Holiday Destinations

Gold standard tiny retreats pop-up in Wales

Gold standard tiny retreats pop-up in Wales
Slate Cabin by TRIAS
Slate Cabin by TRIAS
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Black Hat by Rural Office for Architecture
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Black Hat by Rural Office for Architecture
Black Hat is inspired by France’s failed invasion attempt through Fishguard in 1797
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Black Hat is inspired by France’s failed invasion attempt through Fishguard in 1797
Black Hat features a spacious design that can accommodate fellow campers for outdoor dining
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Black Hat features a spacious design that can accommodate fellow campers for outdoor dining
Black Hat's king-size bed sits in the top of the hat with a view of the stars through the roof dome
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Black Hat's king-size bed sits in the top of the hat with a view of the stars through the roof dome
The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett architects is a 15 sq m (161.5 sq ft) tiny house on wheels
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The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett architects is a 15 sq m (161.5 sq ft) tiny house on wheels
The cabin is built using atimber structure, stained black timber cladding, plywood interior andCor-ten steel roof skylights
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The cabin is built using atimber structure, stained black timber cladding, plywood interior andCor-ten steel roof skylights
Animated Forest features a circular rolling door, which opens the dwelling up to the outdoors
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Animated Forest features a circular rolling door, which opens the dwelling up to the outdoors
Inside the Animated Forest tiny cabin
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Inside the Animated Forest tiny cabin
The skylights flood the interior with natural light while also allowing the occupants to enjoy views of the surrounding forest and even the stars at night
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The skylights flood the interior with natural light while also allowing the occupants to enjoy views of the surrounding forest and even the stars at night
The sleeping quarters are made up of a bespoke leather cushioned bed and padded wall, doubling as a comfy spot to lounge, relax and read a book during the day
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The sleeping quarters are made up of a bespoke leather cushioned bed and padded wall, doubling as a comfy spot to lounge, relax and read a book during the day
Theexterior materials were chosen to age naturally, allowing the cabinto blend into the landscape over time
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Theexterior materials were chosen to age naturally, allowing the cabinto blend into the landscape over time
Francis& Arnettadopted digital modeling and fabrication methods to create the uniquecabin
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 Francis& Arnettadopted digital modeling and fabrication methods to create the uniquecabin
The sleeping area is made up of a bespoke leather cushioned bed and padded wall
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The sleeping area is made up of a bespoke leather cushioned bed and padded wall
Animated Forest's rolling door opens up to the outdoors
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Animated Forest's rolling door opens up to the outdoors
Thecabin is built using a timber structure and stained black timbercladding
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Thecabin is built using a timber structure and stained black timbercladding
The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett
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The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett
The sleeping zone doubles as a comfy spot to lounge, relax and read a book during the day
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The sleeping zone doubles as a comfy spot to lounge, relax and read a book during the day
Little Dragon layout features a sleeping area upstairs and panoramic glazing at both levels provides for views across the Welsh landscape
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Little Dragon layout features a sleeping area upstairs and panoramic glazing at both levels provides for views across the Welsh landscape
Dragon'sEye is a 12.5 sq m (34.5 sq ft) tiny cabin built by Welsh architectCarwyn Jones
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Dragon'sEye is a 12.5 sq m (34.5 sq ft) tiny cabin built by Welsh architectCarwyn Jones
As its namesuggests the structure is built in the form of a dragon's eye, withstainless steel sheets woven together on the outside of the buildingto resemble dragon scales
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As its namesuggests the structure is built in the form of a dragon's eye, withstainless steel sheets woven together on the outside of the buildingto resemble dragon scales
Theinterior features a round revolving bed next to the floorto ceiling glass window, which makes up the "eye" of thedragon
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Theinterior features a round revolving bed next to the floorto ceiling glass window, which makes up the "eye" of thedragon
The dwelling is built with a timber frame, plywoodinterior, orientedstrand board (OSB),stainless steel exterior cladding, scorched Douglas fir wood, cedar,reclaimed slate tiles and sheep's wool for insulation
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The dwelling is built with a timber frame, plywoodinterior, orientedstrand board (OSB),stainless steel exterior cladding, scorched Douglas fir wood, cedar,reclaimed slate tiles and sheep's wool for insulation
Inside the Little Dragon tiny cabin
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Inside the Little Dragon tiny cabin
Little Dragon layout offers panoramic views at both levels across the Welsh landscape
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Little Dragon layout offers panoramic views at both levels across the Welsh landscape
