KOTO

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Meet a maker

At Koto, our design-led sustainable homes and cabins are built to last. They are formed using various timber frame construction methods, guaranteeing high performance and low energy. By adopting timber frame construction methods, coupled with our highly insulated wall build-up, our aim is to deliver spaces that are as carbon neutral as they are aesthetically captivating.

A vital cog within the design and timber build process for each of our Koto modules is the role of our brilliant manufacturing partners; without whom, our carbon-neutral designs simply could not materialise. We feel incredibly inspired to work alongside some of the leading manufacturers across the globe, whose skills offer infinite value to Koto projects of all sizes, ranging anywhere from single garden cabins to large multi-order home and cabin concepts.

Koto is currently working with partners and manufacturing facilities in the UK (6), Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Hungary and the USA. Our ever-growing network of factory partners allows us to deliver to global locations via local methods and labour.

Chelsea Cabin - Under construction.

Chelsea Cabin - Onsite at the Gold medal winning show garden.

Meet Woods of Wales (WoW).

In the UK, we are delighted to be affiliated with Kenton Jones of Woods of Wales, who is one of our 6 and growing network of UK delivery partners exclusively building for Koto.

Kenton is a master craftsman who’s father launched the family business in Welshpool, a market town in Wales, over 44 years ago. Since the award-winning company started in 1977, it has established itself as a leading manufacturer of joinery led products and construction projects.

Kenton’s company is divided into two main divisions. The first specialises in the design manufacture and installation of handmade kitchens and fine furniture. The second specialises in the manufacture and installation of timber frame modular-built houses and luxury cabins, all crafted from Welsh and homegrown timber. The team of framers, joiners and multi-skilled operatives combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design which allows the products from the Joinery division to be integrated into the modular projects. They select timber from sustainably managed forests and maintain control throughout the whole process, from timber drying and preparation, to design, manufacture, and final installation.

Trees at Tughall - Under construction.

Trees at Tughall - One of the first 3 units onsite.

Trees at Tughall - One of the first 3 units onsite.

We were first drawn to Kenton’s work in 2019 having discovered the striking high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that he achieves with all of his finished products. Now, we have delivered a number of contemporary Koto designs together throughout the UK. Kenton and his team’s unparalleled skills nurtured via four decades of experience, make them a deeply trusted build partner for Koto design commissions.

Testament to Kenton’s exquisite craftsmanship and contribution to the construction industry, his company recently celebrated triple success at the 2021 Welsh Constructing Excellence Awards, winning the Innovation and Offsite categories, whilst also being Highly Commended for Sustainability.

“Our partnership with Kenton has brought an exceptional level of quality across Koto products and builds on years of his development of low energy, timber frame buildings. It is a joy to work with someone who is as equally experienced in their trade as they are aligned with the Koto ethos to create inspiring and sustainable spaces in the UK marketplace and beyond.” -
Johnathon Little - Co-Founder.

“Our journey with Koto began in 2019, finding like-minded companies to work with in our industry who have a passion for timber construction, high-quality finish and simply caring about where materials are coming from - and end up - is always a challenge.

“With Koto, we have a shared interest in what’s important, and delivering projects to the highest of expectations is paramount. As a company, we have had the reputation of the people who will say “yes” when everyone else says “no”. The Koto designs and projects we get involved with present some big challenges but allow us to demonstrate what is possible when you have a great team and some imagination.” -
Kenton Jones - Managing Director

The Koto build process.

When building a Koto home or cabin, the vast majority of the work takes place off-site, in and out of Kenton’s and our other build partners’ workshops. This controlled environment enables complete accuracy, sheltered from the elements, allowing our craftsmen to have total control over the airtightness and energy efficiency of the structures.

The controlled conditions within a factory setting ensure that a better quality of finish is achieved with fewer defects. Once both air and watertight, the structures are completed outside. Services are then tested within the factory prior to the units being dispatched, giving our clients complete reassurance when the Koto lands onsite.

One of four modules that make up a 3 bed cabin at Fritton Lake.

One of four modules that make up a 3 bed cabin at Fritton Lake.

Koto Ki Cabin onsite at Fritton Lake.

Koto Ki Cabin onsite at Fritton Lake.

Contact.

If you have a modular home or cabin project in mind and you feel that we could help, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Poppy at poppy@kotocabins.com.

Credits.

Architecture and Design - Koto Design
Interior design - Koto Living
Photography - Edvinas Bruzas

About Koto.

Modular Architecture - Sustainable by necessity.

Koto delivers beautifully crafted, architect designed, energy neutral homes and cabins. All our buildings are produced to the very highest standards and delivered whole and complete directly to your site. Every Koto home has been crafted with the utmost respect for both our environment and the people we work with. The Koto studio co-founded by Zoe, Johnathon and Theo design modular houses, cabins and sculptural small buildings, with each one drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design and culture. Co-founders, Johnathon and Zoë Little, returned from living on the shores of Norway’s fjords with a deep appreciation of the local aesthetic and environment. As the brand progressed, Koto began looking further east to the minimalist world of Japanese design and their focus on social functionality. This is something that has always fascinated co-founder and architect Theo Dales. Koto shares their emphasis on clean and simple details that provide a sense of calm. This exploration has helped Koto’s designs evolve into the carefully-considered works they are today.

“As both designers and parents, we recognise the dynamic relationship between nature, quality design and one of life’s great luxuries – spending time with friends and family. Each and every Koto home embodies this ethos.”
Zoe Little - Co-Founder Koto.