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Want a modern home for farm or smallholding? New range launch!

A contemporary range of transportable, solid log homes is being launched by Norwegian Log Buildings at the Farm Business Innovation Show – made in the UK and ideal for farm or smallholding.

The new concept Inovar Transportable homes have an on-trend, modern look with all the quality construction benefits of a solid log building. Designs include angled elevations and space saving internal walls with panoramic double glazing and bi-fold doors. Factory assembled in Berkshire, the units can be delivered and assembled within 7-10 days.

Environmental benefits include natural insulation – log keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer – low running costs, an indefinite lifespan and minimal maintenance, unlike many park homes, caravans and prefabs.

Norwegian Log has been producing traditionally styled solid log buildings for many years but this is its first contemporary and transportable product range to be built in the UK. Nick Forrester, managing director at Norwegian Log Buildings, said: “We’ve got more than 30 years’ experience of supplying traditional cabins to the holiday industry, and log homes as accommodation for staff and family to landowners and farms. Our new Inovar range is aimed at customers who want a more modern style of home and we’re delighted to be able to launch it at the Farm Business Innovation Show.”

The homes are fully compliant with the ‘Caravan Act’ as mobile homes and exempt from Building Regulations, so ideal for a rural setting. The value of log homes also generally moves in line with the property market, rather than depreciating rapidly over a few years.

Case study – Wheatley Farm Shop

Dave and Carol Parker have two special reasons to celebrate 2016 – the 30th anniversary of their well-known Oxfordshire farm shop and the delivery of the very first British-made Inovar transportable home as their ‘forever home’.

The Parkers run Wheatley Farm Shop on the outskirts of Oxford and are settling into their unique, contemporary Inovar home, the first of its kind in the UK. Nestled between the farm shop’s barns and neighbouring field, the eco-friendly solid log building fits perfectly within its semi-rural surroundings.

With an eye-catching glass frontage, the home boasts a large open plan living area with wood burning stove, modern sleek kitchen, sophisticated master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and shower room, bathroom and utility/boot room. Large bi-fold doors lead out onto a glass-fronted deck area, a perfect spot for watching the wildlife in the surrounding fields.  “It’s so lovely having the doors wide open, sitting there with a glass of wine in the evening,” said Carol.

Designed and constructed by Norwegian Log at its Reading manufacturing site, the Inovar building is the first in a new range of transportable homes launched by the Thames Valley firm. “Our farm shop is constructed from wood and so we already knew how well insulated these natural buildings are and how well they perform. We did think initially about a bricks and mortar house, but quickly realised that a log home would give us the building we wanted without having to compromise on our lifestyle, so a win, win,” said Carol. “Another reason we wanted to opt for a log building was to tie in with the other buildings on the site, our shop and

After visiting Norwegian Log’s Reading show home and deciding the contemporary Inovar design was for them, the Parkers were granted planning permission within months.  Their home was delivered to Wheatley in two ‘modular’ sections and then lifted into place by crane.  “It was so exciting seeing it delivered,” remarked Carol. “Everybody loves it, it blends in so well and is very low key. I’m constantly showing customers around and I’ve had nothing but compliments. In fact, several of my friends have been tearful, they’ve loved it so much.”

Their home marks a new chapter in the farm shop’s history. Started by her parents, Hazel and Wally Boater, 30 years ago as a market garden selling home-grown produce, the popular business now boasts a coffee shop, garden centre, and animal feed and pet food barn. Dave and Carol are here to stay. “We’ve made sure our new home has been designed for the future so we’ve included a walk-in shower, no steps and we can easily install access ramps. It’s our forever home!” she added.

 

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