A new destination for relaxation, recovery, and serious heat and cold is taking shape in the heart of Stroud — and Stroud Times has been inside for a first look as building work gets underway.
The Heat Exchange at 10 John Street is being created as a place to reset, restore and reconnect — bringing together sauna, cold-water immersion, recovery, ritual and community under one roof.
Inspired by a long-standing love of sauna and shared experience, the project is being built as an intentional and inclusive space where people from all walks of life can step away from the demands of everyday living, slow down, be present and feel part of something meaningful.
Whether you are an athlete looking to recover, a busy professional needing to decompress, a parent craving an hour to recharge, or simply someone looking for meaningful connection, the intention is to create a space that feels welcoming and accessible.
Work gets underway on exciting new sauna and recovery space in Stroud – take a first look in our video below as co-founder Chris Barker gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes.
The founders believe more and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional social spaces — places where they can meet without alcohol, support their wellbeing, unwind from the pressures of modern life and experience a genuine sense of connection and belonging.
At The Heat Exchange, that philosophy is being built into both the physical space and the experience surrounding it.
Co-founder Chris Barker leads the design, build and project management of The Heat Exchange. With more than 25 years’ experience in carpentry and construction, his career has taken him from film sets and restaurants to bespoke furniture and, more recently, premium sauna builds. His background as a professional snowboarder and instructor, surfer and long distance runner has also shaped his understanding of physical recovery, resilience and the importance of building environments that genuinely support wellbeing.
Co-founder Yuliya Poberezhnik brings a background in brand development, strategy and customer experience, alongside many years of teaching yoga, mindfulness and embodied wellbeing. Her focus has been on shaping not only how The Heat Exchange looks and feels, but the whole journey people have with the space — from first discovering it to how they feel when they leave. Creating environments that support presence, nervous-system regulation, connection and a genuine sense of belonging has always been central to her work.
Together, their different backgrounds have shaped The Heat Exchange from both sides: the space itself and the experience that happens within it.
The team has also made a conscious decision to use premium and ecological materials wherever possible, avoiding unnecessary off-gassing and creating an environment where people can simply breathe deeply, relax and enjoy the experience.
Outside, work is underway on a large garden transformation, with plans for an additional wood-fired sauna, hot tub and communal outdoor area where people can rest and connect between rounds of heat and cold.
Ultimately, the vision is simple:
Recovery. Presence. Connection. Community.
https://www.theheatexchange.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/the.
