We all have some preconceived notions that come to mind when certain subjects are brought up. Say log cabin and most people picture a snowy woodland or mountain scene, a curl of wood smoke coming out of the chimney of a square or rectangular structure made of round logs notched at the corners.
A few of you might envision the mega-cabins featured on one of those “ultimate” shows. They feature full walls of tempered glass, bowling alleys, grand staircases, and support posts made from whole giant trees. I think it’s a safe bet that you aren’t picturing the Toulouse Bertsch Pavilion, a 272-square-foot octagonal structure that the manufacturer describes as “a luxury garden building.”
By definition, a pavilion is a free-standing secondary structure set back a bit from the main house on an estate. It exists for the pursuit of pleasure and is generally constructed to look appealing on its own. The Toulouse doesn’t deviate far from that definition.
It’s constructed of quality 70MM “logs” machined from wood originating in the sustainable forests of Northern Europe. Finishing options are chosen as part of the order process. In the end, the Toulouse comes to your site on a trailer and a company representative unloads it with a forklift, leaving you to assemble it. Yes, folks, that’s right. It’s DIY prefab.
Aside from choices in exterior color, and roofing options, buyers can choose different window and door finishing options and may ask the manufacturer for changes to the interior appointments. The floorplan, as offered, includes a kitchenette on the main floor. A spiral staircase accesses the upper floor without eating up too much space.
The Toulouse Bertsch Pavillion would make a fine, pool house or guest house and may even be the darling of the tiny house movement with the right attention to detail. The way it is designed this little cabin is full of possibility. The open floor plan on both levels offers a clean slate, bound only by the creativity of the owner.
When properly set on a level concrete slab the Pavillion should be as solid and stable as any small structure you might choose to build by hand. I was a little skeptical of a two story garden shed, thinking of the sad excuses for buildings available at every big box home improvement store in America, but Barrett reassures consumers that their floor joists are made for a long life of weight-bearing stability.
I envision mine made up as a writer’s hideaway. A place to work without distraction, or to talk with good friends late into the night, laughter ringing off of the beautiful exposed beams above. Sadly, I will have to wait, or find plans and build my own. Barretts Leisure Buildings operates and ships only inside the UK for the present time.