The history of wooden houses reaches far back. Even in prehistoric times, tree branches were used to build shelters. People were well aware of the sturdiness of wood and its usefulness as a building material. The first wooden houses were primitive – usually built from branches and covered with clay to seal the holes as a protection from wind and rain. As agriculture and sedentarism took hold, residences were starting to be improved. Over time, different types of houses appeared, yet wooden ones remained popular as lumber was the most accessible and environmentally friendly material.
Many of the world’s pagan religions were nature-centric. In general, in the olden days, people were much more reliant on nature. It was a source of food, a habitat, which is why verdure was considered sacred and the destruction of it frowned upon. In addition, various cultures believe in incarnation, which is also often associated with the natural environment. For example, it is believed that a human can be reborn as a tree. Pagan cultures protected forests, but in later eras, when Christianity supplanted the old religions in Europe, a big part of the population, even the royals, began to live in wooden houses.
A Wooden House: A Source Of Warmth
Warmth – the main criteria in house-building. After all, everyone wants to live comfortably. People long ago understood that log cabin homes uk are the best at retaining heat compared to brick and stone houses. This means it allows for savings and lesser heating expenses.
It is important to know that wood not only keeps heat well but also tends to accumulate moisture. This property is not positive, so choosing the right type of wood is important. Maestro Cabins can offer not only a house design but also quality wood which, with consistent care, will provide warm and dry living spaces.
Another Advantage: Durability & Ecology
Wood has a unique quality – longevity. If correctly maintained, it can last for more than half a century. Moreover, wood is easy to restore: repaint or revarnish. Thus, upkeep does not require a lot of knowledge, you can do it on your own.
In times of climate change, every inhabitant of the earth must contribute to the preservation of nature. This can be done by choosing environmentally friendly materials. Plastic, for example, is harmful not only to us but also to animals, and the time it takes to dissolve in a natural environment reaches as far as five hundred years. Wood is a much more ecological choice because lumber is a natural material, therefore harmless to the environment, and while disintegrating becomes beneficial organic matter, which is later broken down by decomposers.
A perfect example of this process is forests and the constant cycle of renewal that takes place within them. Fallen trees begin to rot. Decomposers are worth mentioning, which have an important role in this process – they return nutrients to the soil. In this way, the cycle begins anew and never ceases. Ergo, wooden houses are environmentally friendly because they are made from non-artificial materials which are part of nature. All man-made matter interrupts the natural cycle in one way or another, that is why we should consider it.
Wide Design Possibilities
Everyone wants to live not only in a well-built house but also in a cozy one. Coziness can be achieved through various design subtleties, and a wooden house opens up a lot of possibilities for fulfilling your creative ideas.
Wooden homes stand out for their naturalness. Usually, their interior is left with a layer of wood, and neither wallpaper nor plaster is used. The interior is embellished by facades, which are installed inside.
Wood is perfect for a vintage style which draws inspiration from the past but looks immensely luxurious. Teak is usually used for furniture as it has a reddish tint. It is designed in non-traditional shapes and with various curved details. If you like plants, this style will be close to your heart, because vintage interior is distinguished by an abundance of houseplants. It is important to mention that the main accent of vintage design is wood, thus this style is best suited for wooden houses.
Another interior style fitted for wooden spaces is retro. It is distinguished by dark tones of wood but also moderation. The house would be spacious, void of unnecessary items, but if done correctly your accommodation would look beautiful and luxurious.
If you like exotics then a great option is Japanese style because most elements of this style go well with wooden accents. Most of the objects are made of natural materials, so you will feel as if surrounded by nature.
If old-fashioned design options are more acceptable to you, rustic style is your fit. It is an interior that exudes the energy of antiquity and nature, it values the everyday environment the most, but at the same time is very cozy. A good fit for those who dream of living in a fairytale, where we could find a secluded forest cabin. It would be wonderful to spend cold winter evenings there, curled up next to a smoldering fireplace with a hot cup of tea and a book.
Outdoor options are also worth discussing. The exterior of a wooden house does not need many resources, as the wood itself is an adornment. The appearance can remain natural if it is continuously maintained. All constructions from natural materials will match the house: rockery, garden furniture. Attention should be paid to verdure as it will enliven the surroundings. A real flourish of such residence is a fence, which should also be made out of wood. The latest design ideas offer a floral fence as an option. This is an unparalleled exterior decoration for which roses are most commonly used. With your best innovative ideas, you can create arches, carts, or other structures. Of course, the landscape should also be taken into consideration.
