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By Out of the Valley
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NOMAD CABINS 2020 The Nomad Cabin by Out of the Valley
Off the grid That which seems to present the greatest challenge can also contain within it the seed of the solution. After all, it’s often in times of adversity that we find the power within us to create something better and learn the skills to facilitate that change. We find ourselves at a turning point: looking outwards beyond the frenetic pace of our modern lives towards a simpler future. We are returning to our families, sowing seeds to cultivate food, learning about caring for livestock and foraging in our abundant hedgerows. Communities are coming together to care for each other, demonstrating the support and kindness that lies within us all. What else can be achieved with this solidarity? What world can we create from here?
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Contents
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Introducing the Nomad Cabin
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The Process
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The Cabin Collection
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The Building Envelope
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Waste, Water and Energy
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Delivery and Installation
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A Message from the Founder
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Get in Touch
Further detail including pricing, terms and conditions, and contractual agreements can be found on our website. You would also receive this information following an initial consultation over the phone. The content of this document is under copyright and subject to change at any time. Please get in touch if you wish to use any of the images. 4
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River on the Isle of Mull by Out of the Valley
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BE AU T IFU L CA BI N S BUILT FR OM N AT U R AL M AT ER I A L S
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At Out of the Valley, we believe that spending time living close to the earth, in wooden buildings that respond to the environment, has the potential to inspire positive change on both an individual and societal level. Our aim is to create spaces that enable the occupant to feel in tune with the natural cycles of nature. We are passionate about space and the poetic rhythm of architecture. Our work is bespoke and draws influence from traditional craftsmanship and vernacular precedents. We use biophilic design principles and off-grid technologies to create carbon negative buildings that connect with their surroundings. Further, our cabins carry a sense of harmony that travels from the outside in, and we use organic materials and textures to bring a refined, tactile quality to our work.
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Introducing the Nomad Cabin B U IL D IN G A BE T T ER WAY T O L I V E
The Nomad is a prefabricated, off-grid, deployable cabin designed and built by the team at Out of the Valley. In response to the climate crisis, drastic changes to the workplace and a general sense of suppressed biophilia, we wanted to create the ultimate utilitarian small building to support off-grid living, homesteading, working from home or leisure experiences in nature. Our structures are just as at home perched high up in a Scottish glen as a refuge for tired ramblers as they are sat in a back garden, providing a space from which the owner runs their small business. The Nomad Cabin is a movable structure built on a galvanised chassis with two skids that elevate the building off the ground. The cabins are built at our fabrication facility and transported to each site on a low loader. For difficult sites the cabins are towed into place using a Land Rover and trailer. The size and internal height mean that certain Nomad Cabins fall under the Caravan Act, which helps to alleviate concerns over planning. Where planning is needed our team can help guide you through the process. The Nomad is a robust cabin built using locally sourced timber, natural insulation, modern construction methods and high quality fittings and finishes to create a premium sustainable building that will last. Taking inspiration from the historic, hardy timber farm buildings and mountain huts of central Europe, the Nomad features a low pitch roof to maximise headroom, exaggerated eaves for shade and weather proofing, and big feature windows to bring the outside in. We build the Nomad Cabin so that it may be adapted and reused for generations to come.
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The Double Nomadd: Concept image showing how the Nomad cabins could be used
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T H E S P E C I F I CAT I O N We like to keep things simple so we offer two cost options. These two options dictate the specification of fixings,finishes and fittings, and can be mixed and matched to suit you needs. Keep in mind the build quality remains premium regardless.
Fu n dame n t al The fundamental specification list is full of well designed products and materials that we love. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of fittings, with clean, simple materials and functional apparatus for living.
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P r e miu m This specification option speaks for itself. We have composed a list of luxury light fittings, beautiful kitchen goods, the finest timbers and tiles and an exceptional range of furniture to choose from.
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T H E P R O C E S S T I M EL I N E The Nomad Cabin was conceived to provide a high quality, beautiful building at a reasonable cost. We provide a consolidated design service and prefabricate the Nomad Cabins at our facility in Devon.
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D e sig n
Bu i l d
Following a design consultation we will send over a specification sheet detailing the final layout, dimensions, and the fixtures and fittings included in the cabin.
Following a design consultation we will send over a specification sheet detailing the final layout, dimensions, and the fixtures and fittings included in the cabin.
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D el i v er Once your cabin is ready, we will arrange a day that suits you to deliver. We will complete the installation process and hook up any services required - and that’s it! Now it’s over to you to enjoy your new cabin.
