Green Cabins consist of many parts to make it truly Green

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Sustainable Construction

There are two compelling reasons why we try and build our cabins in a sustainable way and hope that during their lifetime they do not have a negative effect on the environment. Firstly, the construction industry is a big user of natural resources so it is important that these resources are used responsibly, and ideally renewably. Secondly, fossil fuel use, both in construction and everyday use, leads to climate change so using renewable sources of energy will help to mitigate this.

We try and achieve sustainable construction by using renewable and recyclable materials, reducing energy consumption and waste, creating a healthy, environmentally-friendly product and protecting the natural environment.

Below are some of the ways we try and achieve these objectives:

    The Base

    Use groundscrews to avoid the use of a concrete slab where possible.

    The production of cement is energy-intensive.
    The ground remains relatively undisturbed so can be reused in the future if needed

    The Walls and Roof

    Timber Frame

    Framing is grown from sustainable sources and has low embodied energy

    Sheathing

    OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

    Less waste in the production process, uses less mature trees

    Roof Waterproof Layer

    EDPM Rubber

    Due to its extended lifespan and reusability, EPDM is recognised to be an environmentally friendly material with significant advantages over other types of roof membranes

    Cladding

    Hardwood, Thermowood and Softwood

    All the timber cladding is produced from sustainable sources. Most cladding materials need little treatment other than to maintain colour and will last in excess of 30 years.

    Insulation

    Rockwool, Expanded Polystyrene Sheets (EPS), Celotex, Woodfibre, Sheeps Wool

    Insulation is the key to comfort and low running costs. We generally try to meet or exceed current building regulations where possible. Some of the most environmentally friendly insulation materials in terms of embedded energy take up more room than, for example, Celotex or EPS, so it is a compromise when space is limited, but generally the more the better.

    Green Roof

    Expanded clay substrate, Local Authority compost

    A Green Roof adds to the insulation value of the cabin, attracts wildlife and needs very little maintenance.

    Construction Waste

    Waste is kept to a minimum and offcuts recycled

    There is inevitably waste but it can be reduced with careful design. Timber waste is donated for use in woodburners. Some waste cannot be recycled and is disposed of responsibly.

    Recycled Materials

    Recycled materials are used as part of the design.

    We have used recycled materials for internal and external cladding, for example, where they feature prominently as a design feature.

    Green Roofs

    The roof is made up of several layers; a waterproof layer to keep the roof structure dry. Then a drainage layer also acts as a water store in dry periods. A root barrier layer prevents roots from penetrating the layers below. The substrate layer is made up of lightweight expanded clay mixed with compost. We normally use compost recycled from local waste collections. The plant layer is then normally laid in a similar way to turf, or plants can be individually planted if the substrate layer is deep enough.

    A Green Roof will really set your cabin apart. There are many benefits:

      It looks good!

      It replaces any green space lost to the footprint of the structure or creates a garden where there was once rough ground. Plants that thrive in dry climates, such as sedum are most suitable but many more will happily survive with a bit of care.

      Collect rain water

      Water runoff is slowed down and can be collected from the roof and used in dry periods if necessary.

      Added insulation

      A green roof also adds to the insulation value of the roof, keeping warmth inside in winter and keeping the structure cool in summer.

      Renewable Energy

      Renewable energy technologies use the sun in one way or another to convert its radiation into useful energy. We can add a Solar PV system to your cabin to provide electricity that can either be connected to the grid or provide you with an off-grid battery solution.

      We can install a grid-connected system that can be registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) so that you can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

      The amount of power that you can generate depends on the roof area available. If all you need is USB charging and power for a laptop a one-panel system should suffice. The higher the power demand the bigger the system needs to be. Electric heating is possible if the cabin is sufficiently insulated and the system is big enough. We can design a system to suit most requirements.

      Solar Thermal panels use the sun directly to heat water if you want a shower, either for a small shower room in a cabin or a shower block. You will need a tank and a water supply and connection to the sewer or a soakaway.

      Although not strictly renewable energy, we can also install a composting toilet for that true off-grid experience!

      Cabin and Camping Pods

      We make bespoke cabins, so there is usually a solution for the space you need. Many people now work from home and we can provide a quiet space that is only for you or a communal space for everyone.

      Our camping pods are really just small cabins. They are built in the same way as their larger cousins and are designed for all year use. They can be built on skids or a trailer if necessary and are solar battery-powered for use in the middle of nowhere!

      In case you require additional information or just want to enquire about these services, please feel free to contact us.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Is it possible to visit your premises?
        We have a display you can visit near Coventry. To speak with someone, please get in touch first.

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