Demand for recreational plots has been growing for several years. Green surroundings, peace and quiet, fresh air and the chance to organize getaways and trips are persuading more and more city dwellers to take this step. Most of us prefer to buy freehold, undeveloped recreational plots that we can arrange however we like. Another popular option is leasing a plot in a Family Allotment Garden (ROD).
In both cases, we want to make room for a small garden, a space to relax outdoors and a cozy wooden cabin. But this raises quite a few questions. Which cabin for a recreational plot should you choose – an all-year one or a seasonal one? What size can you afford without having to deal with burdensome formalities? Might a garden gazebo be a better choice? And finally, what should you look out for when choosing, buying and carrying out the project? Here is our advice!
Small cabins for a plot without a building permit – what requirements must they meet?
Having to obtain a building permit means a lot of formalities and costs, and the whole process can drag on for months. Is building holiday cabins or all-year cabins on a recreational plot as complicated as building a single-family home? No, but certain requirements must be met.
A small cabin on a recreational plot can be built under the so-called notification procedure. We don't need to apply for a permit – we only have to notify the relevant office about the construction. There is just one condition: its area must not exceed 35 m². A notification form for building such a cabin is available at any county office (starostwo). The notification must include:
- the type of building, which in this case is an "individual recreation building",
- the scope and method of carrying out the construction work,
- the start date of the work,
- a document confirming the right to the property,
- the building design (floor plans, dimensions, location on the plot).
The vast majority of the wooden cabins in our range meet these requirements, and the necessary drawings and information on the scope of work are included in the price. We also offer our help at every stage of the notification.
A small cabin for your plot – what size should you choose?
An important consideration when choosing a cabin is its size, which should depend on the area and type of the plot, as well as on the number of people who will use it.
Ready-made small cabins for ROD plots
Plots in Family Allotment Gardens (ROD) usually don't exceed 200–300 m² in area. When laying out an allotment garden, we should therefore think carefully about where to place each element (e.g. a vegetable patch, a gazebo, a barbecue area, a sandbox for the kids) and where to locate the small cabin on the plot. We must remember that living on ROD grounds is not allowed. Still, to enjoy a pleasant weekend or holiday on the plot, it's worth having even a small cabin where we can shelter from the rain and keep essential tools and equipment safe.
A small cabin on a ROD plot usually has to be as small as possible, and its area typically doesn't exceed a dozen or so square meters. Of course, if the plot is large enough, we can successfully build a cabin of the maximum size, i.e. 35 m². We only have to make sure that its total height (including the foundation) doesn't exceed 5 m. Despite the small floor area, we can arrange the space in an exceptionally functional way, e.g. by combining the cabin with a garden gazebo or a covered terrace. A holiday cabin on a ROD plot can be used for relaxing or hosting a party, but also as a tool shed and utility room.
Small cabins on freehold recreational plots
An important consideration when choosing a cabin is its size, which should depend on the area and type of the plot, as well as on the number of people who will use it.
Ready-made small wooden cabins for a ROD plotPlots in Family Allotment Gardens (ROD) usually don't exceed 200–300 m² in area. When laying out an allotment garden, we should therefore think carefully about where to place each element (e.g. a vegetable patch, a gazebo, a barbecue area, a sandbox for the kids) and where to locate the small cabin on the plot. We must remember that living on ROD grounds is not allowed. Still, to enjoy a pleasant weekend or holiday on the plot, it's worth having even a small cabin where we can shelter from the rain and keep essential tools and equipment safe.
A small cabin on a ROD plot usually has to be as small as possible, and its area typically doesn't exceed a dozen or so square meters. Of course, if the plot is large enough, we can successfully build a comfortable cabin of up to 35 m². We only have to make sure that its total height (including the foundation) doesn't exceed 5 m. Despite the small floor area, we can arrange the space in an exceptionally functional way, e.g. by combining the cabin with a garden gazebo or a covered terrace.
There are many ways to plan the space optimally so that it meets the needs of a family of several people or a group of friends. It's worth considering a design with a mezzanine, which creates additional sleeping space and boosts functionality even in a small floor area. Another option is multifunctional furniture, such as folding tables, beds with storage drawers or sofa beds, which let you use the space flexibly and practically. Thanks to such solutions, even with limited floor area, cabins can be comfortable and fully functional, suitable both for hosting guests and for relaxing alone in the lap of nature.
Small wooden holiday cabins on freehold recreational plots
When building a small cabin on a plot that doesn't depend on other entities (the State Treasury, a local authority or a specific institution), we can afford a slightly larger size. We'll be able to stay in such a cabin during a vacation, summer holidays, weekends or public holidays. However, for the stay to be comfortable, the cabin must meet certain conditions.
