BESPOKE, OFF GRID CABIN
House on Wheels, Crete
"Like a receptacle for golden sunlight, this lovely little modern off grid house seems at home amongst the wizened trees and strong sea breezes. Its the kind of TreeHugger-friendly design that reconnects you back to nature, without being pretentious or overdone... "
Kimberley Mok, Treehugger
The most southerly member of our collection was commissioned by a yoga teacher from Glasgow for her site in southern Crete. We created a solution that protects the integrity of the tiny site and preserves its ancient trees.
The bespoke cabin was designed to be shipped to the remote site on a single lorry, and was installed under the shade of three ancient olive trees. It opens up to reveal a beautiful light filled, spruce lined living space, with stunning views out to the Libyan sea.
We are normally preoccupied by keeping heat in for UK sites, but this cabin keeps cool using two large sliding doors and a discreet vent detail that runs the length of the roof is opened and closed using the simple but elegant solution of weighted stones to provide natural cross ventilation.
The off-grid cabin is solar powered and is linked by a timber walkway to an external compost toilet with separate shower room. A small wood burner is installed for winter visits, and sits against a fireplace with reclaimed tiles from a Glasgow tenement. The cabin has a connection to the village’s water supply.
Installed by our team, who put the finishing touches to the interior and exterior on site, the cabin nestles in the olive grove under its dappled shade, its etched cladding echoing the white buildings in the village on the hills above.
House on Wheels featured in Episode 8 of 4HD's Charlie Luxton's 'Homes on the Med -Crete'. Charlie visits the cabin and is shown around its small but 'magical' interior.
Location : Crete
Client : Private
Year: 2014
Gross Internal area : 31m2
Photos : Echo
Status : Built
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