Little Dragon by Barton Willmore
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Little Dragon by Barton Willmore
The scaly shingle exterior and claw-like tripod base are evocative of the smoke-breathing beast that, according to legend, once dominated the country’s rugged landscape
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The scaly shingle exterior and claw-like tripod base are evocative of the smoke-breathing beast that, according to legend, once dominated the country’s rugged landscape
Miner’s Legend is a tribute to the once-thrivingmining industry, central to Wales’ rural communities
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Miner’s Legend  is a tribute to the once-thrivingmining industry, central to Wales’ rural communities
Gorgeous view from inside the Miner's Legend hut
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Gorgeous view from inside the Miner's Legend hut
Miner’s Legend by How About Studio
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Miner’s Legend by How About Studio
SkyHut by WG+P architects
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SkyHut by WG+P architects
WG+P architects, in collaboration with Webb Yates Engineers, created the innovative SkyHut with retractable roof
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WG+P architects, in collaboration with Webb Yates Engineers, created the innovative SkyHut with retractable roof
The tiny cabin is inspiredby ancient Welsh myths and the art of stargazing, thus offering "an observatory to the heavens"
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The tiny cabin is inspiredby ancient Welsh myths and the art of stargazing, thus offering "an observatory to the heavens"
SkyHutfeatures a timber frame structure; birch plywood is used to clad theinterior walls and black corrugated iron clads the exterior
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SkyHutfeatures a timber frame structure; birch plywood is used to clad theinterior walls and black corrugated iron clads the exterior
Adoptinga tried and tested mechanism from sailing, the fully retractable roofworks with a simple geared cable system
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 Adoptinga tried and tested mechanism from sailing, the fully retractable roofworks with a simple geared cable system
SkyHut's open-air shower
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SkyHut's open-air shower
SkyHut transforms into a perfect spot to cuddle up next to the fire and enjoy some nighttime star gazing
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SkyHut  transforms into a perfect spot to cuddle up next to the fire and enjoy some nighttime star gazing
Slate Cabin mimicks the art of constructing cairns
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Slate Cabin mimicks the art of constructing cairns
Slate Cabin by TRIAS
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Slate Cabin by TRIAS
A kitchen and built-in table form a sitting space, while the bed sits on a raised platform
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 A kitchen and built-in table form a sitting space, while the bed sits on a raised platform 
Stunning view from inside the Slate Cabin
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Stunning view from inside the Slate Cabin
Occupants use the winch mounted on the wall to open the roof
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Occupants use the winch mounted on the wall to open the roof
Arthur’s Cave was designed in honor of the cave where the legendary King Arthur supposedly took shelter alongside his knights
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Arthur’s Cave  was designed in honor of the cave where the legendary King Arthur supposedly took shelter alongside his knights
Located in Castell y Bere, Wales the cabin is one of eight Epic Retreats’ Pop-Up Hotels
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Located in Castell y Bere, Wales the cabin is one of eight Epic Retreats’ Pop-Up Hotels
Miller Kendrick Architects has created a 131.3 sq ft tiny cabin
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Miller Kendrick Architects has created a 131.3 sq ft tiny cabin
The exterior is clad with locally sourced black-stained Welsh wooden panels and sheep’s wool was used to insulate the cabin
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The exterior is clad with locally sourced black-stained Welsh wooden panels and sheep’s wool was used to insulate the cabin
Arthur's Cave is located in Castell y Bere, Wales
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Arthur's Cave is located in Castell y Bere, Wales
The interior has been kept to the bare minimum
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The interior has been kept to the bare minimum
A floor to ceiling glass door allows occupants to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape
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A floor to ceiling glass door allows occupants to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape
A cosy double bed is snuggled at the rear of the building
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A cosy double bed is snuggled at the rear of the building
Natural birch plywood finish is featured throughout the interior of the cabin
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Natural birch plywood finish is featured throughout the interior of the cabin
Epic Retreats "Pop-Up Hotel "in Wales have been awarded gold by Visit Wales
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Epic Retreats "Pop-Up Hotel "in Wales have been awarded gold by Visit Wales
Angular corridors play carefully with light and material to transport your imagination to the subterranean mines.
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Angular corridors play carefully with light and material to transport your imagination to the subterranean mines.
For a limited time, Epic Retreats "Pop-Up Hotel" tiny cabins are available for short stays in the Welsh countryside
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For a limited time, Epic Retreats "Pop-Up Hotel" tiny cabins are available for short stays in the Welsh countryside
View gallery - 53 images

