Saunas, Cold Plunges, and Cows
These brothers build saunas to endure rugged conditions.
Somewhere deep in Glen Etive, surrounded by the ever-present hum of cold rivers, a small sauna stands steady in the storm. Built by Bobanco—a design-and-build company out of Leith, Edinburgh—it’s not just any sauna. It’s one that’s meant to live out here, among the mist-heavy peaks, beside waterfalls and wandering Highland cows.
Brothers Finlay and Oliver Bendit grew up on the Isle of Tiree, learning early how Scotland’s wild places can stretch time and quiet the noise of everyday life. Their summers were full of wind, sea, and silence. The memory of that freedom stuck with them. Years later, it turned into a company devoted to building structures that belong in places like these.
Bobanco’s latest project is a wood-fired sauna, perched on a steel sled so it can be towed into otherwise unreachable spots. Its form is rugged but refined—clad in Scottish larch that silvers with age, insulated with sheep’s wool, lined with alder. The stove inside burns hot and clean. Solar lighting provides a gentle glow. And just outside, there’s usually a river waiting.
These are buildings that don’t try to conquer the landscape. They try to earn their place in it.
What’s Different This Sauna?
Built for Scottish weather – Everything is designed for wind, rain, and cold. The larch cladding weathers gracefully, the steel sled keeps the structure off the wet ground, and the insulation is all-natural and breathable.
Portable but permanent-feeling – The sauna can be moved, but it’s made to feel rooted. Once in place, it blends into the hillside.
Details that matter – From the galvanised overhang that sheds rain to the smooth alder walls inside, every element feels considered.
For Travelers
Glen Etive is located in the western Highlands of Scotland, just south of Glencoe. The single-track road leading into the glen ends in a dramatic valley of waterfalls, deer paths, and silence. Wild camping is allowed here, and the River Etive offers cold plunges for the brave. The area is popular with climbers and photographers but quiet enough to feel remote. Bring everything you need in—and take everything back out.
And if Highland cows wander by and settle in the grass nearby, take that as a good sign.
Takeaways for Cabin Builders
Design for the weather, not against it. Materials like larch and sheep’s wool do well in wet, windy climates.
Think about mobility. The steel sled design allows placement in hard-to-reach areas without permanent foundations.
Use local materials when possible. Not only do they perform better, but they help the structure feel rooted in place.
Don’t forget about recovery. The sauna isn’t just an accessory—it’s a ritual that slows the day down and reconnects you with your surroundings.
All photos by Bobanco.