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A ll g o o d t h i ng s a r e w i l d a n d fr ee - Henry David Thoreau
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The Cabin Collection M U LT I F U N C T I O N A L S PAC E S T H A T A R E MO V AB
Please remember all options are fully customisable and details of fixtures, fittings and finishes can be found in our separate specification lists. Again, these can be chosen from our range or bespoke to your particular project. For more information please feel free to get in touch via email or over the phone. Contact details can be found at the back of this brochure.
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N D ADAP TA BLE LE A
These next few pages detail the range of Nomad Cabins and options available. We’ve included typical layouts and detailed information for each one.
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A Nomad Cabin
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THE SINGLE NOMAD The original, self-contained nomadic cabin, the Single Nomad features all the amenities of a home enclosed within a much smaller footprint. It can be customised with a range of materials and fittings inside and out. While it is fully functioning as a standalone cabin, it is also possible to combine it with one of the secondary cabins (such as the Sauna Nomad or Studio Nomad) featured later in this brochure.
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The Single Nomad: Concept Visual
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The single Nomad Interior
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NOMAD C O M B I N AT I O N S DO U BL E
Option 1
For those wanting to utilise the flexibility and functionality of a Nomad cabin while retaining its low impact credentials, combining two of the single options, connected via an outside deck, might be an excellent solution. Whether it’s integrating an extra bedroom and a studio or a greenhouse and home office, the Nomad cabins can join together to create an interesting layout and central space without the need for months of building work and disruption.
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A Log store / service cupboard B Bathroom C Kitchen D Ladder To Sleeping Deck E Wood Burning Stove F Living Area G Decking H Bedroom I Wood Burning Stove J Desk / Storage
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The Double Nomad Internal visual
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THE DO U BL E N O M A D
Option 2
In this structure, two Nomad cabins fit side by side with a glazed passageway linking the two spaces. This creates a much more generous openplan space that could comfortably fit a family of four, with the kids sharing the bed deck above the bathroom. The layout features a more private bedroom and bathroom area to the rear and a kitchen, living, and dining area to the front, which opens onto the front and side decking.
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A Bedroom B Bathroom C Kitchen D Ladder to sleeping deck E Wood burning stove F Living area G Dining area H Decking I Connecting hallway
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As with every Nomad, this self-contained living cabin features a high level of detail, quality craftsmanship, and beautiful natural materials. A small space that focuses on comfort and functionality, the Single Nomad combines considered design and elegant proportions to create a pragmatic living space with a warm atmosphere.
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THE DO U BL E N O M A D
Option 3
The second version of the Double Nomad features all the amenities of the original, but in this iteration the ‘living’ cabin is rotated 90 degrees to create a more enclosed aspect and a slightly different footprint.
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Two small timber balconies sit outside the bedroom and living area creating pockets of private space, ideal for sitting and reading a book in the sun or contemplating your morning coffee.
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The Double Nomad: External Visual
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THE S AU N A NOMAD With its sweeping, snowy vistas and breathtaking auroras, it’s no surprise Finland has been voted the world’s happiest country three years in a row.
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The happiness of the Finnish people is reported to be the result of social support networks and good health. Coincidentally, Finland is also the birthplace of sauna and the country has retained and promoted this cultural pastime into the 21st century. According to the Finnish Sauna Society, the sauna is considered the source of energy and health in Finland. The UK climate is perfect for embracing all the benefits of sauna culture and the Sauna Nomad provides a flexible and beautiful space to relax and soak up the Scandinavian lifestyle.
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A Service cupboard / Log store B Benches C Sauna wood stove D Decking
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The Sauna Nomad: Concept visual
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Retallack Sauna y Out of the Valley
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THE S T U DI O NOMAD Working from home is becoming increasingly popular. Avoiding that nightmare commute, saving on shop-bought lunches, and getting to spend more time with the family are just some of its many benefits. But working from the kitchen table or the spare room is not always ideal and a dedicated work space, outside of the main house, can be a pragmatic solution. Talk with our team: we will provide a custom layout of built-in desk space, furniture and storage to make a functional and beautiful workplace.
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The South Devon Coast by Out of the Valley
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THE G R EE N H O U S E N O M A D This greenhouse can be elevated to avoid rabbits eating the lettuce, or dug into the ground to retain a more consistent year-round temperature. However you want to do it, the beautiful timber frame and polycarbonate or glazed skin is the perfect way to care for and display your veggies and flowers.. The visualisation on the opposite page features a raised planter bed that tracks around the inside perimeter of the cabin, front decking for access, and a bit of storage. It’d make a lovely place to sit and relax during the summer months.
