Undoubtedly, the classic wooden bath is superior to any other options in terms of environmental friendliness and usefulness for the body. However, wood has two significant disadvantages: susceptibility to decay and high cost. Today, a solution has been found. There is a building material that is devoid of these disadvantages. it foam blocks... Modern private construction is unthinkable without this wonderful material. Including, there is a large number of projects of baths from foam blocks, photos of which can serve as a model for an individual project. Due to its hygroscopicity, foam concrete is not very suitable for this purpose, but, thanks to the use of modern waterproofing materials, it is widely used.

Features of projects of baths from foam blocks, photo and technology
Foam blocks are an excellent material for bath construction

Foam concrete and foam blocks: advantages and disadvantages

The constant search for new building materials led humanity to the creation of foam concrete. This unique material is created in three different ways, on which its properties and appearance depend:

  1. Aerated concrete produced by adding aluminum powder to the cement solution, which gives a chemical reaction. In the process, the molds are placed in an autoclave, where, under pressure, concrete hardens, forming a porous mass.
  2. Foam concrete is made using a foaming agent. In this case, solidification occurs naturally.
  3. Silicate concrete owes its white color to lime added to aerated concrete mortar for binding.

Any of these materials can become the basis for the construction of a bath from foam blocks: projects, photos and drawings of objects can be studied in large quantities before starting construction.

Sauna from foam blocks, lined with siding
Sauna from foam blocks, lined with siding

Foam concrete blocks have unique qualities that cannot be found in natural materials:

  • low specific gravity and density: most products do not sink in water until they get wet through;
  • convenient dimensions: one person can easily take the block, lift and manipulate it freely;
  • ease of installation: even an unprepared person will be able to lay blocks from blocks, having studied the basic rules. Some varieties have a special lock, which makes the masonry process even easier. Blocks easily sawn with a hacksaw, which allows you to cut them at any angle;
  • low cost: most of the volume of the foam block is air, which costs nothing, and production has a high degree of automation.
The scheme of laying the walls of the bath from foam blocks
The scheme of laying the walls of the bath from foam blocks

Among the disadvantages is high hygroscopicity. This material absorbs water, which becomes a destroyer at low temperatures. Such a disadvantage determines the features of the projects of baths made of foam blocks, the photo tables of which are always equipped with stages of waterproofing.

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Options for projects of baths from foam blocks, photo and construction technology

Nowadays, the bathhouse performs not only the unitary function of a room for washing people, but also an object where you can rest and relax from the bustle of the city. In this regard, build baths today with an eye to it. In addition to the main premises, such as a steam room and a washing room, there may be: a recreation room, a terrace, attic and even a pool.

Sauna project 9.7 x 6.3 m with a relaxation room and a terrace
Bath project 9.7 x 6.3 m with a lounge and a terrace

Among projects baths from foam blocks, photos of objects with a rest room are the most common. In this case, the rest room also plays the role of a changing room. It is made much larger than the rest of the premises, since it is necessary to place a table, chairs and other furniture elements there.

The most budgetary and optimal option is to build a bath with dimensions of 4 x 6 m. In this case, you can divide the entire area by a partition in half, and one of the halves in half or in proportion. In the resulting large room, there is a recreation room, and in the small ones, a washing room and a steam room.

Useful advice! When building a bath with a rest room, it is necessary to provide a vestibule or dressing room at the entrance from the street. This will prevent cold air from entering the room unhindered in winter.

Sauna from foam blocks with a terrace, finished with plaster (3D-project)
Sauna from foam blocks with a terrace, finished with plaster (3D-project)

Another series of projects of foam block baths, the photo of which contains graceful parapets. These are baths with terraces. These outdoor areas can be equipped with chairs and tables, as well as barbecue grills and ovens. The terraces have the same design as the sauna and one constructive basis.

Some projects include the construction of a second floor in the attic. More often this is done by those who do not have other residential buildings on the site. You can spend the night in the attic after rest.

Sauna project with an attached utility room
Sauna project with an attached utility room

Brief instructions for the construction of a bath from foam blocks

Before starting the work, you must select a site for construction. It must be located in such a place on the site where all fire safety rules and SNiP 30-02-97, which regulate the rules for building land plots, will be observed.

According to these rules, the bathhouse should be 1 m away from the fence, 8 m from the neighbor's house, and at least 5 m from the border of its "possessions". If these rules are not followed, the neighbors can appeal your construction and the object will have to be demolished. The site itself should be in a dry place, as the foam blocks "do not like" water.

Compact sauna from foam blocks with a canopy
Compact sauna from foam blocks with a canopy

After choosing a site, you need to decide on the type of foundation. Since foamed concrete is lightweight, the construction of a massive strip foundation under the entire structure is impractical. To save money, you can offer the following foundation construction scheme:

  • strip foundation along the contour of the steam room and the washing room with a cement screed throughout the entire area. The depth depends on the properties of the soil and can be no more than 30 cm;
  • installation of monolithic foundations under the main oven and barbecue oven on the terrace. The height of the monolith must be up to floor level;
  • columnar or pile foundation under the lounge and terrace.

A waterproofing layer must be laid on the strip foundation. Along the piles or posts, a frame is made from a metal corner along the contour, on which the foam blocks will be laid. This design of the combined foundation assumes the presence of a main wall between the main bath room and the rest room, but it saves a lot on concrete.

The sauna can be equipped with a pool
The sauna can be equipped with a pool

Useful advice! To prevent the blocks from getting damp and crumbling, you need to build external and internal waterproofing on the walls. Outside, it is advisable to make a ventilated facade with waterproofing and insulation.

You can understand how to masonry by studying the projects of baths from foam blocks. Photos of some of them show the entire technology in detail. There is nothing complicated here. Foam blocks are laid in rows along the perimeter of the foundation strictly according to the level. Every three rows, a masonry net should be placed to tie the blocks together. Window and door openings from above are closed by lintels from the corner. Since the foam blocks are well cut, you do not need to invent anything to lay out the openings. The blocks are simply cut to size.

An interesting project of a foam block bath with a semicircular facade
An interesting project of a foam block bath with a semicircular facade

Useful advice! For a more reliable abutment of the inner capital wall to the outer one, they are connected with reinforcement curved at an angle. It fits into arcuate grooves cut with special wall chaser.

The construction of the roof and interior decoration of the foam block bath is no different from the construction of baths from other materials. In order for the whole structure to be of high quality, soundly and beautifully, all recommendations must be followed.