Designed for connection: Nashville’s first social sauna and cold plunge studio is here
Photography by Jessica Steddom
Blog originally written and published by our friends at Cedar & Stone.
Designing our contrast therapy studio with Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna
To design a space that honored this history while meeting the needs of a modern health space, we partnered with Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna. A team that lives and breathes sauna culture, Cedar & Stone blends Finnish heritage with modern craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and a deep understanding of how people interact with heat in a space.
With hands-on experience operating guided sauna experiences in both Duluth and Minneapolis, Cedar & Stone was able to help Framework founder Allen Penn thoughtfully curate seven distinct sauna spaces—each designed for both function and beauty. Among them was an outdoor sauna, which served as a pop-up location during construction, offering guests an early glimpse into the transformative power of hot and cold.
“It was clear from my first conversation with Justin that not only did he and the Cedar & Stone team know how to build beautiful, unique, high-performing saunas but they also deeply understood the member experience that I wanted to design into the heart of Framework,” Penn says.
Together, Framework and Cedar & Stone have created a space with a natural flow—from heat to cold, from indoors to outdoors—designed to suit varying levels of social engagement and personal exploration. Each sauna and plunge is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the healing power of contrast therapy.
“I love when people come with vision and want to get to know the people they’re going to work with,” Justin Juntunen, Cedar & Stone Co-Founder and CEO says. “Allen spent some time with us in Duluth and we shared a sauna and cold plunge experience, walked through our design studio, and really began to sketch what could be possible. Today, that vision is a reality, and his ability to see what was coming in the cultural future—from a N/A-driven cocktail bar to multiple sauna experiences that are both social and private, to the need for people to be both indoors and outdoors. Framework serves as a model for thermic bathing facilities in North America in the 21st-century.”
An indoor & outdoor experience
At the heart of Framework’s design is the core area, the studio’s main indoor gathering space, featuring two large indoor saunas and multiple cold plunge tubs. Here, guests can choose between a lively, social sauna or a silent, meditative heat experience—both crafted to provide high-quality, consistent heat with a variety of Harvia and IKI sauna stoves.
Stepping outside, the patio expands the experience into the open air. A bespoke outdoor sauna for 8-10 people sits alongside cold tubs and comfortable lounge seating, creating a natural rhythm between heat, cold, and rest. Designed to mirror the fresh-air contrast bathing traditions of Finland and Japan, this space encourages guests to soak in fresh air, reset between rounds, and immerse themselves fully in the exposure experience.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the flow is intuitive—guests move seamlessly between sauna, plunge, and rest, allowing their bodies to adapt and recover naturally.
The full Framework experience
Framework is rooted in global sauna traditions yet designed for modern life—making exposure therapy approachable, effective, and community-driven.
Here’s how the process works:
Arrival & Check-In – Located in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, we offer a seamless check-in process for guests.
Choose Your Experience – Public sauna and plunge sessions or private room bookings for a more personalized visit.
Preparation – Locker rooms provide space to change, shower, and store belongings.
Sauna & Cold Plunge –
Three distinct public sauna experiences: silent, social, and outdoor
Four private saunas for personalized sessions
Guests can move at their own pace or opt for guided exposure therapy sessions.
Repeat as Desired – Most guests complete 2-4 rounds, listening to their body and adjusting as needed.
Understanding the sauna is a place capable of holding space for a wide array of human emotions, our Flagship studio’s design allows you to tailor the experience to your specific needs.
Private rooms: A more intimate experience
For those looking for a more personalized or quiet experience, we offer private sauna and cold plunge rooms, accommodating up to four guests. Each space is designed for uninterrupted relaxation, featuring:
A private sauna for an exclusive heat experience
A dedicated cold plunge tub for contrast therapy
A rinse shower for cooling between rounds
A private lounge area to rest and rehydrate
An exclusive beverage bar with hand-selected drinks only available to private-room guests
Structured as one-hour sessions, private rooms provide a quiet alternative to the communal energy of the main studio, making them ideal for focused recovery, deep relaxation, or shared experiences with close friends.
Experience enhancements
The Café
Our second floor houses a curated café, featuring a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to support pre- and post-session rituals. From electrolyte-rich drinks to functional beverages that enhance recovery, this space encourages guests to extend their experience beyond the sauna.
Locker Rooms & Amenities
Thoughtfully designed locker rooms ensure a quick transition from session to street, offering full showers, premium toiletries, and storage for personal belongings.
Programming & Classes
For those seeking a structured approach, we offers guided experiences, including:
Sweat, Shiver, Socialize – A traditional sauna and cold plunge routine
Guided Sweat, Shiver, Socialize – An instructor-led session incorporating breath-work and exposure techniques
Framework Fitness – Contrast therapy designed to enhance recovery after structured workouts
