Gallery: RETREAT HOUSE

 
  • Share on Tumblr
  • If you hadn’t noticed, trailers have been making a comeback in the past few years. High-end designers have been reappropriating the typically “trashy” trailer and making it chic. But no amount of cosmetic enhancement can truly disassociate a product from its name. Which is why the UK has the upper hand in this arena. In England, a trailer is called a “caravan”. In fact, the British have an undeniable linguistic grace. For example, “holiday” sounds so much more romantic than vacation. The very word can change the whole experience.

    This is only the beginning of a long list of reasons why the Retreat Holiday Caravan from Buckley Gray Yeoman Architects in London is the most elegant and stylish “mobile home” you can find. It comes in a range of sizes, from studio to 3-bedrooms with an en suite bath. The design is clean and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Bosch kitchen appliances. And we were particularly thrilled about the optional Habitat furnishings, and all-timber hot tub.

    As if all of this weren’t enough, the Retreat House is constructed with primarily sustainable and renewable materials. For all models, timber is sourced from suppliers associated with the Forest Stewardship Council; the large windows reduce the need for electric lighting, and there is minimal use of plastic and other manmade material. For the environmental purist, the special Sustainable-Model is available, with standard features that include dual flush toilets, moss sedum (green) roofs, photovoltaic roof panels and solar water heating.

    This is a truly modern dwelling: compact, environmentally friendly and mobile. It can be set it up in a public caravan area (no doubt you’d be the talk of the trailer park) or in a residential backyard. No matter where it sits, the Retreat exudes an elegant charm. Just remember, if anyone asks, be sure to answer languidly: “I’m on holiday.”

LEAVE A COMMENT

or your inhabitat account below

Let's make sure you're a real person:


11 Comments

  1. CynthiaCarroll May 5, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    Seriously am wondering about sustainability of design and materials for winters in rural Maine, with hot summers. Any references for extreme weather?

  2. Dominic February 27, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    You’re worried about snow on a flat roof? like it’s never happened before?
    Sure back in the old days rural country homes had pitched roofs, and here in Quebec the vernacular pitch on a farm house would have been extreme. But these days the vast majority of buildings that get snow, for better or for worse have flat roofs. It works. The bigger problems related thereto are ice getting between fittings and causing a leak around the drain, or simple lack of maintenance to the water proofing system.

  3. john case February 20, 2008 at 1:44 pm

    howdy, like your home1

  4. Gavin Embry January 14, 2008 at 6:01 am

    Can the be shipped to England?

  5. Pam LoPinto November 30, 2007 at 1:23 am

    Are you looking for a product marketing manager in San Francisco?

  6. sally anne October 19, 2007 at 1:18 am

    HOW MUCH PLEASE

    can they be shipped to north america/ thank you

  7. Alisa September 28, 2007 at 11:27 am

    I have been in love with this home for years…..but, they aren’t available in the US are they? Like fellow UK-built M-House, I love that too….but alas, I don’t think its available stateside either.

  8. christian lopez August 3, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    Hello! great page! What would be the price on a 3 bedroom retreat home, and how often do you have to give maintainance?

  9. Tay June 2, 2007 at 5:38 am

    Can these be shipped to USA? What type of financing is available and how much does it cost to build?

  10. Mary Hunt March 26, 2007 at 8:06 pm

    I’m trying to imagine all these flat foof homes do with snow piled on top… or are they planning on global warming to take care of that little problem? Great site, I hope to be more often.

  11. Gilberto morin March 25, 2007 at 7:27 pm

    i would like more information if u could send more pic and how much does it cost to build do ya finace

get the free Inhabitat newsletter

Submit this form
local news
upcoming events
new listings
more news >
more events >
more listings >
popular today
all time
most commented
more popular stories >
more popular stories >
more popular stories >
What are you looking for? (Solar, HVAC, etc.)
Where are you located?