Our spirit of innovation has its roots in early 1974. Back then, our founder Tony Küng recognised the potential of the sauna as a design object and brought it out of the cellar and into the home. With unconventional shapes and bold combinations of materials, he enriched sauna construction in Switzerland. Küng's unique signature set new standards, whether with the horizontal black feather paneling, the frameless glass fronts or the bar profile.

The latest stage in our development is the extension of the range to include swimming pools. An extension into the water element completes our vision of manufacturing total wellbeing. Or, as the Küng brand promise puts it: "Well-being that's completely personal".

Mr Küng, what is your first memory of a sauna and what was the effect?
It was sauna sessions in the exhibition sauna at the time, in a Finnish log house on the edge of a forest. Soon after the company was founded, I concentrated on adapting, optimising and perfecting the Finnish approaches to our requirements. I was also impressed by the unique polar pine wood and the craftsmanship of the Finnish turners, as well as the great effect of the small details.

You understood very early on, in the 80s, that the sauna was part of the home.
My very first saunas that I sold were simple, square Finnish sauna cabins, often placed in cellars or attics. As these places weren't very comfortable at the time, it detracted from the sauna experience. For me personally, the atmosphere in and around a sauna has always been very important. That's why I wanted my saunas to be harmonious, which meant integrating them into living areas.

In the past, you've even considered the sauna as a design object. Where did this intuition come from?
I've always had a soft spot for architecture and beautiful things. That's why I had the design of many of the details and features of a Küng sauna protected. In 1979, I opened the first permanent exhibition of saunas and was able to show a number of - at the time far-fetched - design ideas. These objects were very well received by builders and architects. Saunas became more and more individual pieces of furniture, and eventually became our core competence.

Küng Sauna was both a business and a passion for you. How important was passion?
The most important! Without passion, creativity cannot be born. Only passion can overcome mediocrity, and passion is also behind the high quality standards we set ourselves.

And how have you managed, as an entrepreneur, to pass on this passion to your staff?
I think that passion lived is contagious. It's a pleasure to design, manufacture and assemble a beautiful, high-quality sauna. The sauna will also be a source of joy and well-being for its future owners. This is confirmed by the countless enthusiastic reactions from our customers, who we are delighted to receive, whether during assembly, in the office or at a trade fair.

You were ahead of your time when you set out to establish the sauna on the Swiss market. It's been a rocky road and isn't it a little annoying that the sauna and wellness theme has only really arrived today?
I don't feel that way. The unique polar pine wood gives an unmistakable sauna fragrance and feel, which has been much appreciated by customers from the outset. Of course, the first few years were difficult, but the growing positive response from satisfied customers supported the business at the time and motivated me. What's more, I was able to take advantage of the construction boom.

There have been various innovations from Küng in the sauna sector: corner glazing, the Biosa bio sauna concept, etc. Which one are you particularly proud of?
The biggest revolution in the sauna sector has been the organic sauna concept. As I said, I've always wanted to adapt the sauna to your needs, and all I had to do was ask around. For some people, the 80°C sauna was too hot and prevented them from breathing. This prompted me to work with specialists to develop what had already proved its worth, and the result was the BIOSA organic sauna. I'm delighted that this form of sauna is now popular all over the world.

During your years as a sauna pioneer, what were the most challenging moments?
It was definitely my unwavering belief in the Biosa concept and launching it despite the headwinds. This decision earned me both the title of sauna pioneer and consequences such as exclusion from the Sauna Association.

When it comes to manufacturing, you've always relied on the Swiss production site. That certainly wasn't always easy...
As an innovative DIYer, I needed proximity to production, which is why a production site outside Switzerland was never an issue for me. I wanted to make a Swiss product from Finnish polar pine, a product that convinces with its functional design. I don't think that could have been achieved in the same way with a production site abroad.

What is your wish for the future of the company?
I wish Küng Wellness AG to maintain its prominent position in the market and to continue to distinguish itself through innovation, design and quality. The Wellness team is doing a fantastic job and I'm proud to see how my legacy lives on in my name.