Hidden deep within remote woodland on the Devon–Somerset border, this off-grid woodland cabin was conceived from a simple idea: to create a building that truly respects its surroundings. Constructed using zero plastic, and built entirely from local timber and metal, the cabin follows principles closer to ancient building techniques than modern construction — leaving no permanent mark on the landscape.
Woodland Cabin
This project presented both a joy and a significant technical challenge for the Red Kite team. The site sits nearly a mile from the nearest vehicle-accessible track, and the surrounding woodland is ecologically sensitive. Minimising disturbance was absolutely essential.
To achieve this, we prefabricated the oak frame and wall panels off-site. These, along with the rest of the building materials, were transported to the woodland by helicopter, requiring meticulous logistical planning in the depths of December. Once on site, we discovered a seam of stone that we were able to quarry and reuse for the cabin’s foundations — resilience driven by necessity.
The roof is finished with corrugated Corten steel, chosen for its weathering properties and its ability to blend into a landscape rich with red deer, bracken, and ferns, avoiding the appearance of anything overly polished or new.
A rainwater harvesting system with a hand pump provides water, while a wood-burning stove with an integrated oven and hob offers both heating and cooking facilities, allowing the cabin to function independently and sustainably.
Externally, the cabin is clad in oak; internally, it is panelled in Douglas fir; and between them lies breathable woodfibre insulation. The result is a warm, tactile, frontier-style retreat — a building made of the woods, for the woods.
We are extremely proud of the outcome. It stands quietly in its setting, robust yet respectful, proving that thoughtful construction can work in harmony with even the wildest landscapes.