A small, but perfectly formed, woodland cabin made from natural materials.
A chance discussion with neighbours led to our clients purchasing a site in the New Forest previously occupied by an old post war cabin. Jumping at the rare chance to create something incredible they approached Border Oak to work on designs new cabin built from wood.
Wren Cottage
Guided by planning restrictions based on the size, volume and height of the previous ramshackle post war cabin, Border Oak designed a new building based upon vernacular proportions.
At just over 46m2 ( a 50% increase on the original floor area!) we were keen to create a cabin that felt much larger and where every space worked hard and was beautiful. The open plan sitting room and kitchen are vaulted with large windows on all sides which provides and unexpected sense volume, drama and architectural interest whilst flood the space with natural light.
A clever mezzanine bedroom over has been created at one end - reached by a space saving oak paddle ladder. A handcrafted oak balustrade screen overlooking the central double height space ensure the sleeping platform is private, but not claustrophobic, and can 'borrow' space and light from the main rooms.
The external inglenook fireplace and wood burner can heat the entire building using timber from the surrounding forest, without encroaching onto the interior space. You can also bake a potato and boil a kettle at the same time on the ingenious stove!
Long sightlines have been created through the building to a sense of space and journey - giving views through the building but also out to the forest. Two oak gabled projections have been added either side, which add breadth but also a nook for kitchen units on one side and an entrance porch on the other.
Externally, the cottage is weatherboarded over a handmade brick plinth with handmade clay tiles on the roof. Sustainable, natural, low carbon materials to reflect the local palette and weather beautifully into the woodland.
Our clients thoughts