FAQs
New Primitive
Timeline
From the time of signing, it takes 3-4 months to build and deliver your structure. Lead times depend on local permitting wait times and availability in our production queue. We send weekly updates so you are always in the know.
Material Procurement: Material availability from our suppliers might affect the timeline if there are unforeseen supply delays or if a material substitution is necessary.
Production Queue: Contact us ahead of your desired delivery date to ensure a space in our production queue.
Turnkey Services
Our Turnkey Services cover all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth delivery and installation of your New Primitive structure. The specific services depend on the foundation type and layout choice. These mandatory services provide a hassle-free experience and include:
Personalization of design and configuration from available options
Feasibility and access assessment
Architectural services for custom layouts
Final quote preparation
Building permit package and fees*
Foundation design*
Project planning and tracking
Soils, MEP, and structural engineering management*
Energy modeling and glazing performance optimization
Site work coordination with general contractor
Clerical work*
In-factory inspections*
Project Manager for 1 day of on-site installation
*Services not required or included for temporary foundation.
No, all of our structures fall under 200 sqft, so they require no zoning or building permits. However, you will still need to comply with local HOA and city requirements. This makes our offerings an ideal choice for those looking to add extra space quickly and hassle-free, while still adhering to community guidelines. Always make sure to check with your local authorities to ensure you meet all HOA and city regulations.
Yes. We can hire and manage a local General Contractor (GC) on your behalf. We'll oversee the entire process to ensure efficient site work and proper preparation for your New Primitive installation. The GC will provide an estimate which will be added to the final quote with a service fee from New Primitive.
Cost & Financing
The all-in cost of your project includes the unit price, Turn Key Services, add-on features or services, and site work. Site Work costs can vary significantly due to site conditions, local general contractor fees, and labor expenses. We provide a rough estimate for site work early on to give you a clear picture of the total project cost from the start.
ELMNTL Shelters arrive completely finished and code-compliant. The structure comes with all interior and exterior finishes included. More specifications here. Download the brochure to see the full specifications.
The service cost includes a list of Turnkey Services based on:
Your choice of pre-set or custom floor plan
The type of foundation you select
Turnkey Services are mandatory and ensure a smooth and efficient installation process. Additional services can be added as needed.
Use our Configurator to see detailed pricing.
Yes, site work is necessary to prepare for the installation of your ELMNTL Shelter. The scope and cost of site work will vary greatly based on location, local GC and labor costs, and your foundation design. An ELMNTL project manager will work closely with your GC to ensure your site is ready for delivery. For an additional service, ELMNTL can hire and fully manage a local GC on your behalf.
We provide the best delivery rate available at the time of shipment. On average, the rates are between $4/mile - $7/mile.
Shipped fully insured from our workshop in Lyons, Colorado.
Depending on your use case, you may qualify for specialized loan categories. If you’re installing an ELMNTL Shelter as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or a backyard studio, be sure to explore simple HELOC financing with your bank. If you are building a second home or a vacation rental, ask your local credit union or a bank about a construction loan.
If you are launching a commercial hospitality retreat, contact us for a consultation on debt and equity financing.
What's Inside
Built for the planet. Our decarbonizing wood structure and hemp insulation produce 3x fewer carbon emissions than steel frames with traditional insulation. Our materials are designed to be reused or composted. Starting with an assessment of durability, carbon footprint, and optimal value for customer, each material undergoes an intensive R&D process in our workshop in West Jordan, Utah. We choose materials that are pure, meaning we avoid any unnecessary processing or treatment with chemicals. We avoid the use of plastics, foams, and anything that off-gasses. Our builds offer unmatched interior comfort and beauty.
Download our brochure for more specification details. An overview of what’s inside our Sauna
Structure:
Framing - Engineered wood: LVLs, LSLs, TGIs, timber framing
Insulation - Mineral wool or hemp insulation.
Wall: R-29 / Floor: R-40 / Ceiling: R-49. If higher R value is required, we have an add-on insulation option that meets all codes.
Roof - Class A or WUI fire-rated assembly: EPDM / TPO over insulation with an integrated gutter system.
Walls - R-6 continuous exterior insulation and waterproofing membrane
Floors - Wide-plank engineered hardwood cedar flooring
TGI joists for minimal thermal bridging with insulation
Waterproofing membrane + underlayment + insect/rodent screen
Systems
Ventilation - Upper and lower adjustable vents to prevent static air.