Here too, if we don't intend to apply for a building permit, the cabin's area must not exceed 35 m². That may not seem like much, but a well-planned space can easily accommodate a family of several people or a group of friends.
At Drewnolandia, we build cabins for up to 8 people. How is that possible? Depending on the specific design, we offer a single-storey building or one with a mezzanine. In both configurations, the cabin can fit bedrooms (two or three), a living room, a kitchenette and a bathroom. If you expect more people, you can give up the covered terrace in favor of more living space.
Moreover, it's worth equipping a small cabin on a recreational plot with electrical and plumbing installations right away; we install them during construction.
An alternative: gazebos and tool sheds
If you prefer a simpler solution that makes effective use of the space, consider a garden gazebo or a tool shed. Gazebos are light, compact structures that provide protection from sun and rain, ideal for relaxing outdoors, hosting get-togethers or storing garden equipment. Tool sheds, on the other hand, are a practical solution for storing garden tools, equipment and other items that don't need constant protection from the weather. Although these options are simpler and cheaper to build than full-fledged wooden cabins, they are an excellent choice for those who need usable space for storage or recreation without a big investment.
A small cabin for your plot – all-year or seasonal?
Another criterion to consider when choosing a small cabin for a recreational plot is how well it can be lived in throughout the year. Will it be only a holiday cabin, or perhaps an all-year cabin where we can stay in autumn and winter too?
If we plan to use the cabin regardless of the season, it's worth choosing a Canadian-style cabin built on a wooden frame. In this case, the spaces between the structural studs must be insulated, for example with mineral wool. The all-year cabins in our range are built from certified timber and the best insulation materials. At the Customer's request, we also insulate the door and equip the cabin with an efficient stove.
A solid wooden cabin – what should the material be like?
As future owners of a recreational cabin, we must also pay attention to the quality of the material it will be built from. The cabin should be solid and last for many years without repairs or renovation. At Drewnolandia, we build only wooden houses. We use solid, kiln-dried timber, which reduces the risk of mold and makes the material more resistant to adverse weather conditions.
Our C24 structural timber of so-called visual grade comes from Polish and Scandinavian forests and is precisely planed and milled. The material is carefully selected, free of discoloration and natural defects. Besides C24 timber, we also use KVH timber (finger-jointed) with excellent airtightness and BSH timber, which is resistant to cracking and warping. We use them in critical spots that are especially prone to cracking.
These three types of timber should be the standard in building wooden cabins for recreational plots, so it's always worth asking a given manufacturer whether they use such material.
Professional execution, or clear terms of cooperation
If you decide to build a wooden cabin on a recreational plot – whether it's a mini cabin on a ROD plot, a holiday cabin or an all-year cabin – find out (before buying) the order terms offered by a particular manufacturer. The most important factor is, of course, the cost – set at the start of cooperation and fixed. Assembly time matters too. We should agree with the manufacturer on a specific date for the assembly work and the time needed to complete the order. A lot depends on the size and type of the cabin, but as a rule it takes just a few days – construction shouldn't drag on for months.
At Drewnolandia, we build wooden cabins both from ready-made designs and to individual needs. We create comfortable places to relax, even for the most demanding clients. Our structures are an ideal solution for those who want their own relaxation corner on their plot. Check out the models we offer!
Frequently asked questions
Can I assemble a small cabin on my plot myself, or do I have to hire professionals?
Assembling a small cabin on a recreational plot yourself is possible, especially with wooden structures, which are often designed for easy assembly. However, even though some structures are suited to easy DIY assembly, we recommend using professionals. They will make sure the assembly is done properly and that the cabin can be used in line with applicable building regulations, which can save time and avoid unnecessary problems in the future.
What additional elements can I add to a small cabin to increase its functionality?
To increase the functionality of a small cabin on a recreational plot, consider adding elements such as a terrace or a covered patio, which create a space for relaxing outdoors. In turn, using multifunctional furniture or a mezzanine will let you make better use of the available space, especially if you want to make the cabin feel more spacious within its building footprint.
What are the advantages of using a mezzanine in a small cabin on a recreational plot?
Using a mezzanine in a small cabin on a recreational plot is an excellent solution that allows for optimal use of the interior, especially when your building footprint is limited. A mezzanine provides extra sleeping space or can serve as storage, making the cabin more functional. Thanks to this solution, you can make efficient use of the plot size while keeping the cabin spacious and comfortable to use, without the need for an extension.
Are there cabins I can take with me if I change the location of my recreational plot?
Yes, there are modular wooden structures designed to be relocated. Thanks to easy assembly and disassembly, these cabins can be taken with you if the location of your ROD plot changes.
