What defines an Epic Stay is the wow factor. It’s about accommodations that offer an unforgettable experience, often through unique architecture, breathtaking locations, or a story that resonates.
But as the travel industry evolves, a new criterion is emerging as part of the definition: Sustainability.
Travelers today are increasingly seeking sustainable accommodation—places that look incredible but have restricted environmental imoact. A perfect example of this future-forward thinking was recently highlighted by Circular Friesland, showcasing a groundbreaking project that could redefine the “Epic Stay” for the eco-conscious traveler.
The Biobased Inspiration from Friesland
In an article titled “Biobased Holiday Home as a Source of Inspiration,” Circular Friesland spotlights a unique recreation home called ‘Swel’ (Frisian for Swallow), located at the De Oude Liefde campsite in Greonterp.
This isn’t your average cabin. It is a masterclass in circular construction. Designed by architect Haiko Meijer of Onix NL, the home is built almost entirely from biobased materials. The structure uses massive wood construction (CLT), insulated with wood fiber, and clad in thermally modified wood. Even the interior embraces the earth, featuring loam stucco walls.
Why ‘Swel’ Embodies the Epic Stays Vision
- Innovative Design: The shape of the house is inspired by the aerodynamic form of a swallow, a bird native to the Frisian landscape. It’s a stunning piece of architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding Frisian countryside.
- Radical Sustainability: The project proves that you don’t need concrete and steel to build durable, beautiful structures. It serves as a “library of materials” for future builders, showing that nature provides the best building blocks.
- The Experience: Staying in a home that “breathes” (thanks to the natural materials) offers a different level of comfort and connection to nature than a standard plastic-and-drywall hotel room.
Towards a New Standard for Epic Stays
The collaboration between local builders, architects, and regional authorities demonstrates how Friesland is becoming a living laboratory for sustainable tourism innovation. Rather than treating sustainability as an add-on, projects like Swel place it at the core of design, experience, and storytelling.
For platforms like Epic Stays, this represents a clear direction of travel. The future of unforgettable accommodation lies not only in visual impact, but in how responsibly places are built, operated, and embedded in their environment.
Epic Stays of the future will not just impress guests —
they will inspire change, proving that sustainability and exceptional experience can, and should, go hand in hand.
Written by;
Radu Mihailescu
Senior Researcher at Stenden University of Applied Sciences
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