The Epic Retreats "Pop-Up Hotel" has recently launched in Wales, featuring eight award-winning tiny cabins, open to the public for a limited time. We recently took a look at the Arthur's Cave glampsite and here are a few more of our favorite tiny spaces on offer, including the gorgeous SkyHut with a retractable roof for star gazing.

Eacharchitect designed cabin was built with a budget of £11,000 (just overUS$14,000) and is specifically designed for short-stay glamping.Furthermore, the tiny cabins are constructed from locally sourcedWelsh materials; have a footprint smaller than 2.7 m (8.85 ft) wide and5.7 m (18.7 ft) long (excluding awnings and balconies) and comecomplete with a king-sized bed, lounge area, wood-burning fire andbathroom facilities with a shower, basin and compost toilet.

"The unique cabins, complemented by our country's stunning landscape, make for an unbeatable experience and we look forward to welcoming our first guests this summer who will get to see Wales in a completely unique setting," says Epic Retreats Co-founder, Llion Pughe.

SkyHut

WG+P architects, in collaboration with Webb Yates Engineers, created the innovative SkyHut with retractable roof
WG+P architects, in collaboration with Webb Yates Engineers, created the innovative SkyHut with retractable roof

WG+Parchitects, in collaboration with Webb Yates Engineers, created theinnovative SkyHut with retractable roof. The tiny cabin is inspiredby ancient Welsh myths and the art of stargazing, thus offering "an observatory to the heavens."

SkyHutfeatures a timber frame structure; birch plywood is used to clad theinterior walls and black corrugated iron clads the exterior. Adoptinga tried and tested mechanism from sailing, the fully retractable roofworks with a simple geared cable system. Occupants simply use thewinch mounted on the wall to wind the roof open, transforming thecabin into a perfect spot to cuddle up next to the fire and enjoysome nighttime star gazing.

"Withthe doors open too, the Sky Hut can be configured as aglamping-observatory," says WG+P architects. "Upon the turnof a crank handle, it quickly closes again forming a cozy retreat forwhen the Gods are angered."

Therest of the 9 sq m (96.87 sq ft) cabin is left quite sparse. Furnishedwith the bare minimum including bedding for two, linen, wood fire andbathroom facilities, the cabin provides a unique glamping experienceunder the stars.

TheAnimated Forest

The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett architects is a 15 sq m (161.5 sq ft) tiny house on wheels
The Animated Forest cabin created by Francis & Arnett architects is a 15 sq m (161.5 sq ft) tiny house on wheels

TheAnimated Forest cabin created by Francis& Arnett architects is a15 sq m (161.5 sq ft) tiny house on wheels. The cabin is built using atimber structure, stained black timber cladding, plywood interior andCor-ten steel roofing with skylights. The exterior materials were chosen toage naturally, allowing the cabin to blend into its landscape overtime. Francis& Arnettadopted digital modeling and fabrication methods to create the uniquecabin in a short amount of time.

The cabin boasts unusual Cor-tensteel skylights, which spike upward out of the dwelling's roof.The skylights fill the interior with natural light while alsoallowing the occupants to enjoy views of the surrounding forest, sky andeven the stars at night. The tiny cabin also features a circular rolling door, which opens the dwellingup to the outdoors. The sleeping quarters are made up of a bespokeleather cushioned bed and padded wall, doubling as a comfy spot tolounge, relax and read a book during the day.

"We wanted to create a memorable space to relax and enjoy the raw aesthetic of nature whilst providing a cosy and comfortable space to relax," says Francis & Arnett. "The exterior is designed to resemble a creature meandering through the landscape."

Dragon'sEye

The dwelling is built with a timber frame, plywoodinterior, orientedstrand board (OSB),stainless steel exterior cladding, scorched Douglas fir wood, cedar,reclaimed slate tiles and sheep's wool for insulation
The dwelling is built with a timber frame, plywoodinterior, orientedstrand board (OSB),stainless steel exterior cladding, scorched Douglas fir wood, cedar,reclaimed slate tiles and sheep's wool for insulation

Dragon'sEye is a 12.5 sq m (34.5 sq ft) tiny cabin built by Welsh architectCarwyn Jones. The dwelling is built with a timber frame, plywoodinterior, orientedstrand board (OSB),stainless steel exterior cladding, scorched Douglas fir wood, cedar,reclaimed slate tiles and sheep's wool for insulation. As its namesuggests the structure is built in the form of a dragon's eye, withstainless steel sheets woven together on the outside of the buildingto resemble dragon scales.

Theinterior features a round revolving bed next to the floorto ceiling glass window, which makes up the "eye" of thedragon. From here guests can snuggle in bed and enjoy the sceneryaround them. The cabin also has a wood fire, a lounge area andwalk-in wet room/shower made from reclaimed slate tiles.

Lessthan 200 bookings are available for the Epic Retreats' season,meaning only a handful of lucky travelers will get the opportunity tospend the night in these cabins. Bookings are available from 5-30June in Southern Snowdonia, followed by 10 July - 11 Sept 2017 inLlŷn Peninsula. Three-night packages start from £795 ($1,020) percouple.

All of the tiny cabins, which received a gold award from Visit Wales, can be viewed in our photo gallery.

Sources: Epic Retreats, WG+P and Francis & Arnett via The Architects' Journal

View gallery - 53 images
1 comment
1 comment
ljaques
Two grand a week income (the $20 of the $1020 goes to the maid who cleans the windows, wipes fingerprints off the walls, and removes stove ashes) works out to $104,000 net. Cost of the "room" $14,000 outgo, that's a $90k profit, or 743% ROI for the STARTING fees. Not bad. I think the weird Animated Forest (huh?) and the sexy Dragon's Eye are the most practical and interesting, so they will likely get the most rentals. I first remember seeing tiny homes on farms in the California Central Valley. They were 2x4 and plywood migrant farmer homes. You've come a long way, baby. (similar photo http://tinyurl.com/y9oqkb9s )