The Bumble Barn at Great Field Farm in Canterbury features a unique curved “Swiss roll” design with a living sedum roof that local bees love. Built to Passivhaus standards with smart technology, this eco-friendly holiday lodge sits on 45 acres of beautiful farmland.
While not exactly tiny, this sustainable design offers inspiration for anyone interested in eco-building. The home has three bedrooms (one queen with ensuite, plus two twin rooms), a full kitchen, dining room, and sleek living area that opens onto a patio with views over horse paddocks and open fields.
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Swiss Roll Design with Living Sedum Roof
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
45 Acres of Beautiful Farmland Setting
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
French Doors Opening to Patio
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Dining Table Seating for Six
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Main Bedroom with Queen Bed
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
First Twin Bedroom
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Second Twin Bedroom
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Living Sedum Roof with Skylights
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Modern Bathroom with Curved Shower
Images via Airbnb/Lewana
Design Details
- Name: Bumble Barn
- Location: Great Field Farm, Canterbury, UK
- Property: 45 acres including gardens, paddocks, and crop fields
- Design: Curved “Swiss roll” shape
- Roof: Living sedum (green roof) that attracts bees
- Standards: Built to Passivhaus standards
- Technology: Smart home features, optional color-changing LED lighting
- Bedrooms: 3 (one queen with ensuite, two twin rooms)
- Sleeping Capacity: 6 guests
- Living Area: Open plan sitting, dining, and kitchen
- Kitchen: Fully equipped with large fridge/freezer
- Entertainment: Smart 4K TV
- Outdoor: Patio with views over paddocks and fields
- Skylights: Natural light throughout
- Nearby: Canterbury, Folkestone, Hythe, Channel Tunnel (10 minutes)
- Availability: Airbnb rental
Lessons from This Swiss Roll Eco-Home
The Bumble Barn offers insights for sustainable building design:
- Living roofs support local ecosystems – Sedum roofs attract pollinators like bees
- Curved designs create unique character – Non-traditional shapes stand out while being functional
- Passivhaus standards reduce energy needs – Building to high efficiency standards pays long-term dividends
- Smart technology enhances modern living – Integrated systems add convenience without sacrificing sustainability
- Farm settings provide peaceful retreats – Rural locations offer escape from urban stress
- Skylights bring light into curved spaces – Strategic roof openings ensure natural illumination
- French doors extend living outdoors – Indoor-outdoor flow expands usable space
- Multiple smaller bedrooms suit families – Three bedrooms accommodate more guests than one large room
- Green buildings can be architecturally distinctive – Sustainability doesn’t require boring design
- Holiday rentals fund eco-building projects – Short-term rentals can make sustainable construction financially viable
Learn More
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Our big thanks to James D. for sharing!
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Alex
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Wow! So unique! I so love that it is environmentally friendly! I do wish they would have said what it is made out of, though. Not that it would even be available here in the U.S. but to satisfy a curiosity. Thanks for sharing!!!!!