating cables (they are also called the “warm floor” system). It is also advisable to place the control panel for this system in the technical room.
The hammam has another characteristic feature - the presence of a massage table (heated, of course). Its optimal height is 80cm, and the traditional shape is round, however, the height and shape of the table can have other parameters. Usually in large baths it is located in the middle and is designed for several people.
A characteristic feature of the hammam is the presence of a massage table
Square massage table
If the bathhouse is small, then the massage table is small in size.
Rectangular massage table
This is not always possible for a home Turkish bath. Traditionally, in the washing room there is a “qurna” bowl (again made of stone), to which cold and hot water is supplied.
Option for a home Turkish bath. It’s easy to build such a hammam with your own hands
Premises requirements
The hammam also places special demands on the ceiling: it must be domed or close to it. In conditions of high humidity, condensation actively forms on the ceiling. To prevent drops from falling on heads, but flowing down the walls, the ceiling is made in a round shape (to organize it, the height of the room must be at least 2.5 m).
The hammam should have a dome-shaped ceiling to prevent condensation from dripping onto the heads of visitors
As already mentioned, almost everything in the hammam is heated: the floor, walls, seats, massage table.
The hammam has heated floors, walls and seats.
Much attention must be paid to the heat and moisture insulation of all surfaces of the Turkish bath. The floor consists of two sand-cement screeds, between which a layer of waterproofing is laid (pipes or heating cables also run there). The walls, seats and ceiling have a rather complex “pie”:
- insulation + layer of reflective thermal insulation (foil material);
- waterproofing;
- heating system (except ceiling);
- leveling plaster;
- screed + final waterproofing;
- decorative material.
The floor must have a slope, allowing condensation and water to flow into the drainage system. When organizing a sewer system, it is necessary to provide a shut-off valve that will not allow unpleasant odors to penetrate inside.
Hamams need a ventilation system that will supply fresh air about once every 15-20 minutes. Electrical cables and lighting fixtures must have a protection level higher than IP 65. They must also be able to withstand elevated temperatures (heat-resistant cables). It is advisable to use LEDs or any lamps with moisture protection as lighting devices.
Rules for visiting the hammam
In large Turkish baths there are rooms with different air temperatures - from +30 o C to +55 o C. First you need to enter the room where you feel comfortable, wait until the body warms up, go to a warmer room, wait again until the body warms up, and then begin the massage (before lying down, the table is doused with hot water).
After warming up the body, you can begin the soap massage.
The massage in the hammam is special - soapy. Specially trained massage therapists rub and knead the heated body. This procedure has a very strong relaxing effect. After which you can lie down, rest, relax, gradually moving to increasingly cooler rooms. The peculiarity of the Turkish bath is gradual heating and cooling without extreme temperature changes.
The benefits of Turkish hammam
Turks believe that hammam is useful for people with diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems: in a comfortable environment, the functioning of all organs is normalized. Profuse sweating reduces the load on the kidneys, cleanses the liver, uniform heating normalizes the intestinal microflora, stabilizes digestion and bile secretion.
Option for a small Turkish bath
Thermal procedures, and therefore visiting the hammam, are contraindicated in case of cancer, acute hypertension and asthma (incense is often used in hammam, which can cause an exacerbation of the disease or an attack).
Construction cost
Alas, even knowing the size of the hammam, it is impossible to say exactly how much construction will cost. As you already understand, there are many options for interior decoration, the price of which can vary significantly. Some customers may be satisfied with Chinese mosaics, others insist exclusively on Sicis or Bisazza mosaics, which greatly increases the price of finishing.
To evaluate the possibility of building a hammam with your own hands, we recommend watching a video in which a contractor involved in the construction of Turkish baths shares information.
Building a Turkish bath is not an easy task, but time spent in the hammam is a time of complete relaxation and rest.
How to build a hammam with your own hands
Features of the temperature and humidity conditions of a Turkish bath - hammam, nuances of equipment, construction, do-it-yourself finishing.
How to make a hammam with your own hands
The Turkish bath is fundamentally different from traditional Russian and Finnish baths, which are intended for use in areas with cold climates. The hammam is designed for visitors who live in a country with a hot climate, therefore thermal bath procedures are carried out at a temperature that is comfortable for a southern person. At the same time, high humidity ensures profuse sweating and cleansing of the entire body. Any family member, including small children and grandparents, can use such a bathhouse.