Great Sound Insulation & Good Export Conditions
Wooden houses, in contrast to concrete, excel at sound insulation. This allows for a quieter environment. Even if you live in a city, your home will be quiet.
Wood as a material is quite light thus comfortable to transport. For example, a garden shed can be made elsewhere and later transported and set up in a different place. This is a much more convenient option, as there is no need to transport tools to the workplace or to look for electrical sources.
An Economical Option
The construction of a wooden house, as well as its maintenance, is much cheaper than that of a concrete one. Leaving the interior natural saves a lot of money which can be used for paint, varnish, or other finishing agents.
Dreaming of a small home? Then wooden houses are just for you because they are known for their functionality. You can find the home project best suited for you. The construction itself does not take long compared to concrete buildings. The heating of wood homes is also cheaper than of regular concrete buildings because, as mentioned earlier, wood tends to retain heat and has excellent insulating properties.
Cooler Summers Than In A Concrete Building
Wood, after all, is a natural material, so a distinct temperature is maintained in such a room, whereas unrenovated concrete houses tend to heat up. During the summer, a lot of flat residents feel this. The most important criterion for a house – good insulation. It does not allow warmth to escape in winter and prevents heat from seeping in during summer. As already mentioned, a wooden house has excellent insulation properties, hence why it is always nice and cozy in there. You will not be experiencing any inconvenience due to the weather.
Trees In Mythology
Probably the most famous, common mythological motif of many nations was the world tree. This notion is another version of the world’s concept, in which a special place is given to the tree. It is perceived as a totality of many things, yet at the same time as the separation of the cosmos and earth. Its upper layer, usually the branches, is paralleled with the heathens, the middle part (the trunk) symbolizes the terrestrial world, and the roots represent the underworld. Each nation had different images of the world tree. For example, in Scandinavian culture, this mythological symbol was called “Yggdrasill“ and portrayed as a giant ash tree, connecting the nine worlds. Each branch leads to a different layer, where a fount is found.
As for today’s situation, Buddhism is the most nature-friendly religion. It believes in reincarnation and that each who has died is reborn as another object. Everything is determined by karma, which is the good and the bad deeds of a person. Buddhists do not participate in the worship of a single individual. They have no god but honour all that is around them. Followers of this religion place great importance on cherishing nature. Trees are believed to be special. For example, the Bodhi tree is a famous pilgrimage centre.
It is important to mention other world religions, which consider trees to be sacred. One of them is Shinto, the most popular in Japan. It’s a pagan religion whose main object of worship is nature, so it is not surprising that verdure has an important position in Japanese culture. Mention may be made of Sakura, the true pride of Japan. This tree is the most important cultural symbol, which reminds people of temporality, of transient beauty, which lasts no longer than a Sakura blossom.
A lot of attention to nature was paid in Greek mythology. Speaking specifically of trees, we should mention dryads (forest nymphs). It was believed that they were connected with trees so forests were especially protected.
Some Advice On How To Look After Wood
Wood requires constant care to maintain its original form. Exposed wood is more likely to accumulate moisture, leading to rotting. Solar radiation can also cause negative effects, and the wood may lose its original appearance. Hence why it is important to protect it. Paint, impregnants, or other agents are perfect for this.
The biggest enemies of wood are termites. These are insects that feed on dead verdure or trees. If the wood is already infested with termites, which is often the case with old buildings, they should be eradicated first and only then you may proceed with the wood renovation. It is best to check your house constantly: inspect the walls or other areas of wood for damage and take immediate action when the slightest change is observed. Termites can only be removed with special equipment, so this task is best suited for a professional. Ergo, it is important to regularly renew your house – repaint or impregnate, it is advisable to do this every five years.
Another important point is the movement of wood – this is an unavoidable process; hence it is important to choose moisture-resistant, well-processed, high-quality wood before building a house and to leave in the open the most vulnerable areas of the house, i.e., windows and doors. Primer is required for the exterior; it protects against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The interior is equally important, even if it is exposed to less damaging conditions, it needs constant maintenance, or more precisely, it may require a repaint or other form of repair.