Windows - Double glazed high performance European windows, wood interior. Optimized U-factor and Heat Gain Coefficient for passive cooling or heating.
Doors - Solid glass sauna door.
Lights - Spotlights, sconce lights, and/or concealed dimmable LED strip lighting system. Designer switches and outlets. Exterior spot lighting and exterior under-the-floor light strip.
NP° builds are made in SLC, Utah with love and expert craftsmanship. Our fabrication team combines years of experience building high-end modular tiny homes, advanced modular home manufacutring, passive house construction techniques. We believe there’s magic in every detail and that your lifetime investment deserves this special touch.
Wood Fired vs. Electric Stove
Take some of the following factors into consideration when choosing your stove:
Heat Experience: Wood-fired stoves offer a traditional sauna experience with intense heat and aroma; electric stoves provide consistent, adjustable heat.
Maintenance: Wood-fired stoves need regular cleaning and wood storage; electric stoves are more low-maintenance.
Environmental Impact: Wood-fired stoves use renewable resources but emit smoke; electric stoves are cleaner burning.
Convenience: Electric stoves start quickly and have precise temperature control; wood-fired stoves require more time and effort to manage.
See more factors below, under the operating cost and hospitality environments sections. If you’ve made you’re choice, configure your sauna to get an estimate.
Wood-Fired Stoves: With a readily available and inexpensive supply of wood, this is the more cost friendly option. However, costs can increase if you need to purchase and transport firewood.
Electric Stoves: Operating costs depend on local electricity rates. While typically more expensive than wood, electric offers greater efficiency and control, potentially leading to savings over time through precise temperature regulation.
For high-use or hospitality settings, electric stoves offer ease of use, reliability, and lower maintenance, while wood-fired stoves provide a unique, authentic experience that may require more upkeep. We recommend electric if you don’t have a dedicated person operating the sauna.
Insulation
NP Sauna features mineral wool or hemp insulation with a continuous foil-backed radiant barrier, ensuring robust insulation and energy efficiency.
Unlike barrel saunas, which are not insulated, NP Sauna offers significant long-term cost benefits due to its energy efficiency. Our robust insulation also allows for more even temperature distribution while operating the sauna, resulting in a more relaxing experience.
Ventilation
We have taken a science-driven approach for ventilation. Our system provides fresh air intake and passive air circulation vents, which optimize stove performance while keeping the heat in.
NP Sauna is constructed without plastic, foam insulation, formaldehyde, or any toxic off-gassing chemicals. You'll only be breathing in the natural, wood-malted air.
High Volume Use
Yes. New Primitive Sauna is designed for high-use environments and is commercially rated. It meets the highest performance airdrying standards, featuring embedded furring strips on all interior walls and ceilings for effective condensation management and an extended product lifespan.
NP Sauna is fully waterproof inside and out, offering superior protection for humid and wet conditions. It is built to withstand interior shower use and cold plunges.
Site Work & Foundation
Site work is only necessary if you do not have leveled ground or access for a truck to deliver the NP Sauna. If you already have a leveled ground and access, no additional site work is required.
No. Your local general contractor (GC) will handle the site work if needed.
No, New Primitive Sauna does not require a foundation. It comes either with integrated, pressure-treated beams that can be set on leveled ground. However, we encourage you to check if you have specific local zoning and permitting requirements for saunas.
Installation
Installing a sauna takes just a few hours. Once your NP Sauna is delivered and secured, all checks are completed, and the stove is plugged in, you can fire it up right away.
No, the truck drop-off ensures minimal disruption to your day. Fire it up and invite your neighbors (well, depends on the neighbors).
A licensed electrician will make the final tie in. Unless you added power add-ons or add-ons that require water connection (for example, outdoor shower), there are no other utilities to handle. If you need power and/or water hook-ups, we provide simple garden hose and power cord connections underneath the sauna for a quick and simple utility hook-up that you can do yourself.
Wherever there is level ground. NP Sauna can transform your backyard into a personal health spa. For convenience, we recommend installing a sauna in a backyard. For hospitality, we recommend a beautiful, natural setting where your guests can enjoys views while relaxing.
Wellness Suite
New Primitive Sauna. Inquire about preorders here. We are open to custom requests for hospitality projects. Please tell us more on the custom project form.
You can expect a high ROI for wellness products. In addition to having luxury appeal, wellness products provide a unique selling point, higher room booking rates, longer stays on the average, and opportunities to attract new client segments.