The main feature of the hammam is that the room where the main bathing procedures take place is finished with marble. Therefore, the floor, walls and sun loungers must be heated. Steam is supplied to the steam room through channels from a steam generator. The shower room must be equipped with a rain shower. Well, the rest room and bathroom are not much different from competitors. If you want to build a hammam with your own hands, then it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the recommendations given below.
Where to start building a hammam?
It is hardly possible to build a hammam in a house or apartment with your own hands without a simple project or at least a drawing. You can develop it yourself or find a standard design if the hammam will be built as a separate building. In this case, it will be necessary to take into account that the bathhouse will need to be supplied with water, sewerage, gas, electricity or other heat sources, for example, solid fuel.
You also need to first decide on the heating system and heating of the bath. If heating is carried out with hot water from a boiler installation, then the design of the heated floor and sunbed will be the same, but if you use a “warm floor” made from a heating cable or infrared films, then it will be different. The most optimal, safe and inexpensive way is to heat the bathhouse with a water heating system.
Stages of construction of a Turkish bath
Considering the fact that these buildings have very high humidity, the construction of the hammam must be made from traditional stone materials, for example, brick, foam concrete, cinder block, etc. Therefore, the foundations must be designed for such loads.
It is important to keep in mind that high humidity indoors requires high-quality horizontal waterproofing of the foundations, and backfilling should be done in stages with dense clay with layer-by-layer compaction. If the groundwater level in the area is high, coating vertical waterproofing of the outer walls of the foundations will be necessary. Also, do not forget to leave holes for the passage of underground communications.
If the foundations are installed and backfilling with compaction is completed, then proceed to laying the walls, which must have a thickness of at least 40 cm. When making an attic floor, it is necessary to take into account that the main heat losses occur through the ceiling, so it is advisable to use a monolithic structure made of expanded clay concrete. The roof of a Turkish hammam is best done combined, without wooden structures.
It is important to create a good slope using expanded clay. Be sure to install a vapor barrier under the insulation from one or two layers of roofing material or rubemast. The roof can be constructed from several layers of rubemast with fused bitumen.
After the frame and roof of the Turkish bath are completed, you can begin finishing and installation work. It is advisable to install windows from metal-plastic or glass blocks. The domed ceiling in the hammam can be made of moisture-resistant plasterboard.
Before preparing the floors, it is necessary to install the sewerage, water supply and heating pipelines. It is also necessary to lay all the cable wiring that will run along the walls and ceiling.
A two-layer waterproofing from the TechnoNIKOL series is glued onto the first preparation layer 15 cm thick, then a second preparation layer 5 cm thick is placed, on which a heat-reflecting screen made of foil-coated material is laid. Plastic heating pipes are installed on the finished preparation, which are covered with a cement screed.
A good substitute for marble is porcelain stoneware, from which the flooring is made. The walls are insulated with polystyrene foam over a metal frame, to which polymer pipes from the heating system are attached. Then this entire covering is covered with tiles, preferably mosaic.
The lounger in the hammam is made of expanded clay concrete. Then a heating coil made of polymer pipes is mounted on all its surfaces and covered with facing tiles. The horizontal plane of the sunbed must have a minimum slope for water drainage. The seating shelves also have the same design. In the steam room, the floor and seats are also heated by a common heating system. All surfaces must be tiled.
The floor in the bathroom, the shower floor and walls are heated, and everything is also tiled. The rest room can be decorated to your liking or use the services of a designer. But the floor should also be warm and the air not too humid. Therefore, it is necessary to provide supply and exhaust ventilation, which will create the necessary comfort.
The technical room should be divided into two sections. In one of them there is a boiler for heating the entire building and a central electrical panel, and in the second there is a steam generator with aromatizer.
In any case, before making a hammam with your own hands, you need to thoroughly prepare, since the amount of work is quite impressive. Therefore, before building a hammam, it is necessary to determine at least the approximate cost of the project. Sustainable financing will help prevent hammam construction from becoming a long-term construction project.
Do-it-yourself hammam: photos, drawings, video
How to build a hammam with your own hands? Photo and video of the construction of the hammam. Drawings with dimensions. How to make a hammam with your own hands?
