Sustainability meets luxury in Havwoods Eco Cabin Project
Occupying a plot in a peaceful meadow in the West Sussex countryside, the secluded holiday let ‘The Vacationist’ from Skoolie Stays combines sustainability, luxury and relaxation, with quirky detailing and stunning flooring by Havwoods used throughout.
Advertised as a rural break for guests who appreciate luxury and nature in equal measure, the eco-cabin is a stylish, warm and comfortable space offering an off-grid stay but with an additional bonus – it is carbon neutral.
When designing the space, Skoolie Stays were keen to use British brands which valued sustainability as part of their ethos. With Havwoods’ entire collection being sourced from sustainably managed forests, Skoolie Stays’ decision was made and the striking honey coloured 70mm Pallido Prime Block and auburn coloured 70mm Bronze Prime Block boards from Havwoods’ Italian Collection were chosen.
The quirky appearance was created by alternating the two planks, with the homeowners being particularly drawn to the dark and light tones to create an eye-catching zigzag pattern. They were also impressed with the qualities that engineered wood provides, as the material is durable and long-lasting, and therefore an ideal choice for a busy holiday let.
The cabin is full of quirky detailing, including slanted shelving and a breakfast bar which matches the design of the herringbone flooring. Other design features that reflect the varying angles found in the cabin include a triangular shelving unit in the living room and an A-shaped window in the bedroom. Emphasising that the cabin is a suitable space for any age group, a bookcase was installed, which playfully hides the entrance to a secret second bedroom.
In order to be truly sustainable, the homeowners wanted to embrace the circular economy when making their design choices. The eco-cabin features a kitchen worktop made from 2,014 coloured pencils, which were kindly donated by the parents at Goldstone Primary School in Hove, alongside scatter cushions which have been made from repurposed clothes and curtains. Furthermore, the recycled wooden headboard has been made from offcuts of the homeowners’ sofas.
Sustainable choices continue through to the finer details with sheep’s wool chosen for the insulation, solar panels installed on the roof to keep the cabin cosy in winter, water-saving technology and a bio-ethanol burner. infrared heating has also been installed, which successfully runs off the solar panels.
“We were thrilled to be working on a project that was so heavily focused on sustainability. Working alongside other local British companies who share a similar ethos to Havwoods was a privilege and we loved seeing the space as it all came together. Pairing the two flooring styles was an inspired decision and we believe it really brings the eco cabin to life”.
Mari Daly, head of marketing Europe, Havwoods says, “With an array of flooring to perfectly complement any home, Havwoods’ varied collection combines the best of style and functionality, offering both traditional and contemporary designs in a range of colours and patterns.”
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