We selected eco-friendly materials,
both for your health and for the environment.
Check out our choices for:
Cladding:
Also known as Yakisugi, this is a Japanese charring technique: the spruce is burned in order to make it rot-proof. This spruce comes from Finland.
There are 2 different options, for different looks:
– With a 2-3 millimeters char layer, for a darker look.
– Brushed and oiled, in order to see the grain of the wood.
Scandinavian spruce that is thermally modified, in order to become rot-proof. The wood is treated with steam and heat only, no chemicals are used at any stage of the process.
The entire process is done in Finland, using renewable electricity only.
This wood hasn’t been modified as it is naturally rot-proof and light weight. It will naturally turn grey with time if it isn’t oiled.
Red cedar is highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay. The rich, reddish-brown hue adds aesthetic appeal to the cladding. The versatility and resilience of red cedar makes it a popular choice.
It comes from Canada.
Insulation:
We chose not to use mineral based insulation, such as glass and rock wool for many reasons: they use a lot of energy to produce, they are rarely recyclable, they are toxic to breath during the installation, and if they get wet for any reason, they loose their insulation property forever.
Natural fibers, (such as linen, cotton, hemp, or wood-wool), insulate again once they have dried.
Linen fiber insulation distinguishes itself through sourcing from the flax plant, emphasizing sustainable cultivation practices and minimal environmental impact. This insulation choice offers remarkable thermal performance and moisture regulation, contributing to optimal indoor conditions. With a dedication to non-toxicity and natural biodegradability, linen insulation stands out as a responsible and effective solution, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and its unique fiber properties.
Hemp fiber insulation, derived from the fast-growing hemp plant, has an exceptional renew ability, low environmental impact, and carbon sequestration. Notably energy-efficient, hemp insulation excels in natural moisture regulation, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Its versatility in construction applications, coupled with durability and a strong sustainability commitment, positions hemp as a top-tier insulation option.
Wood fiber insulation sets itself apart by utilizing recycled wood waste from sustainably managed forests. Offering effective temperature regulation and versatility in application, it stands as a reliable, environmentally responsible choice. This insulation uniquely combines eco-consciousness with high-performance insulation, utilizing wood waste from responsibly managed sources.
Due to its heavy weight, we only use it for houses built on tractor trailers.
Structure:
The structure of the house is made of spruce, as it is the best compromise between strength, weight, and price. This spruce comes from Sweden.
Furniture & panels:
We use a combination of oak and spruce, both of solid wood and three layers panels (this three layers panels use non toxic glue).
We don’t use any type of OSB, MDF, plywood, particle board or and kind of panels that are not healthy to breath.
The panels on the walls inside the house are also made of spruce.
Roof:
Our roofs are made of aluminum, using the standing seam technique. this provides a high quality, light weight, and recyclable roof to protect you from any harsh weather conditions, such as the ones of Nordic countries!
Toilets:
When nature calls, you need to have an option you feel comfortable with! We have two options for our houses:
The composting toilet is the more eco-friendly option, and it’s cheaper. We build you a smart solution, that features a stainless steel bucket (made with no welding, to prevent any risk of leakage), a lid and a bib, so you can do your business just like in a regular toilet! Once you have done what you had to do, you simply cover it with wood chips or saw dust, in order to stop any smell, and you empty the bucket once a week in a composting place, and let mother nature compost it!
The incineration toilet is the easier option, because you don’t have to empty any bucket. However, this option is more expensive, both to buy and to use, since you have to use replace special bags every time you go. You install a bag in the toilet, you do your business, and you press a button, that starts an incineration process (instead of flushing). Everything is being burned after a few minutes, and there is no proof of the crime anymore! This toilet works either with electricity, or with gas (if your house is off-grid).
Off-grid solutions:
The cheapest and the easiest is of course to have access to the grid, in which case you simply connect your house to an electric outlet.
In case you need to be off-grid, we will design a solution based on your needs, that includes solar panels, batteries, and gas appliances.
All our houses include a fresh water tank (the size depends of your needs), as well as a water pump, as it is the easiest way to have a frost resistant water system.
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