Living in unique accommodation: is it really possible?
But is it really possible to live year-round in a pod or a barrel?
In this article, we give you the keys to make this dream a reality, with a focus on the solutions offered by Nordic House, a French specialist in high-end accommodations.
A Rising Trend:
In recent years, the idea of living differently has attracted an increasing number of French people. According to a survey conducted by the Observatory of Society and Consumption (ObSoCo) in 2023, nearly 60% of French people declare they want to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, and this is reflected in their choice of habitat.
Unusual accommodations, often built of wood or with ecological materials, fit perfectly into this quest for sustainability and authenticity.
They offer an alternative to traditional houses by combining originality, respect for the environment, and modern comfort.
This trend is also accelerating thanks to the enthusiasm for a minimalist lifestyle, focused on the essentials and reducing ecological impact.
Unique, Sustainable, and Customizable Accommodations
At Nordic House, we have made innovation and sustainability our top priorities.
Our unusual accommodations, whether they are pods or barrels, are much more than just living spaces: they are cocoons designed for comfort, practicality made from materials that respect the environment.
Our constructions are made in France with Scots pine, a sturdy and naturally insulating wood. It ensures excellent thermal performance, ideal for living comfortably in both summer and winter.
Furthermore, this wood comes from sustainably managed forests, which is part of an ecological approach. We also offer extensive customization so that each accommodation meets the desires and needs of our clients.
You can choose among different colors for the floors, tiles, or even the fabric colors of cushions and curtains.
This flexibility allows creating a space that resembles you, whether it be modern, rustic, or minimalist.
Finally, our models can be delivered empty to let your imagination run wild, or fully equipped with options like a fitted kitchen, a complete bathroom with toilet, and integrated storage.
This gives you the freedom to design an interior in your image, while benefiting from our expertise in technical and functional aspects.
Comfort and convenience at the heart of unique accommodations
One might think that a restricted space means sacrifices.
With Nordic House accommodations, it’s quite the opposite. We have envisioned every detail to maximize comfort in an optimized space.
Take the kitchen, for example. It is designed to be functional, with well-thought-out storage, and enough space to cook on a daily basis, including several outlets for your appliances.
For sleeping, we have integrated high beds, which create additional storage space underneath, perfect for optimizing every square meter.
The benches are convertible, allowing to host guests without compromising the living space. Moreover, clever storage solutions, integrated into the walls or under the benches (storage chests), ensure an uncluttered organization.
Insulation is also a key point. Our accommodations are designed to offer excellent thermal performance.
In summer, you enjoy a cool interior, and in winter, the warmth is maintained effortlessly, thus reducing your heating needs.
This thermal comfort allows living in these structures year-round, no matter the region.
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After
Before
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Procedures and Preparations for Installing an Unusual Accommodation
Before fully enjoying your accommodation, it is essential to follow certain steps to prepare your land and comply with current regulations.
These procedures, although simple, must be carried out with care to avoid any inconvenience.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The installation of an unusual accommodation requires adherence to local urban planning rules. Depending on the surface area of your structure, the procedures differ:
For an area of less than 20 m², a preliminary declaration of work is generally sufficient.
For an area more than 20 m², a building permit will be mandatory.
We recommend you contact the town hall of your municipality to check local specifics, such as restrictions on materials or the maximum allowed height.
Once these procedures are validated, you can confidently move forward with your project.
LAND PREPARATION
Installing an unusual accommodation requires stable ground.
If your land is flat, a concrete slab is often the simplest and most durable solution.
Concrete plinths: We recommend using 6 concrete plinths, one for each leg of the accommodation. This method ensures natural drainage, preserves the green space between the plinths, and adapts perfectly to irregular terrains.
If the terrain is sloped, stilts can be used to ensure a solid base.
Our accommodations are equipped with a self-supporting metal chassis in UPN and a central HEA, with adjustable feet. This system offers exceptional rigidity, increased durability, and easier installation on various terrains.
Beyond the foundation, you will need to plan for water and electricity connections.
These works, although technical, can generally be carried out in one day by qualified professionals. Once the connections are made, your accommodation will be ready to use.
A Unique Way of Life: Advantages and Challenges
The Benefits of Unusual Accommodation
Living in a pod or barrel has many advantages...
First of all, these structures are ready to use upon delivery. Unlike traditional constructions, they do not require heavy work or long construction delays. In just a few hours, your accommodation is installed and operational.
Next, their maintenance is minimal. Wood, although requiring regular treatment to maintain its shine, is a robust and easy-to-maintain material. You can consult our guide on the detailed maintenance of Scots pine.
These accommodations are also low in energy consumption. Thanks to their compact size and effective insulation, your heating or air conditioning needs will be significantly reduced. This translates into significant energy savings, while reducing your environmental impact.
Finally, the charm of an unusual accommodation lies in its unique aesthetic. These extraordinary houses invite a minimalist lifestyle, focused on the essentials. They are perfect for reconnecting with nature and living in a calming setting, far from the stress of urban life.
Possible Constraints
However, this way of life is not without its challenges. The space, although perfectly optimized, remains limited. This requires a certain discipline to maintain an efficient organization and avoid the accumulation of unnecessary objects.
Moreover, administrative procedures and technical connections can be a hurdle for some people. However, these constraints are largely offset by the benefits this type of habitat offers.
CONCLUSION: WHAT IF YOU TOOK THE PLUNGE?
Living in a unique accommodation is much more than just a housing solution: it's a true lifestyle.
Whether you wish to reconnect with nature, adopt a minimalist lifestyle, or simply enjoy a unique and cozy space, the solutions offered by Nordic House make this dream accessible and achievable.
So, why wait? Contact us today to learn more about our models and start imagining your new life in a unique accommodation.