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The Greenhouse Nomad: Isometric visualisation
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The Greenhouse Nomad: Isometric visualisation
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Outdoor Sink by Out of the Valley
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CUSTOM N O M A DS
The Nomad Cabin can be adapted to serve your requirements. If you have a need for a deployable, high quality, auxiliary building, we can design and create a custom Nomad that suits your needs. The Utility Nomad, shown opposite, is perched on stilts and packs all the amenities necessary for living into a tiny footprint. It illustrates just how flexible the Nomad Cabin can be. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a need for a cabin that isn’t shown in this brochure. 0m
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N O M A D CA BI N S A R E V E R S AT ILE AN D O U R T E A M L OV E A CH ALLE N G E . IF YO U WA N T A S TA R G A Z I N G HU T O N S T ILT S , W E CA N B U I L D I T
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Out of the Valley was founded with the principal intention of creating beautifully made, magical spaces. With our Nomad Cabins, we intend to provide respite for couples wanting a romantic weekend away, families looking for an adventure in nature (even if it is in their back garden) and individuals who want tranquil isolation in order to cultivate inspiration. Ultimately, we aim to make owning an off-grid hideaway more viable. Nomad Cabins are versatile and we love to find clever and creative ways to adapt these utilitarian structures to cater to the most imaginative dreamers. If you have an idea to incorporate into a Nomad Cabin then we can build it. We work with a great network of engineers, fabricators and makers at our farm in Devon. What’s more, we’re always keen to increase our skill set, so whether you want a fold up roof or a cabin on 20ft legs, we’ll make it work!
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L i v e i n e a c h se a so n a t it p a s se s ; b r e a t h e t h e air, d r in k t h e d r in k , t a s t e t h e f r u it , an d r e sig n y o u r sel f t o t h e i n f l u e n c e o f t h e e ar t h - Henry David Thoreau
The greater vision for the Nomad range is to create communities that facilitate regenerative off-grid living. We believe that living in connection with the land and each other has the potential to inspire a new paradigm. Returning to the ways our ancestors once lived - but in a little more comfort!
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The Building Envelope N AT U R AL M AT ER I A L S A N D A BR E AT H A BLE B U IL D IN G FA BR I C The fabric of the Nomad Cabin - layers of materials, insulation and weatherproofing - is critical to the comfort, performance and longevity of the building. We use high quality materials from renowned ecological building supply companies and a fabric system known as ‘open diffusion’. This entails using hygroscopic insulation materials that are able to take in any moisture that gets into the fabric, and vapour open membranes to allow moisture to evaporate. Nomad Cabins come fully insulated, weatherproofed and air sealed as standard, and we’re also able to upgrade the insulation to attain greater thermal efficiency. Materiality is key to everything we undertake. It is the leading principle of our design ethos, dictating the ecological footprint, design parameters, and the atmosphere and aesthetic of the cabins.
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On-site with Out of the Valley
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Jute fibre insulation made from recycled coffee bags
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WALL BUILD-UP Option 1 This is the basic cassette panel which we use in each cabin’s floor, walls, and roof. It comprises the cabin’s structure, thermal insulation, weatherproofing and durable internal and external finishes. We try to keep the walls and floor as thin as we can to maximise space without compromising performance.
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A B C D E F G H
WALL BUILD-UP Option 1 A B C D E F G H
Internal lining Service & ventilation zone Osb racking & vapour barrier Natural fibre insulation Structural frame Vapour permeable membrane Ventilation zone Timber cladding
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WALL BUILD-UP Option 2 To upgrade the thermal efficiency of the envelope we install a wood fibre board on the exterior of the wall and roof panels. This reduces thermal bridging through the structure and increases thermal performance, meaning the building stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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A B C D E F G H I
WALL BUILD-UP Option 2 A B C D E F G H I
Internal lining Service & ventilation zone Osb racking & vapour barrier Natural fibre insulation Structural frame Wood fibre insulation board Vapour permeable membrane Ventilation zone Timber cladding
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Cedar cladding profiles Cladding examples Douglas fir stack Cladding panels
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Sauna bucket & ladel by Rentosauna Axe by Gransfors Wood fired oven by Weltevree Nomad Chair by We Do Wood
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Water, Waste and Energy
Servicing a new movable or off-grid building with the necessary amenities to make it a comfortable space can be challenging. The Nomad Cabin can usually be linked up to an existing electrical system and connected to a mains sewer with ease, but this isn’t always possible or appropriate, meaning it is sometimes necessary to consider an offgrid system. To aid this transition, there is a wave of exciting new green technologies being brought to market. At Out of the Valley, we promote the use of renewable energy alongside the Nomad Cabins and feel it is important that clients consider the benefits of solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets and grey water recycling. We can offer guidance on these elements during the design process.
