Sauna House® Brings Modern Bathhouse Experience to Knoxville

Sauna House, the pioneering modern bathhouse brand, is thrilled to announce its expansion to Knoxville. Anticipated to open as early as spring 2025, Sauna House Knoxville will bring a contemporary take on the age-old tradition of communal bathing to East Tennessee, offering locals a unique space to gather, unplug and recharge.

Located at 126 Jennings Ave. in a revitalizing district near Emory Place, just down the hill from Remedy Coffee and Paysan Bread & Bagels, Sauna House Knoxville will feature thoughtfully designed open layouts, an inviting outdoor courtyard, and space for private events in addition to industry-leading saunas, cold plunge pools, and heated lounge spaces. The carefully crafted yet accessible concept will allow guests to make communal bathing a regular and rejuvenating part of their wellness routine.

Peter and Dianna Osickey, long-time Knoxville residents and proud members of the local architectural community, are developing Sauna House Knoxville. Inspired by a visit to the original Sauna House in Asheville, North Carolina, the Osickeys saw an opportunity to bring this innovative concept to their city.

They said, “We are incredibly proud to bring a space to our community that not only promotes mental and physical well-being but also offers a beautiful place for neighbors and friends to connect in a tech-free environment. After experiencing Sauna House Asheville, we dreamed of having a similar facility closer to home and are thrilled to now be the stewards of this amazing resource for the East Tennessee community.”

Sauna House has redefined the wellness industry since its founding in 2019 with its unique take on modern communal bathing. Unlike many of the current private recovery cabin options, Sauna House has curated a more welcoming and personable experience with its commitment to hospitality, distinctive architecture and expansive social spaces. All Sauna House locations are device-free, encouraging guests to disconnect from their screens and embrace a more intentional experience.

Sauna House’s signature Hot-Cold-Relax® circuit offers a scientifically backed whole-body contrast therapy experience. It includes 15 minutes in the sauna, three to five minutes in the cold plunge, and a period of relaxation and rehydration. This cycle is then repeated two or three times, which induces a transformative state both mentally and physically.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Sauna House to Knoxville,” says CEO & Founder Andrew Lachlan. “Knoxville’s energy is rooted in its people and the balance between vibrant city life and access to nature. Sauna House is proud to offer a modern wellness experience that resonates with these values, creating a space for community, relaxation and meaningful connection.”

To celebrate this launch announcement, Sauna House Knoxville will host a pop-up at Ijams Nature Center beginning on Friday, Dec. 27. The mobile sauna experience will complement the natural cold plunge at Mead’s Quarry. Mayor Indya Kinncannon will join the experience for a Polar Plunge Sauna Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This event will feature a festive gathering with sauna sessions, cold plunges, and a chance to experience the unique health and wellness benefits of contrast therapy.

“At Ijams Nature Center, we are always looking for innovative ways to connect people with nature, and this partnership with Sauna House Knoxville is a perfect fit,” said Amber Parker, President & CEO of Ijams Nature Center. “The combination of a refreshing hike, a cold plunge at Mead’s Quarry, and the warmth of a mobile sauna offers a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors in winter while promoting wellness. Time spent in nature is essential for both mental and physical health, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with a local business that shares our passion for fostering well-being through connection to the natural world.”