Kelowna – Crane Install for Tight-Fit Mini Mode Sauna
Shelby Friesen
Kelowna – Crane Install for Tight-Fit Mini Mode Sauna
This was a special one—it marked the first-ever build of our new 8’ x 8’ Mini Mode sauna. Designed specifically to fit into a tight corner of the client’s backyard, the project involved a precision crane lift, a clean design layout, and an epic lake view from the final setup.
Check out the details & photos showcasing the project below! 📸
Project Details
Location: Kelowna, BC Product: 8’ x 8’ Mini Mode Sauna Special Requirements: Tight crane lift over house, no overhangs on two sides, pad fit within inches
Mini Mode Sauna Size: 8’ x 8’ Heat: Huum Drop 9 electric heater with Wi-Fi control Interior Finish: Tight-knot cedar tongue-and-groove Exterior Finish: Pro-Lock metal siding and roofing
Add-Ons: Custom roof overhangs (2 sides only) Cedar soffits with integrated lighting Skirting installed post-lift
How It Started
The client reached out with a specific request: they had a small concrete pad nestled into a tight exterior corner of their home and wanted a modern sauna that could fit that footprint exactly. The use case was clear—they wanted something minimal, permanent, and comfortable enough for two people to fully stretch out and relax.
We booked a site visit and confirmed it was possible, but tight. There was a roofline above the pad, so any unit going in would need to be craned over the house and dropped in with precision. That also meant adjusting the design—two of the sauna’s sides would have no roof overhangs, allowing it to nest right up against the walls of the home.
Once we brought in Lake Country Crane to confirm the lift feasibility, we were greenlit to move forward—and excited to prototype our very first Mini Mode.
The Build
The design was clean and efficient:
Pro-Lock metal siding and roofing gave it a modern, weather-resistant shell
Two custom roof overhangs on the entry and lakeview sides, each finished with cedar soffits and lighting
Interior finished with tight-knot cedar, giving it a warm and timeless feel
Huum Drop 9 electric heater with Wi-Fi control for simple heat-up from inside the house
The layout maximized the space—compact, well-ventilated, and just long enough for two people to lie down in comfort.
The Installation
The project site was only a short drive from our shop, so we loaded the unit onto one of our smaller trailers and headed out in the morning. Once on-site, we met Lake Country Crane, got things staged, and began blocking and rigging for the lift.
This crane job required precision.
We lifted the unit up and over the house and carefully threaded it into place with inches to spare between the structure and the surrounding roofline. Once lowered onto the pad, we removed the straps, set the sauna level, and installed the skirting around the base.
It was smooth, quick, and finished by late morning—with good weather and an even better view.
Another Successful Delivery!
This was our first Mini Mode build, and it set the tone perfectly: efficient, modern, and custom-fit to the space. A clean crane install, a great local team, and a killer lake view made it one to remember.
Check out the project photos below! ⬇️ 📸
Planning a Custom-Sized Sauna?
We specialize in tight fits, crane lifts, and modern finishes that actually last. Whether it’s a big backyard or a tight corner like this one, we’ll help you design something that works.
We specialize in tight fits, crane lifts, and modern finishes that actually last. Whether it’s a big backyard or a tight corner like this one, we’ll help you design something that works.
