Merywen
“Merywen” (Welsh) - Juniper
Clad in local Welsh larch and highly insulated, the Merywen's contemporary design is versatile, providing additional space as a garden office, a garden bedroom or living accommodation.
The smaller cabins are ideal as an individual garden room or as a cluster of glamping pods complemented with their own detached utilities such as Shower/WC room or outdoor kitchen.
The larger models are self contained and include all facilities such as kitchen, shower, WC and outdoor area.
See model variations tab below for prices.
for further information.
Product Details
“Merywen” (Welsh) - Juniper
The inspiration for the Merywen has been taken from traditional Japanese architecture and Zen simplicity.
The juniper tree is one of the most popular types of bonsai to grow in Japan. Many Rinzai Zen temples in Japan have a juniper tree planted at the gateway. Like a bonsai juniper, Merywen is a compact structure whilst accommodating all comforts in miniature.
Traditionally, Japanese buildings reflect a strong emphasis on their relationship with nature and their appreciation of wood in its natural from. The Merywen is clad in untreated Welsh Larch which will weather and age naturally over its life time, whilst the natural resins inside the wood protect it from rot and decay.
The Merywen includes a Kusari-doi or rain chain to guide rainwater run-off from the roof. Considered both aesthetically pleasing and functional, rain chains were used in Japan to enhance the sound of the water running out of the gutter.
Rain water falls through the Kusari-doi and runs off into a soakaway into the ground, a prominent stone anchors the chain to the ground. This is inspired by the Japanese art of Suiseki or stone appreciation, which values aspects like stability, longevity and immortality.
Another Japanese element that can be included on request is the upholstery of furniture. We follow principles of Wabi Sabi in the designs of patterns for cushions or mattress covers and apply the Japanese stitching technique called Sashiko.
2.7 by 6 metre core &
2.4 by 6 metre decking area
Self Contained
STANDARD DESIGN
13.7m2 insulated core
Log burner
Fitted kitchen units
Sanitaryware
High specification windows and doors
Bespoke layouts available
Prices start from £POA
2.4 by 2.4 metre core
Glamping
STANDARD DESIGN
4.7m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
Bespoke layouts available
POA
2.4 by 3.6 metre core
Glamping
STANDARD DESIGN
7.3m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
Bespoke layouts available
POA
2.4 by 4.8 metre core
Glamping
STANDARD DESIGN
9.9m2 insulated core
High specification windows and doors
Bespoke layouts available
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. Thermostatic underfloor heating is standard but its 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.
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 Merywen requires minimal heating due to its highly insulated core. Radiant heating is included as standard in all models, this is a highly efficient method of heating and will be provided by a local manufacturer.
For caravan models, connection will be required to sewer or septic tank and cold water supply. For all other models, no connections for drainage or water will be required. Grid connection for electricity is possible, or alternatively a battery bank can be integrated into the pod with PV panels sited externally.
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.