Helygen®
Helygen® offers a comfortable space from where to contemplate and interact with nature.
Floor to ceiling windows are wrapped around the central core allowing natural light to flood the interiors.
The highly insulated core provides accommodation as a living room/bedroom and it's surrounded by fully integrated and self-contained services; including a kitchen, a bathroom, an external veranda to the rear and a boot room to the front.
See model variations tab below for prices.
for further information.
Product Details
“Helygen” (Welsh) - Willow
The willow tree has provided the inspiration for the design of the Helygen®. As the tree ages the bark of the willow splits, producing an abstract lattice. The way in which sun light interacts with the swaying branches of the tree has also influenced the design.
We have interpreted the natural qualities of the willow tree by using untreated Welsh larch to clad the exterior. The screen forms a lattice pattern that evokes the crevices in the willow bark and replicates the shadows and contrasts cast by the sun through tree branches. The variation in light levels that this pattern creates screens the interior from the glaring sun and also provides privacy without giving a sense of being enclosed. Behind the larch screen, floor to ceiling glazing allows for ample light to flood the interior, from where the outside world can be comfortably observed.
Helygen® blends easily within its environment. It suits different locations and can easily be integrated in low density settings such as woodlands, pastures and private gardens.
2.4 by 2.4 metre core
Diameter = 5.2 metre
POA
STANDARD
LIVING/
BEDROOM
4.7m2 insulated core
Fitted furniture
High specification windows and doors
KITCHEN
Fitted kitchen including sink & hob
High level shelving
Timber access door
(Optional extras include: fridge freezer, oven, radiant heating)
SHOWER ROOM
Fitted shower room with shower
Free standing basin and toilet
Timber access door with lock
(Optional extras include: radiant heating, compost toilet)
BOOT ROOM
VERANDA
Optional bench and shoe rack
Option of sliding doors to enclose the veranda
2.4 by 3.6 metre core
Dimensions = 5.8x6.5 metres
POA
STANDARD
LIVING/
BEDROOM
7.3m2 insulated core
Fitted furniture with double sofa bed
High specification windows and doors
KITCHEN
Fitted kitchen including sink & hob
High level shelving
Timber access door
(Optional extras include: fridge freezer, oven, radiant heating)
SHOWER ROOM
Fitted shower room with shower
Free standing basin and toilet
Timber access door with lock
(Optional extras include: radiant heating, compost toilet)
BOOT ROOM
VERANDA
Optional bench and shoe rack
Option of sliding doors to enclose the veranda
3.6 by 2.4 metre core
Dimensions = 6.5x5.8 metres
POA
STANDARD
LIVING/
BEDROOM
7.3m2 insulated core
Fitted furniture with two sofa beds
High specification windows and doors
KITCHEN
Fitted kitchen including sink & hob
High level shelving
Timber access door
(Optional extras include: fridge freezer, oven, radiant heating)
SHOWER ROOM
Fitted shower room with shower
Free standing basin and toilet
Timber access door with lock
(Optional extras include: radiant heating, compost toilet)
BOOT ROOM
VERANDA
Optional bench and shoe rack
Option of sliding doors to enclose the veranda
3.6 by 3.6 metre core
Diameter = 7metres
POA
STANDARD
LIVING/
BEDROOM
11.3m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
KITCHEN
Fitted kitchen including sink & hob
High level shelving
Timber access door
(Optional extras include: fridge freezer, oven, radiant heating)
SHOWER ROOM
Fitted shower room with shower
Free standing basin and toilet
Timber access door with lock
(Optional extras include: radiant heating, compost toilet)
BOOT ROOM
VERANDA
Optional bench and shoe rack
Option of sliding doors to enclose the veranda
Kitchen
Natural light floods the kitchen via floor to ceiling windows and translucent ceiling.
The kitchen is self-contained and detached from the main living space whilst connecting to the outdoors dining area.
With hand crafted units, it is equipped with a double hob, ample storage and space for a fridge-freezer and oven.
Radiant heating is optional and it can be installed to effectively heat the space whilst in use.
Shower room
The shower room also benefits from floor to ceiling windows and a translucent ceiling and it is self-contained and detached from the main living space. It 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 and the view outside.
Living/Bedroom
This is the central insulated core of the Helygen®, which provides the main living and sleeping space. It is constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs) and high specification double glazed doors and windows.
Depending on the size and configuration of the model chosen, the core is able to comfortably accommodate between two and four people.
Boot room
The shower room and living/bedroom area are accessed via the boot room.
Dirty boots, muddy clothing and wet activity wear can be removed here so the living space remains clean.
The boot room also accommodates ample storage for spare bedding, equipment, luggage and other accessories.
Veranda
When positioning the Helygen® on any site, the veranda should face the best view, as it is here from where views can be enjoyed.
Glazed sliding doors to enclose the veranda from the elements are optional. The kitchen is easily accessible from the veranda.
The veranda can also provide access to an optional open decked area that can be designed to suit the site. This decked area can accommodate patio furniture and it can be used for entertaining and relaxation.
Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS):
The SIPS panels are used to create a core which is highly insulated, providing a comfortable thermal environment in all weather. Manufactured locally to our studio, we ensure minimal transport emissions and work closely with the manufacturer to provide quality assurance.
Welsh Larch:
All of our larch cladding boards are from the local area and cut to size at a local saw mill.
Steel:
The steel is sourced locally, and the manufacture of the base takes places close to our manufacturing site. This allows us to minimise emissions due to transport whilst working closely with the steel fabricator to provide quality assurance.
Birch ply:
We source all of our plywood from FSC certified manufacturers from Europe. Birch is native to Europe and is a renewable source of timber. Birch ply offers excellent strength and durability with minimal defects.
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.
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 25-50 years and doesn't pollute rainwater so is an ideal material for rainwater harvesting.
Windows & doors:
All the windows and doors are made up of glass, wood and aluminium. The wood is FSC certified. The windows and doors have a lifespan of at least 40 years, with a 12-year product warranty from the manufacturer..
Heating:
The Helygen requires minimal heating due to its highly insulated core. Radiant heating is included as standard in the core of all models, this is a highly efficient method of heating and will be provided by a local manufacturer.
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.