Construction – UrbanCave

the urbancave pod

The pods will employ a simple timber substructure and non-invasive foundation structures, suitable for installation in even the tightest of back garden plots. The exterior will be clad primarily in "Yakisugi" timber, which is extremely durable and requires low maintenance. Interiors will be warm and snug, using luxurious natural materials, bespoke lighting and plenty of natural light and glass to frame the views back to the garden. All materials will be sustainably and locally sourced, fully recyclable and easy to clean and maintain.

All UrbanCave living pods will be energy efficient, utilising solar panels for electricity, low-energy LED light fittings, and heat-pump technology for central heating. Levels of thermal insulation will be beyond current building regulations to ensure the pods remain cosy and warm well into the future. The option for complete self-sufficiency will also be available, utilising rainwater harvesting, thermal hot water, grey-water recycling and composting toilets.

Natural Material Palette

"Yakisugi" (焼杉板)

Or burnt Siberian Larch. This striking architectural material has a unique texture thanks to the traditional Japanese method of charring, making it resistant to harsh weather conditions and ensures it is durable over time.

Larch - External

Siberian larch is known for its resistance to rot, decay and insect damage. It is also less prone to warping and shrinking. As a cladding it can be stained or left in its natural state, giving it a rustic and traditional look.

Douglas Fir - External

Douglas Fir is a coniferous species and very popular because of its characteristic and warm appearance. The wood can be left untreated where it will turn a silver-grey colour over time, or treated with an oil or stain to retain its warm hue.

Western Red Cedar - External

Cedar is a popular choice in Ireland due to its resistance to rot, decay and insect damage. It has a beautiful, natural reddish-brown colour that can add warmth and character.

Birch Plywood - Internal

Birch plywood is constructed from multiple layers of thin veneers to create a strong and durable multi-ply panel. Its smooth surface and pale warm timber hue make it ideal for the internal finish of our Pods.

why timber frame?

Timber frame is a fast, clean and highly efficient method of off-site construction resulting in low energy use structures that easily meet and, in most cases, exceed the requirements of NZEB. Increasing the use of wood in new build construction projects is key to achieving NZEB targets. Timber frames can be used for all building types. And in some cases, a hybrid system of both steel and timber frames can also be used.

Responsibly sourced timber products such as regular dimensional timbers and Glulam are precision prefabricated to near millimetre tolerance resulting in a near zero waste construction phase. This means a cleaner site with fewer site operatives, fewer deliveries and minimised disruption to neighbours, and we believe a clean site is a safer site.

With a multidisciplinary team, Urbancave is a one-stop shop that can help from the very initial conception stage to the final construction stage. All Urbancave pods will be using only state-of-the-art construction materials from local suppliers, and that are NSAI-approved to ensure the highest standards. This is more sustainable and would mean also faster turnout (6 - 8 weeks) in the whole process compared to sourcing materials from abroad like our competitors.

01

Initial Contact & Site Visit

Contact us for a no-obligation site visit and project assessment. Once the scope is identified, we will issue a proposal and timeline for the project.

02

Design Phase & Final Spec

We will guide you through the various options that will fit your needs, according to your budget, and finalise or customise the design once they meet your approval and requirements.

03

Construction & Completion

Once the order is placed, we will work with you to construct and install your UrbanCave pod in the agreed timeline and complete it to our exacting standards for your enjoyment.