We build a hammam with our own hands
Hamam is a Turkish type of bath, which is based on the principle of gradual and gentle heating of the body, and then the same gradual cooling. Traditional Turkish hammams usually have two or three rooms, the temperature of which varies from 35 to 60 degrees Celsius. Also, a distinctive feature of the hammam from, for example, a Russian bathhouse is the method of heating the room - if a Russian bathhouse involves a stove, then the heat is supplied to the hammam in the form of warm steam through pipes, and the steam itself is created by a steam generator.
Useful properties of hamam
First of all, the hammam is the only bathhouse that is useful for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the gradual and not so aggressive heating, as well as the absence of stressful actions such as hot steam and whipping with brooms, such a bath will be very comfortable for everyone.
In addition, hammam normalizes the functioning of the digestive system and intestines, calms the nerves, relaxes, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Promotes the release of toxins and waste from the body.
Choosing a place to build a hammam
Before starting construction work, you need to thoughtfully design the future Turkish bath: remember that for a private hammam you need to make two rooms - a steam room and a technical room. Just like when building a regular bathhouse, you will need to find a place to lay utilities - water supply, sewerage, electricity, heating, steam pipes and a ventilation system.
The dimensions of the bath room are limited only by the size of the site, your personal preferences and imagination. You can see the approximate dimensions of the bath in the following figure:
But as for the technical department, this room can be the smallest, but only so that it must fit a steam generator, aroma generator, cleaning filters, ventilation systems and a heating control panel.
About materials
Traditionally, natural stone - marble and granite - was used in the construction and decoration of hammams. The stone always maintains a comfortable temperature, is pleasant to the body, waterproof and durable. But, unfortunately, completely finishing the hammam with stone is a rather expensive solution.
In this case, either artificial stone, ceramic tiles, or smalt mosaics come to our aid, which looks simply magnificent and emphasizes the national flavor of the room. The main criteria when choosing materials are their heat resistance, low degree of incandescence and moisture resistance.
Light and warmth
Heating of the hammam can be either water heating - with laid pipes through which hot water circulates, or electric - in fact, it is a “warm floor” type system that has a control panel and the ability to regulate the heat. A classic hammam is built in such a way that there is heating on almost all surfaces - on the floor, walls, benches and tables.
The lighting in a Turkish bath should be good, moderately bright, but not irritating. Heat-resistant lamps and shades with matte milky light are ideal. Remember that all electrical devices and wiring should be protected as much as possible from hot steam and moisture, and the voltage should not exceed 25 volts.
Required attributes
No Turkish bath is complete without such wonderful things as a kurna and a massage table. Qurna is a bowl for washing, which is a large vat with two taps - cold and hot water. For greater authenticity and harmony of the hammam interior, the kurna is made in an oriental style, for example, in the form of a carved bowl, jug or sink.
The massage table, as well as the benches for sitting in the hammam, must be heated. The table for relaxing massage treatments using rich soap foam is usually made of stone - and no wood in a Turkish bath! In a classic, traditional hammam, massage tables are made large enough to accommodate four to six people. We can get by with a massage table, lined with mosaics, for one person, the height of which above the floor is 80 centimeters.
Ceiling and floor
The floor and ceiling in the hammam also have their own characteristics. As for the floor, it is necessary to provide, in addition to heating, a slope for draining water, as well as a device for removing odors from the sewer. Typically, the floor in a hammam is made of two layers of screed made of cement and sand, and between them there is waterproofing and a heating system - pipes or wires.
The ceiling in the hammam can be of any shape, but not straight! The Turks believe that condensation forming on the ceiling and falling down interferes with the complete relaxation and harmony that the hammam space is so conducive to. The shape of the ceiling can be domed, vaulted, triangular. But there is one important requirement - the total height of the room must be more than two and a half meters.
We build a hammam with our own hands
Ecology of consumption. Estate: Hamam is a Turkish type of bath, which is based on the principle of gradual and gentle warming up of the body, and then the same
Reading time ≈ 5 minutes
The Turkish bath is fundamentally different from traditional Russian and Finnish baths, which are intended for use in areas with cold climates. The hammam is designed for visitors who live in a country with a hot climate, therefore thermal bath procedures are carried out at a temperature that is comfortable for a southern person. At the same time, high humidity ensures profuse sweating and cleansing of the entire body. Any family member, including small children and grandparents, can use such a bathhouse.