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ELECTRICITY 1.
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Solar power This is an affordable and efficient way to power your Nomad Cabin. These can be fitted directly to the roof of the cabin and more panels can be added to increase capacity in the system.
Electricity from an off-grid source will usually need to feed into a charge controller.
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Hyrdo electric generator A viable option for generating electricity locally if there is easy access to a water course in the vicinity of the cabin.
The charge controller feeds into a battery bank which will store the energy produced by the system.
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Wind turbine Small wind turbines provide another opportunity to borrow energy from nature and use it to power the electrical elements of an off-grid cabin.
It may be necessary to use an inverter to change the 12v power to 240v in order to power some devices or use particular light fittings.
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WATER 1.
Surface water is captured from the roof of the cabin. It may also be possible to use a well or a bore hole.
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Water can be stored in an appropriate tank or bladder.
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Rainwater can be sent directly to feed plants and possibly to fill the cistern of the toilet.
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Water is filtered to reduce levels of harmful impurities.
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The clean water is pumped up to a header tank ready to be used.
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HOT WATER System 1
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Solar thermal panels can be used to preheat water going into another system.
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Preheated water is fed into an electric immersion heater. It is possible to power this water heater through solar electricity.
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The heated water may need to be pressurised via a pump system to feed the appliances in the cabin
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HOT WATER System 2
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Propane gas is an easy and reliable way to heat water for the use in the cabin.
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Water can be fed directly from the header tank into the Rinnai tankless water heater.
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WASTE WATER
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There is a large selection of compost toilets available. We can help you choose the correct one for your cabin and needs.
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Surface water can be fed directly to a soakaway. Grey water needs to be passed through a separate treatment process - either a certified grey water recycling system or a package sewage treatment plan - so we recommend using a dry compost system!
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WASTE WATER
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Out of the Valley offices Teign Valley, Devon
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Delivery and Installation S PAC E S T H AT A R E DEP L OYA BL E A N D ADAP TA B L E The Nomad Cabins are designed to travel; they can be transported in one piece with only the signature roof requiring installation on-site. To achieve a high quality finish, not impeded by bad weather or circumstance, we like to manufacture the entire cabin at our facility in Devon. We then load the cabin onto a low-loader trailer and take it as far as we can. Our clients often want to install their Nomad Cabin in a remote location, down a narrow muddy track or at the end of a field, so once we have got as far as we can on the low-loader we tow it the rest of the way with our Land Rover. The Nomad Cabin has a steel skid base, enabling us to move the cabin into the perfect position.
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A Message from the Founder “ C u l t i va t e a v ision f or ho w y ou ’d l i ke t o l i v e” Rupert McKelvie, 2020
I spent much of my childhood in my parents workshop playing with offcuts of wood and shavings. In fact, I still have the first table I ever made. It was this love of the material that led me into wooden boat building; I wanted to learn century-old techniques from the masters and acquire the skills to make a seafaring vessel with my own hands, perhaps even to sail around the world one day. A cabin is perhaps the most similar structure that can be applied to land. Designed and built to shelter us from the elements, they are containers from which we can navigate the seasons. I built my first cabin as an off-grid home for myself when I moved back to Devon from London in 2016 and it resonated with so many that I subsequently founded Out of the Valley, specialising in building considered spaces with natural materials. The years I spent living off-grid clarified my vision for the Nomad range. It is something I’ve been thinking about since I built my first cabin and now our work spreads far and wide. I believe that we now have an opportunity to return to a more balanced way of living with the natural world and my hope is that the Nomad Cabins will help to educate us and facilitate that transition.
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Get in Touch IF YOU H AV E A P R O J E C T I N M I N D W E ’ D L OV E T O H E A R F R O M YO U
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N OM AD CA B IN S Out of the Valley Weir Mill Drewsteignton Exeter EX6 6QA T: 01647 245 390 E: mail@outofthevalley.co.uk W: www.outofthevalley.co.uk
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