Collen
"Collen" (Welsh) - Hazel
A tree long held sacred as the tree of knowledge or tree of wisdom, hazel has magical associations and is believed to be a guardian tree of the fairy realm, especially in Irish and Welsh folklore and it still grows near many holy wells.
A covered entrance porch with space for boots and wet gear opens onto a bed/living area. The glass sliding doors provide views and access onto an amenity deck, and views beyond it. The shower room is detached from the main living space and benefits from floor to ceiling windows.
Product Details
DESIGN INSPIRATION - HIDDEN
“Helygen” (Welsh) - Willow
Nature is the leading inspiration for the Helygen®.
Natural materials, such as larch cladding, are utilised alongside modern materials to produce a design that balances concerns for the immediate and wider environment with the need for functional usage and aesthetic elegance.
The willow tree was the inspiration for the external cladding. As the tree ages the bark of the willow splits, producing an abstract lattice. The way in which light from the sun interacts with the swaying branches of the tree has also influenced the design. The sun casts beautiful shadows and alternative perspectives are created through which the beauty of nature can be appreciated.
The Helygen® is a responsive and intelligent structure, designed with functionality and versatility in mind so it blends easily within the environment. It sits comfortably in different settings, such as green pastures and woodlands and more built-up environments such as private gardens, towns and villages. It offers individuals, couples and groups privacy and comfort from where to contemplate and experience nature.
The tiny house movement, an architectural and social movement started in the USA, which advocates living simply in small spaces and promotes eco-friendly choices has also been a strong influence in the design of the Helygen®. Furthermore, Japanese architecture, traditionally typified by wooden structures raised off the ground and in particular Japanese micro-architecture, have heavily been a source of inspiration.
2.7 by 3.3 metre core
STANDARD DESIGN
8.1m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
Radiant heating panels
Bespoke layouts available
Prices: POA
2.7 by 4.5 metre core
STANDARD DESIGN
11m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
Radiant heating panels
Fitted kitchenette
Bespoke layouts available
Prices: POA
Kitchen
Natural light floods the kitchen thanks to floor to ceiling windows and a translucent ceiling.
Unlike many other pods on the market, our kitchen is not housed within the living space. Our hand crafted kitchen has the added benefit of being equipped with a double hob, ample storage and space for a fridge-freezer and oven. Radiant heating can be installed to effectively heat the space whilst in use.
SPACES - HIDDEN
Shower room
Perform your ablutions in style. A luxurious shower experience awaits.
The shower room also benefits from floor to ceiling windows and a translucent ceiling. The space can be effectively heated by the addition of a radiant heat source.
A wet room shower drains through a deck that seamlessly blends with the rest of the room.
The pedestal basin is located to allow optimum use of natural light.
Living/Bedroom
The central insulated core of the Helygen, which provides the main living and sleeping space, is constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs). Structures built utilising SIPs typically have excellent insulation standards and lower running costs, compared to structures utilising alternative materials.
Depending on the size and configuration of the model chosen, the core is able to comfortably accommodate between two and four people. Radiant heating panels are standard but their use is minimal due to the air tightness and insulative properties of the SIPs.
Boot room
The shower room and living/bedroom are accessed via the boot room. Dirty boots, muddy clothing and wet activity wear can be removed without having to soil the living space. Ample storage exists for spare bedding, suitcases and visiting pets.
Veranda
On a wet day, views can be enjoyed from the veranda. To increase comfort and versatility of the Helygen, glazed sliding doors can be commissioned to enclose the veranda from the elements. The veranda can provide access to an open decked area that can be designed to suit the nature of the site. The decking can be used for barbecues and stargazing, with easy access via the veranda to the kitchen. The open-air decking area is for the whole family, with sufficient space to house an array of patio furniture and flora.
Highly insulated core:
Using highly insulated timber framing, our cabins provide a comfortable thermal environment. Sourced locally, we ensure minimal transport emissions and work closely with suppliers to provide quality assurance.
Outer Perimeter:
Using a thin curved polycarbonate sheet, the outer living spaces are protected from the weather yet still maintaining the thin line between home comfort and the wild outdoors. Polycarbonate is a material with high impact, weather and UV resistance.
External timber cladding:
All of the cladding boards are sourced from the local area. As untreated timber, the cladding becomes a silvery grey over time.
Internal cladding:
Prefinished white tongue and groove timber cladding.
Marmoleum:
Marmoleum has a very low carbon footprint. It is composed of 97% natural materials and uses 43% recycled materials. Its natural bactericidal properties prevent micro-organisms such as Salmonella, MRSA and C Difficle from multiplying.
Oak engineered floor:
Oak engineered boards are stable, long lasting and made from natural materials. They are finished in a durable solid oak veneer and are fully sealed.
EPDM:
We source our EPDM for our roof coverings from the UK. EPDM has a low GWP (global warming potential) and can be reused and recycled into many different products. It has a life span of between 50 years and doesn't pollute rainwater so is an ideal material for rainwater harvesting.
Windows & doors:
The windows and front door are powder coat aluminum with high performance double glazing with the option for triple glazing. The internal doors are timber with a painted finish.
Heating:
Although designed for the warmer months, radiant heating panels and an electric bathroom towel radiator are included as standard.
Fixtures and fittings:
High spec fully fitted kitchen and bathroom fittings with under cabinet lighting. Compost toilet optional.
Lighting:
Feature pendant lighting and LED spot lights as standard.
Connection will be required to sewer or septic tank, cold water supply and single phase electricity supply. Alternatively for off-grid version with compost toilet, photovoltaic panels will need to be located remotely to the pod. A battery bank can be accommodated in the design. Foundations to be composed of a grid of four pads - loadings can be supplied on request. Access board-walks and deck can be supplied to suit specifics of site.