Our Sustainability Promise

Most companies these days claim to have some kind of ‘eco’ or ‘sustainable’ credentials. The majority of us take such claims with a healthy pinch of salt, but that’s not to say every business claiming to care about its impact on our environment is ‘greenwashing’. 

Since we’ve sometimes called our new range of lodges ‘eco lodges’, and have frequently called our pods ‘sustainable’, we thought it would be worth explaining why we can legitimately describe our products in this way. 

The truth is that Wigwam Cabins was built on its ‘eco credentials’, long before it was cool! Our founder, Charles Gulland, wanted to design low cost accommodation for walkers on the West Highland Way. He had just been studying design and woodwork at Hooke Park College and had been focused on building cabins with as little environmental impact as possible. It was to this end that the Wigwam was born. Built from forest thinnings and with little of the comforts delivered by modern Wigwams, our original Wigwam Pod had eco credentials that remain untouched. 

Admittedly, things have changed since then. Our unique little patch of the economy has turned into an industry. We created a sister company, Wigwam Holidays, and built a UK wide brand inspired by the outdoor holidays people were having in that first Wigwam. Most of our Wigwams are now equipped with bathrooms and kitchens and we can no longer use forest thinnings for our timber framed construction. While this does mean our cabins have a larger environmental footprint than they did 30 years ago..it’s hard to compete with tiny wooden tents built from forest waste! 

Today, our cabins remain a market leading product in what has become a large and expansive industry. There are few (if any) other businesses in the lodge/ pod market that combine sustainability with the same state of the art features and innovation. But what makes our current range of products ‘sustainable’? We address this crucial question below. 

100% Timber  

Many manufacturers of similar products use steel frames and a lot of plastic in their designs and construction processes. These materials come with large carbon footprints and a heavy toll on the natural environment.

Apart from fixings, windows, and a couple of roofing options, our cabins are made of 100% timber. 

Harvesting trees responsibly and planting new ones ensures a sustainable and renewable building material. Compared to concrete or steel, timber has a far less carbon intensive production process. What’s more, as trees grow, they absorb and store carbon dioxide. Wood's eco-friendly processing, biodegradability, and recyclability greatly reduce waste. While deforestation is a problem in some parts of the world, all of our timber comes from responsible suppliers who are FSC certified. 

Excellent Insulation 

Good insulation is essential for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our carbon footprint. By minimising the need for constant heating or cooling, we conserve our natural resources and promote responsible energy management. Sustainable insulation materials, like recycled glass wool or natural fibres, contribute to waste reduction and support a more circular economy.

Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of sustainability, and our cabins come with recycled glass wool insulation as standard. By providing high-quality insulation, we minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy usage and reduced carbon emissions. This not only benefits the environment but ensures a cosy and comfortable cabin at all times throughout the year. While our recycled glass wool is standard, we can accommodate a wide variety of highly insulative and sustainable insulation options. 

Made in the UK

Local production reduces transportation-related emissions, as the cabins do not need to be shipped from distant locations. This lowers the carbon footprint associated with their manufacturing process. Secondly, supporting the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing materials within the region fosters community development and reduces reliance on imports. Lastly, adhering to UK regulations and building standards ensures that the cabins are constructed with environmental considerations in mind, such as energy efficiency and waste management, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry in the UK

While this is not unique, more and more cabin and pod suppliers are importing full cabins or cabin ‘kits’ from Europe. We build our units from our Perth workshop, just like we’ve done for the last 30 years.

Built to Last

Building products that last is crucial in creating a more sustainable future. Products that withstand the test of time minimise waste and the environmental impact associated with repairs. Additionally, durable cabins require fewer resources for maintenance and renovation, conserving materials and reducing carbon emissions. High quality materials and disciplined construction practices ensure a cabin will remain in excellent condition for decades. When wooden cabins are built to the standards we make ours, little more energy or materials are needed in their upkeep. 

We’ve been building timber cabins for over 30 years.. so when we say they’re built to last, we’ve a lot of evidence to back this up. With just a little bit of TLC, you can be sure that our cabins will last a lifetime. 

Final thoughts

Our wooden buildings are one of the most sustainable options available in today’s market. We’re not perfect of course, and are constantly trying to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency (both in our cabins and in our workshop) and improve the materials we use in construction. Despite some room for improvement however, we’re very proud of our businesses long history of sustainable construction and innovation. Businesses have a huge part to play in the fight against human causes of climate change. As lovers of all things outdoors, Wigwam Cabins is, always has been, and always will be, committed to the cause.

If you would like to know more, get in touch!