The main feature of the hammam is that the room where the main bathing procedures take place is finished with marble. Therefore, the floor, walls and sun loungers must be heated. Steam is supplied to the steam room through channels from a steam generator. The shower room must be equipped with a rain shower. Well, the rest room and bathroom are not much different from competitors. If you want to build a hammam with your own hands, then it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the recommendations given below.
Drawings of the hamam device
Where to start building a hammam?
It is hardly possible to build a hammam in a house or apartment with your own hands without a simple project or at least a drawing. You can develop it yourself or find a standard design if the hammam will be built as a separate building. In this case, it will be necessary to take into account that the bathhouse will need to be supplied with water, sewerage, gas, electricity or other heat sources, for example, solid fuel.
You also need to first decide on the heating system and heating of the bath. If heating is carried out with hot water from a boiler installation, then the design of the heated floor and sunbed will be the same, but if you use a “warm floor” made from a heating cable or infrared films, then it will be different. The most optimal, safe and inexpensive way is to heat the bathhouse with a water heating system.
Since the hammam bath will have very high humidity and abundant condensation will form, which can drip from the ceiling onto people, the ceiling itself must be domed so that the drops flow down the wall. If the main directions are determined, then you can begin building the hammam.
Stages of construction of a Turkish bath
Considering the fact that these buildings have very high humidity, the construction of the hammam must be made from traditional stone materials, for example, brick, foam concrete, cinder block, etc. Therefore, the foundations must be designed for such loads.
It is important to keep in mind that high humidity indoors requires high-quality horizontal waterproofing of the foundations, and backfilling should be done in stages with dense clay with layer-by-layer compaction. If the groundwater level in the area is high, coating vertical waterproofing of the outer walls of the foundations will be necessary. Also, do not forget to leave holes for the passage of underground communications.
If the foundations are installed and backfilling with compaction is completed, then proceed to laying the walls, which must have a thickness of at least 40 cm. When making an attic floor, it is necessary to take into account that the main heat losses occur through the ceiling, so it is advisable to use a monolithic structure made of expanded clay concrete. The roof of a Turkish hammam is best done combined, without wooden structures.
It is important to create a good slope using expanded clay. Be sure to install a vapor barrier under the insulation from one or two layers of roofing material or rubemast. The roof can be constructed from several layers of rubemast with fused bitumen.
After the frame and roof of the Turkish bath are completed, you can begin finishing and installation work. It is advisable to install windows from metal-plastic or glass blocks. The domed ceiling in the hammam can be made of moisture-resistant plasterboard.
Before preparing the floors, it is necessary to install the sewerage, water supply and heating pipelines. It is also necessary to lay all the cable wiring that will run along the walls and ceiling.
It is important to take into account that concrete preparation for floors has some features. The floor itself in the bath and shower must have appropriate slopes to ensure water drainage. The entire floor structure must have good waterproofing, therefore it is made of two layers of expanded clay concrete preparation.
A two-layer waterproofing from the TechnoNIKOL series is glued onto the first preparation layer 15 cm thick, then a second preparation layer 5 cm thick is placed, on which a heat-reflecting screen made of foil-coated material is laid. Plastic heating pipes are installed on the finished preparation, which are covered with a cement screed.
A good substitute for marble is porcelain stoneware, from which the flooring is made. The walls are insulated with polystyrene foam over a metal frame, to which polymer pipes from the heating system are attached. Then this entire covering is covered with tiles, preferably mosaic.
The lounger in the hammam is made of expanded clay concrete. Then a heating coil made of polymer pipes is mounted on all its surfaces and covered with facing tiles. The horizontal plane of the sunbed must have a minimum slope for water drainage. The seating shelves also have the same design. In the steam room, the floor and seats are also heated by a common heating system. All surfaces must be tiled.
The floor in the bathroom, the shower floor and walls are heated, and everything is also tiled. The rest room can be decorated to your liking or use the services of a designer. But the floor should also be warm and the air not too humid. Therefore, it is necessary to provide supply and exhaust ventilation, which will create the necessary comfort.
The technical room should be divided into two sections. In one of them there is a boiler for heating the entire building and a central electrical panel, and in the second there is a steam generator with aromatizer.
Conclusion
In any case, before making a hammam with your own hands, you need to thoroughly prepare, since the amount of work is quite impressive. Therefore, before building a hammam, it is necessary to determine at least the approximate cost of the project. Sustainable financing will help prevent hammam construction from becoming a long-term construction project. You can see more clearly how to build such a bathhouse if you look at the attached photos and videos.
