NASHVILLE, Tenn. Framework, a Finnish-inspired traditional sauna and cold plunge studio dedicated to enhancing physical, mental, and social health, is bringing wellness outdoors with today’s launch of its new concept: Backyard. Located in a tree-lined lawn behind a more than 100-year-old home in East Nashville’s historic Greenwood neighborhood, Backyard transforms the restorative power of contrast therapy (hot/cold) into an open-air experience that fosters community and connection. Blending centuries-old sauna traditions with modern scientific research, the new outdoor space creates a refreshing environment where guests can gather, recharge, and boost their overall well-being together.
Framework is a pioneer in Nashville’s health and wellness industry as the first studio to pair traditional sauna and cold plunge, to design specifically for a social setting (including large saunas, side-by-side cold tubs and communal lounge area) and the only to offer these experiences outdoors. The brand originally launched a temporary location in Berry Hill in February 2024 before moving to their current Flagship studio in Wedgewood-Houston, which opened as a combination indoor/outdoor studio in January 2025.
Unlike anything else in Nashville, Backyard now provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor wellness destination that reimagines how the city experiences health, recovery and connection.
“When we first introduced outdoor sauna and cold plunge, we weren’t sure how Nashville would respond,” said Allen Penn, founder of Framework. “From our launch space to our Flagship, the demand for this combination of outdoor time, health/fitness/wellness activities and social connection has been clear. Backyard builds on that momentum as we expand to East Nashville in a social outdoor setting that helps people connect, recover and recharge.”
The more than 3,000-square-foot yard transforms a historic property into a purpose-built space for sauna and cold plunge use. Backyard is home to a custom 190-degree Fahrenheit traditional sauna that can fit up to 12 people, four cold tubs at varying temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for solo and shared plunges, outdoor showers and ample lounge space for rest and socializing. The outdoor area will host Framework Fitness workout classes (including weekly yoga and more) and special events like weekly Framework Frequency DJ sessions. The original 1920s house has some modern updates but retains its century-old charm, and inside guests will find changing rooms, restrooms and towels, as well as drinks and healthy snacks for sale, altogether ensuring a seamless wellness experience from start to finish.
Penn continued, “As we grow Framework and continue to open new studios, our priority is to bring healthy routines, social gathering spaces and unique venues to every neighborhood we join. Each Framework location should feel as distinctive and meaningful as the neighborhood it’s a part of. East Nashville’s vibrant, eclectic spirit and love of outdoor living seen throughout the community’s backyards, porches and patios (like those of our neighbors at Pharmacy Burger and Mas Tacos), inspired Backyard as a health-focused addition to Nashville’s more traditional social scene.”
Backed by Centuries of Tradition and Proven Scientific Research for Health Improvement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates Americans spend on average 90-93 percent of their time indoors. An indoor lifestyle reduces the healthy exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures as well as natural sunlight. Combined traditional sauna and cold plunge experience, as supported by quality peer-reviewed scientific research, has notable and lasting health benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent of Americans are living with a chronic disease (source), and regular traditional sauna usage has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of more than half of those identified chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension and stroke, while also supporting mental health, metabolic health and mood.
Habitual use of dry sauna and cold plunge is encouraged to maximize the benefits, with researchers recommending cumulatively at least 60 minutes of sauna exposure and 10 minutes of cold exposure weekly. This can be broken into individual sessions, and Framework’s multiple locations and membership options make regular usage more convenient for Nashvillians.
Location & Hours of Operation
Located at 926 McFerrin Ave., Framework Backyard is open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking is available onsite via a private lot.
Framework’s 5,000-square-foot Flagship location in Wedgewood-Houston (1411 4th Ave. S) offers indoor and outdoor contrast therapy through seven saunas and 13 cold plunges providing individual and group options. In addition to hot/cold exposure, the Flagship also offers one of the US’ only Tersa SAVA vibroacoustic sound therapy pod and The Café with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and health snacks.
For more information on Framework, including the benefits of sauna and cold plunge therapy, booking and membership details plus helpful pre-visit information, visit joinframework.com and follow @joinframework on Instagram. For partnership and private event bookings, email [email protected].
About Framework
Framework is social studio for sauna and cold plunge, exclusively dedicated to the proven health benefits of hot and cold exposure. Anchored in humans’ natural gravitation toward community and built from centuries-old cultural traditions, Framework’s mission is crystal clear: to integrate traditional sauna and cold plunge into individuals’ regular routines to establish a foundation for healthy living. For more information about Framework, studio addresses and hours of operation, to learn about the benefits of hot and cold therapy, or to explore membership options, visit joinframework.com and follow along at @joinframework.
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