Where Contrast Meets Comfort: Galanter & Jones x Sauna House

At Sauna House, everything we do is grounded in one simple idea: help people to feel their very best—Not just a little better, but deeply relaxed, rebalanced, and restored.

We invite guests to sit in 185° rooms and submerge themselves in 48° water, so at first glance this may seem a counterintuitive goal. These moments can be intense, and bouts of discomfort are in fact, expected. But that’s the magic of contrast therapy—over the course of a two-hour visit, the shifts between hot, cold, and rest create a profound physiological response.

Research shows that this phase of passive recovery is key to reaping the full benefits of contrast therapy. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, these rest periods promote parasympathetic nervous system activation, allowing the body to regulate heart rate, reduce cortisol levels, and restore internal balance after intense thermal stress (Tipton, 2019).

This is where the real 'reset' occurs, both physically and mentally. Since our earliest days in Asheville, we've sought partners who understand this quieter side of wellness. Enter Galanter & Jones—the brilliant minds behind the sculptural, heated seating that defines our social lounges. Their furniture doesn’t just warm bodies; it welcomes people to relax, open up, and connect.

We’ve used both off-the-shelf and custom-built Galanter & Jones pieces across multiple locations, and recently had the chance to sit down with Miranda Jones, co-founder and resident comfort guru, to learn more about what fuels their work, and why it fits so seamlessly into the bathhouse experience.

A Short Philosophy of Comfort with Miranda Jones

LG: Galanter & Jones is known for beautifully designed heated furniture. Any interesting anecdotes on what went into discovering how to deliver that perfect kick of heat?

MJ: When we first started experimenting, we spent a lot of time just sitting—literally—testing materials, heating elements, and temperature ranges until it felt right. We wanted the warmth to feel natural, like the sun on your back. That balance of comfort and subtlety took years. We joke that we’ve probably spent more time sitting on benches in our workshop than at our desks.

LG: Sauna House aims to provide a third space for connection and relaxation. How do you see your heated furniture complementing that mission?

MJ: We love that idea—a third space designed for presence. Our pieces invite people to slow down. The heat creates an immediate sense of comfort, which softens the moment and opens people up. We’ve always envisioned our pieces as a natural fit for gathering spots. When people are physically comfortable, they stay longer, talk more, and relax more deeply. That warmth becomes a shared experience—subtle but powerful.

LG: Your designs feel like a natural extension of the contrast therapy experience. Was that something you considered when designing your products?

MJ: Absolutely. We’re big believers in warmth as care. Because our furniture uses conductive heat first, it travels directly through the body—gently and deeply. That makes it perfect for post-cold plunge or sauna recovery. It’s not just comfort, it’s part of the ritual.

LG: Sauna House focuses on a minimalist, tech-free approach to relaxation. How does your furniture complement this aesthetic?

MJ: That’s very much by design. Our pieces are analog—no screens, no apps, no updates. You just sit down and feel it. That simplicity is part of the luxury: it works, it’s beautiful, and it stays out of the way so the focus is on how you feel.

LG: Can you share how your heat delivery differs from traditional methods like infrared or forced-air heating?

MJ: Our heat is conductive first, radiant second. When you sit down, you feel the warmth directly through contact—like a sun-warmed rock. Then the radiant heat gently warms the air around you. Compared to infrared or forced air, our warmth is quiet, grounding, and consistent. It envelops without overwhelming.

LG: Sauna House prioritizes sustainability in design. How do your products align with that vision?

MJ: We think about sustainability in energy use and longevity. Our furniture targets people, not entire rooms, using just a fraction of the energy of traditional heating. And we use durable materials like GFRC that last for years, not seasons. We also think about sustainability of use. Using electricity as a power source ensures that there is no refueling, obnoxious noise, or unpleasant and unhealthy exhaust.

LG: How does your furniture offer a more sustainable way of warming people in wellness spaces?

MJ: It’s about precision and efficiency. Traditional heating warms the air, which escapes quickly. We warm the body directly through conductive heat, then create a subtle radiant effect around the person. It’s more effective, more efficient, and more intentional.

LG: Your furniture is built for both indoor and outdoor use. How does that durability benefit a business like Sauna House?

MJ: Durability was one of our founding principles. Our pieces are made to live outside year-round. They’re tough but elegant and require very little maintenance. This brings a lot of value, removing concerns relating to high-traffic spaces and regions with inclement weather and big seasonal swings.

LG: What feedback do you hear from spa or hospitality businesses that use your furniture?

MJ: Two things: it elevates the space, and guests rave about the warmth. For many businesses, our furniture becomes a signature—something that’s not only remembered, but talked about. We want to take advantage of the fact that people spend hours in contact with our furniture. We want to do all we can to leave an imprint and be a part of every type of outdoor experience.

LG: How does the low maintenance and longevity make it a smart investment for bathhouses and wellness spaces?

MJ: You install it, plug it in, and that’s it. The heating element is built to last, the finish is tough, and there are no moving parts to manage. Over time, it pays for itself in energy savings and durability.

LG: If you could design a Sauna House-exclusive piece…what would it be?

MJ: A heated chaise for sure. Something sculptural, low to the ground, built for serious post-sauna lounging. Maybe even modular, so groups could relax together. That’s the fun part—we’re always dreaming up what warmth could look like next.

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At Sauna House, we believe feeling good shouldn’t be reserved for a special occasion. It should be woven into your weekly routine, into how you connect, recover, and slow down. Galanter & Jones shares that same belief. Their work reminds us that warmth is more than a sensation—it’s an invitation.

Come feel it for yourself.