Why the Future of Lodges in the UK Needs to Be Climate-Proof (Ours Already Are)
I'm writing this from my home office in a bralet and shorts, with a fan spinning furiously behind me and a very warm cup of coffee I’m instantly regretting. It’s one of those sticky summer days in the UK—uncomfortably hot, the kind where your laptop fan is louder than your thoughts, and you wonder how we ever called this a “temperate” climate.
Here’s the thing: the UK is changing. Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s a sweaty, sun-drenched reality that’s already landed on our doorsteps. Since 2022, we’ve hit 40°C+ at least once every year. Sunshine hours are up, rainfall patterns are shifting, and droughts are becoming more common. And as someone designing homes and cabins for a living, I can tell you—it’s changing the way we build.
But while it might feel a bit doom-and-gloom (and sticky), there’s a bright side: we’ve been preparing for this. At THC Homes, we’ve designed every single one of our models to not just survive extreme weather, but thrive in it. So whether it’s minus 10 or plus 30, our lodges are ready for whatever the Great British climate throws at them.
Climate Adaptive Models With THC Homes (Merlin Range)
From House Building Roots to Climate-Ready Cabins
We didn’t start out building leisure cabins—we started with homes. That means from day one, we knew people would be living in our models year-round. Not popping in for a summer break or an autumn getaway. Living in them. And often, our customers are in their 60s or 70s—folks who deserve a home that’s warm in winter and cool in summer without needing to constantly fiddle with heaters, fans, or extra duvets.
That’s why every model we build comes with the kind of technology you’d expect in a top-tier eco home. We’re talking air source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling, MVHR systems (that’s mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) to keep air fresh and temperature steady, and insulation levels that would make a thermos flask jealous.
Basically, it’s all about keeping that Goldilocks temperature—not too hot, not too cold, just right—all year round. Whether you're in your lodge in snowy February or hosting guests in a scorching August heatwave, our cabins are built to feel comfortable and calm. No plastic-y, sweat-inducing interiors. No draughty corners. Just clever, consistent climate control.
Smarter Water Use for a Thirsty Country
Now, let’s talk about water. Because while we’re all distracted by the sun (and let’s be honest, the BBQs), there’s another quiet crisis unfolding across the UK: drought.
Water scarcity is a real and growing issue. More regions are seeing hosepipe bans, lower reservoir levels, and stricter planning rules related to water use. Which is why we’ve taken water efficiency seriously from the get-go.
Our models come with aerated taps and showerheads as standard, meaning you still get that lovely power shower feel, but use a fraction of the water. For particularly drought-prone areas, we can fit modern composting toilets that work just like a regular loo—just without using any water. Yep, zero litres. And if you’re developing a larger site, we can go a step further and include a smart greywater recycling system that turns used water into clean, re-usable supply. It’s like having your own mini water treatment facility right outside your door.
These systems aren’t just smart—they’re essential. And increasingly, planning permission might depend on them.
Solar-Powered, Year-Round Ready
Of course, it wouldn’t be a conversation about the climate without mentioning energy. Our cabins are all designed with solar integration in mind. We’re talking rooftops that capture both summer and winter sun, storing energy efficiently so you’re less reliant on the grid—and less hit by rising energy bills.
Pair that with our air source heat pumps and MVHR, and you’ve got a model that practically runs itself. Whether you’re living in it or letting it out, you’re offering a genuinely low-carbon, low-maintenance stay that guests rave about—and that keeps running costs impressively low.
Betula Cabin (White Wash Micro CLT, Neutral Baltic Birch Plywood, Deep Stained Hotel-esque Style)
Luxury Meets Performance (Finally)
People often think they need to choose between eco performance and luxury. But we built our brand on the idea that you can absolutely have both. Just because you care about the planet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a Kaelo wine cooler, a walk-in rainfall shower, or reflective glass that keeps your lodge cool while looking like something out of Architectural Digest.
And honestly, shouldn’t your cabin or lodge work for you?
We’ve all walked into those traditional holiday lodges where the second you open the door, you’re hit with that plasticky heat smell. The kind where you can almost feel the off-gassing. Our cabins? They meet you with fresh, filtered air, soft lighting, and a calming, clean interior that makes you want to kick off your shoes and pour a chilled drink.
It’s about wellness. Comfort. And not having to second-guess whether your space is causing you to sweat or spend.
Built for the New British Climate
The UK climate has shifted—and it’s not going back. That means the way we design, build, and live in homes (whether they’re permanent or holiday stays) has to change too.
At THC Homes, we’re proud to say we were ahead of the curve. We build models that stand up to extremes. That keep you cool without compromising. That cut water usage and carbon footprints. That are as good for the planet as they are for the people living inside.
So whether you’re a landowner, a leisure park operator, or just someone dreaming of a beautiful cabin to escape to—ask yourself: does it just look good, or does it live well?
Because in a country that can hit 40°C in the summer and -10°C in the winter, your next lodge needs to do a whole lot more than sit pretty. It needs to perform.