Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 6

NEWS Housing sustainability Eco Log Homes launches the aesthetically pleasing Eco Pod Tiny Home, an efficient little structure with a large green footprint. By Candace Sofianos King | Photos by Eco Log Homes T hey say dynamite comes in small packages – the same can be said about sustainability with the introduction of the beautifully designed, fully self-contained, 19m² pre-fabricated Eco Pod Tiny Home. Having relaunched the eco pod in June 2018, Eco Log Homes’ little green gem is a pre-manufactured complete unit that has been carefully designed with regards to finishes and structure. The eco pod complies with national fire regulations and built to South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) specifications. All structural timber is chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated to the correct hazard rating as specified by SABS and can last several decades if taken care of. Each four- to five-ton pod boasts charcoal Kliplok roof sheeting and balau wood decking; Vermont fibre cement exterior cladding and internal cladding; with whitewashed plywood and grey silicone; vinyl flooring; exposed white- painted timber rafters; and CCA treated pine joists for the floor structure with insulation; as well as a mini chateau oak wall mounted bathroom cabinet. For added green benefits, one can select optional extras including the installation of gas as well as various solar solutions. The unit requires a level surface to be placed on, such as a concrete slab or concrete blocks. The decking portion has been oiled in the factory, however, balau timber cannot be pressure treated – therefore the deck needs to be oiled on average every six months. With sustainability in mind, Eco Log Homes build timber frame and log structures for the discerning homeowner and property developer, ranging from cosy log cabins to luxury bush lodges and more. Eco Log Homes is accredited by the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), is registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and builds strictly in line with all building standards and codes. Offering a plethora of timber construction methods and finishes for every palate, Eco Log Homes build with timber frame, post and beam, as well as single and double tongue- and-groove heavy solid log and offer cladding including smooth fibre cement siding, Vermont plank as well as log profile cladding for a ‘log home’ look. Interior finishes include smooth fibre cement board, fire-stop gypsum board or timber cladding, which can all be customised to suit particular tastes in colour and texture. Roofing options include shingles, thatch or Chromadek roof sheeting. All structural timber and solid log and log profile cladding is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified South African pine. Its structural timber is treated according to timber treatment regulations. 4 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 // An artist’s impression of the Eco Pod Tiny Home in all its green glory. An interior view of an Eco Pod Tiny Home unit.