TIL: Cottage Stained with Recycled Tractor Oil

Belgian project also constructed from local timber and other recycled materials.

This lakeside cottage designed by London-based architects De Rosee Sa, is located near a lake in Nouvelles, Belgium. The compact 35-square-meter structure serves multiple purposes: a guesthouse, workspace, and social gathering spot.

Built on the site of an old timber hut, the cabin utilizes locally sourced materials, including timber from nearby woods. The black-stained exterior, achieved using wood stain mixed with recycled tractor oil, reflects local agricultural buildings. Inside, the open space is versatile and lined with oriented strand board (OSB), featuring exposed rafters and a wood-burning stove for heating.

The cabin was hand-built by the architects themselves with a modest budget of around £25,000 (30,000€, $32,500), the cabin features concrete strip foundations, brick dwarf walls, and a suspended timber floor. Sustainability and local sourcing were central to the design approach, demonstrating thoughtful material use and construction methods.

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