Log cabins are healthy.

TRADITIONAL WOODEN HOUSES AND OUR HEALTH

Tatrahytte log cabins were built using the traditional building method of Polish highlanders. They are made from sturdy half-logs, stacked one on top of another, without using any nails. To join the corners of the cabins together, a traditional dovetail notching technique was used. Between the half-logs, there is an insulation layer made from recycled spruce wood fibre which keeps the cabin warm and ensures natural ventilation. It also serves as a decorative element for both the cabin exterior and interior. The laying pattern of the insulation material reflects the traditional methods used for ages in the construction of traditional shepherd shelters and was crafted by experts specialising in the renovation of old cottages in ethnographic museums. Also the cabin ceilings were made in accordance with traditional methods dating back many centuries: each of the slats was attached using chisels rather than nails. What’s more, as in traditional log houses, all decorative elements were handcrafted by experienced local sculptors.

Besides their aesthetic value, log cabins have another advantage: they are very healthy to stay in. Wood has a natural capacity of absorbing moisture from the air and releasing it into environment when drying, keeping air humidity inside at the level of 30-50% and creating a very favourable indoor microclimate that prevents the growth of fungi or mould – a common cause of allergies and respiratory tract infections. Wood promotes physical health and mental well-being. Additionally, the natural feeling of warmth and high noise absorption properties of wood help to create a friendly and peaceful atmosphere which is great for reducing stress and anxiety. Our guests can breathe clean and fresh air, as wood purifies the air, ensures its optimum circulation and humidity. Solid wood is healthy and safe, both for people and the environment. The construction elements used in our cabins contain no plastic or synthetic materials and have a low carbon footprint.
The breathable walls allow water vapour to move freely between the walls and the environment outside, which is very beneficial for all people who seek to improve their well-being, including allergy sufferers, those with different medical problems and convalescents.

What’s more, all of the wooden furniture in our cabins has been coated with natural Japanese yacht varnish (rather than artificial lacquers used in many other rental homes). The use of wood in interiors is associated with improved daily functioning, relaxation and better sleep as it absorbs noise, promotes sense of warmth, comfort and tranquillity. The feel-at-home atmosphere that permeates the interiors allows guests to rest, recover and regenerate.

Due to the raw climate of the Podhale region, local people have always built their homes from easily available, yet precious and durable woods. The use of a natural and healthy construction material with its moisture-stabilising properties helps to create a very pleasant microclimate in the cabins. In addition to its aesthetic appeal and pleasant, almost velvety feel, it is strong, durable and has very positive effects on the sleep quality. Our guests often admit that their mood, sleep comfort and general well-being during the stay at the cabins change for the better compared to what they experience on a daily basis. Besides the exceptional aesthetic qualities – the breath-taking mountain vistas, the beautiful furnishings used in the interiors (wooden furniture, lamps, coat hangers and other locally sourced and handcrafted items and the atmospheric fireplace) – our cabins offer a unique and friendly atmosphere, created both by the unsurpassed properties and the warm and cosy appearance of the wood. Importantly, as a natural and renewable building material, wood helps us to care for the environment. By choosing to stay at the cabins, our guests choose to share the values which we hold very dear to our hearts: respect for nature, tradition and sustainable living. Being aware of these values makes the stay at the cabins even more enjoyable and satisfying – the surroundings promote profound relaxation, regeneration, peacefulness and joy.