The Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna is our latest team project! It has been four-years from concept to completion. Consistent with principles of sustainability, the project used local materials wherever possible and was hand-built by us with the assistance of local contractors. This photo essay describes the bespoke sauna build.
Re-purposing high-strength water-storage tanks
The Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna project hatches
One morning in 2022, Graham saw TasWater employees inspecting the old water-storage tanks in Coxs Lane, Branxholm. These three tanks along with a bore pump were the former town water supply. But now, they were an abandoned eyesore covered in grafitti and surrounded by rubbish. The employees informed Graham that the tanks were to be demolished. So, Graham–never miss an opportunity– asked if TasWater may consider selling the tanks.
Grand spontaneous (un)plan
It’s dangerous to let Graham loose on the internet. He kept showing us examples of concrete water tanks re-purposed for above- and in-ground pools. His ceative juices were stirred up! But without any notion of time-frames or costs, Graham made up his mind to re-purpose the tanks for water storage (good idea) and an in-ground pool (crazy idea). And, of course, he decided an in-ground plunge pool had to have a sauna (even more crazy idea!). So, the Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna project was born.
Hopefully, this project wouldn’t be as difficult, long-winded or expensive as our micro hydro power scheme. Well, it wasn’t as difficult, but it still had its moments!
First construction delay
After several months corresponding with TasWater, we purchased the three tanks. Then, in quick time, the sites for the water tanks were prepared and the hole for the pool was dug by a very reliable local (Derby) excavator owner. (What a gem!)
But, although cranes were opperating on builds in nearby Derby, and several operators promised to– drop in next time they drove by— we couldn’t even get a quote for our job. It took another 12 months to find a crane operator willing and available to move the tanks 500m down our road. I think Graham was close to giving up! All we had at this stage was a large hole in the ground, filling up with winter rain.
The value of good record keeping
Strangely, it took another 7 months for the crane operator to send us an invoice for the work. This was despite numerous phone calls from us. Finally, an over-priced invoice arrived. Thankfully we had kept photo evidence of the actual work and the time involved. So, the invoice was corrected and promptly paid. However, we also received a demand for an unpaid bill from the operator’s solicitor some time later. We sent the solicitor the evidence of the phone calls, invoice, amended invoice and bank payments and didn’t hear from them again.
This may seem bazaar, but it has happened to us before! Some years ago another local contractor sent us a delayed and over-priced bill. Has anyone else experienced this unusual business practice in Tasmania?
Buildings take shape
Milling the timber for the Tailrace Sauna
Douglas Fir trees are also known as Oregon in Tasmania. The trees grow well here and the timber is highly prised. So, you can imagine how deligthed we were when our (amazing) local Derby excavator driver offered us some mature fir trees for the bartered price of some milled slabs!
What would we do without the old Fiat tractor? The Oregaon logs were milled into studs, weather boards and slabs. The image below shows the beautiful grain in this timber.
The milled timber was sun and air dried. So, it was another year before construction of our Tin Dragon Tailrace sauna could commence. But, I think you will agree with me, that the wait was worthwhile when you see the beauty of this timber!
Constructing the sauna and change room
The sauna buildings have been constructed next to our existing micro-hydro shed. In fact, the change room actually sits over our hydro tailrace. So, you can hear the rushing water beneath your feet!
Well before the timber was ready, Graham had the flooring in place. And, his first job (pun intended) was to seat and plumb-in the toilet. The trench was dug by our local Branxholm contractor. Then, for the best part of the following year, the toilet stood all on it own behind the Hydro shed!
I should also mention, that another reason for the slow pace of construction was the absence of our son, James Cashion. James has spent the last four Winters travelling across the north and west of Australia. For two Winter seasons he worked at the Mt Dare Hotel in the Simpson Desert. We have really only had him here for a few precious months each year.
Tailrace Sauna walls and roof appear
External Oregon cladding is completed
Tailrace Sauna and change room interiors are completed
Finishing touches to the Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna
After years of construction, the Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna construction was completed in early 2026.
Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna opening in 2026
James is taking on the management of the Tailrace Sauna and this month (February 2026) he started inviting friends to test the sauna and plunge experience. Based on their feedback, he has been improving the sauna and the experience. For example, the online booking system has been improved and softdrinks as well as chilled water have been provided.
There are still a few Health and Safety regulatory ticks to be achieved. But James hopes to formally open the Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna in the coming weeks.
So, keep an eye on James’s new Instagram account to find out when you can book your session in the Tin Dragon Tailrace Sauna!
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