Klafs is betting that American men want serious heat at home—without giving up their living space. The European spa company announced the U.S. launch of the KLAFS S1, which its billed as the world’s first retractable sauna
The company is banking on the S1 as being a potential game-changer for the home sauna market, especially for those needing to free up valuable square footage in apartments, condos, or multipurpose rooms.. When closed, the S1 is about the size of a bookshelf. At the touch of a button, it automatically extends from roughly 24 inches to 63 inches—tripling its depth—into a full-function sauna. When you’re done with your sweat session, the machine slides back to its minimum size.
The S1 features insulated walls, premium finishes, and 8mm glass, with a clean, modern design that looks more like high-end furniture than fitness equipment, making it appear far from flimsy. Inside, KLAFS’ proprietary SANARIUM control offers five different climate settings, allowing temperatures up to 210°F and adjustable humidity. Once installed, the company says you’ll be able to dial in your preferred level of heat and sweat.
How Sauna Sessions Boost Men’s Health and Performance
According to 2025 statistics, the sauna market in United States is set to grow by $151.3 million from 2025 to 2029. Nearly 1.5 million American households currently have a sauna at home.
So why the demand for saunas? Regular sauna sessions can deliver a surprising range of health and performance benefits—without adding extra strain to your workout schedule.
Post-workout heat has been associated with less soreness, improved recovery, and even preservation of muscle mass, while helping to dial down inflammation. Many people also notice cosmetic perks: increased circulation and sweating can support collagen production, slough off dry skin, and leave pores feeling clearer—though those with sensitive skin conditions should proceed with caution.
For active individuals, time in the sauna after working out has been shown to improve maximum oxygen uptake and raise lactate threshold. This helps helping you handle higher-intensity efforts for longer—all without additional pounding on your joints. The heat also supports cardiorespiratory fitness Over time, better cardiorespiratory fitness, which is strongly linked with longevity and a lower risk of heart disease.
Metabolically, sauna use may help your body regulate blood sugar more effectively, which could contribute to a reduced risk of diabetes when combined with other healthy habits.
Studies of frequent sauna users show greater activation in brain networks tied to positive emotion, relaxation, attention, and mental clarity.
A Space-Saving Luxury Play for the U.S. Home Wellness Market
Klafs CEO Phillip Rock calls the S1 the brand’s most transformative innovation yet, positioning it as a way to make true sauna ownership realistic for men who never thought they had the space. Available in three sizes—small, medium, and large—the unit fits two to three users and comes in matte black or walnut exteriors with a warm walnut interior.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a luxury wellness experience that makes sauna ownership attainable for people who may not have considered it possible due to limited space in their homes,” he says in a statement. “By combining advanced engineering with thoughtful, space efficient design, we’ve created a sauna solution that elevates wellness in any home.”
With a nearly century-long track record in saunas for hotels, resorts, and luxury homes, Klafs is now moving aggressively into U.S. households. The S1 joins the brand’s growing American lineup, signaling that home wellness gear is getting more refined, design-driven, and space-savvy. Availability is targeted for summer 2026. More details are at KlafsUSA.com.
Photos: Courtesy of Klafs