The pair began designing Bento cabins in early 2023. “The collaboration between my brother and I took place from our love of design and really related style and values on what creates a sustainable residence,” says Gosia, who’s behind the sustainable trend model Kowtow, which she based in 2006. Her brother Tomek, an architectural designer and maker primarily based within the Bay of Loads, developed the idea after each recognised a niche within the New Zealand market.
“We each felt different choices on the New Zealand market had been of a low value construct and compromised on sustainability and high quality.” After conducting market analysis and a price evaluation, they felt the numbers stacked up and began to examine the assorted methods folks might utilise the cabins: “We’re excited in regards to the prospect of individuals organising companies with the cabins, shopping for a number of dwellings and organising a hospitality enterprise.”
Cabins begins with a 6.6 x 3.8m 18.38m2 base construction, with three core modules (Rest room, Kitchen and Studio Mattress) obtainable as additions that may be configured utilizing a web-based configuration instrument that demonstrates the assorted ground plans obtainable.
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Prefabricated of their fully-enclosed Mount Maunganui premises, Bento cabins and modules meet Passivhaus requirements, additionally prioritising conservation of water, and eliminating the usage of fossil fuels — a aware transfer from the designers — with sustainability being a “core focus” from day one, says the pair. Moreover, the designers have opted for premium Crimson-Record Free supplies to make sure cabins are free from dangerous chemical substances and are environmentally-sustainable.
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The prefabricated nature of Bento cabins allows fast, simple set up. The pair factors out, that the cabins are delivered preassembled as full models and are arrange on-site with minimal disruption, making them an excellent answer for areas with restricted entry. Every cabin is supported by a concrete-free, ground-screw basis system, which is low-impact and simply detachable.
“Every of our cabins is crafted with sustainability in thoughts,” says Tomek, “and they’re constructed with Formance SIP panels, which give superior thermal efficiency and considerably cut back operational carbon emissions.” The cabins additionally characteristic low-emission, formaldehyde-free Pureply maple wall linings and joinery, engineered-timber oak flooring, Topcer Portuguese porcelain tiles, and a waterless composting rest room, which conserves 1000’s of litres of water yearly. “With zero reliance on fossil fuels and prepped for solar energy integration, we’ve designed these cabins for a true-off grid fashionable dwelling surroundings”.
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Turnaround from session to set up takes roughly 14 weeks, with the method mapped out week-by-week on the Order Course of web page of the Bento web site. A Bento base cabin begins at $99,000 and relying on the addition of non-compulsory modules — Rest room ($30,000), Kitchen ($15,000) and studio mattress ($10,000) — the fee for a single cabin can attain $154,000. As an added characteristic, a Revenue Calculator permits one to calculate the estimated value and return on funding.
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The Revenue Calculator and modular design of the cabins acknowleges a wide range of purposes and makes use of, with the pair declaring they’re catering to a variety of individuals — from somebody seeking to create a retreat in nature to somone seeking to broaden on their present dwelling area. “Providing three modules and a wide range of layouts and elements, the customer is ready to choose a module that fits their wants and price range,” says Gosia. “The cabins’ flexibility makes them appropriate for numerous makes use of, together with yard extensions, vacation leases and private retreats.”
Tomek, an structure graduate and self-proclaimed ‘minimalist’, says his focus is on designs that simplify life and cut back environmental affect, whereas Gosia, because the founding father of Fairtrade organic-cotton model Kowtow, brings her ardour for sustainable supplies and moral manufacturing to the undertaking.
Collectively, the pair is dedicated to selling a way of life that’s mild on the planet whereas offering high-quality, comfy dwelling areas.
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Be taught extra on the Bento web site.
