Gold for the Soul

Founded by Jaak and Andreas Tiik in 2017, ÖÖD is a boutique property developer with a portfolio focusing on premium turn-key homes. This year, the firm will release its most luxurious design yet, the Golden House, which will be released in 79 units to selected customers around the world.

Using mirrored facades to blend in with their surroundings, ÖÖD Homes are well-specced, with a minimal aesthetic and handcrafted to near perfection. The idea for ÖÖD emerged on one of the brothers’ regular hikes when they decided to skip the tent and seek a more high-end overnight stay. They wanted somewhere with a comfortable connection to nature but not exposed or isolated. Finding only traditional cabins that didn’t fit their criteria, they began investigating how their dream contemporary dwelling would look and feel.

Today, ÖÖD’s homes have found their way across the globe. Built around a unique mirrored façade, the homes blend seamlessly into their surroundings when viewed from outside. An interior with meticulous attention to craft and detailing gives a heightened level of comfort. The new Buster + Punch-specced Golden House amps up the Tiik brothers’ design and lets the minimal design glow.

We sat with ÖÖD’s CEO, Robin Böhringer and head of marketing, Gertrud Ots, to learn more.

Give us some background on the Tiik brothers.
Andreas is the younger brother, who is heavily involved in the branding and identity of the brand – very aesthetically in tune. There’s also Jaak, who isn’t a designer or architect by trade but a highly skilled and experienced builder. He’s passionate about a cleaness in design and build quality, which is a hallmark of ÖÖD.

The idea itself, how does ÖÖD differ from other ‘prefab’ producers?
We started as more of a pure production business, but one with a pretty unique central premise – mirrored glazing to soften the home into the nature surrounding it. The idea then evolved, and we added a level of comfort that you’d find in a nice hotel suite. Glamping has existed long before us, but we wanted to offer that essence in a more permanent structure – a luxury hotel room that could be placed anywhere in the world and adapt to its surroundings to take on a unique identity.

Talk to us about quality, which seems to be an integral part of ÖÖD.
With our roots in building and production, quality is essential. Jaak tries to onboard everyone that joins our team, so we all share this passion for quality. It’s probably one of the main reasons we’re using Buster + Punch throughout Golden Home. When we saw the quality, that was it. Jaak knew we had to use it. In the new Golden House, we’ve specified Buster + Punch extensively throughout the interior.

How has the reaction been with new owners?
People are very impressed; whether they’re a private customer or a more commercial client. One of the key things about a ÖÖD home is resilience to the elements. They’re built to withstand all weathers and conditions, from hot to cold, snow, ice… We’re exposed to pretty extreme conditions here in Estonia, so that’s important. As a result, the durability and low maintenance (even for totally off-grid homes) are real plus points for owners.

Where could we see an ÖÖD house?
There are hundreds of sites globally. Early on, we started selling to hoteliers and private operators. Today, we have a pretty unique business model in which, if you have the right site, you can become a partner, we’ll fund your home and act as a sort of agent, listing it as a property for people looking for a relaxing break. Private owners can also list their ÖÖD Homes there. It’s become very successful – people want to reconnect with nature but don’t always want to break out the camping gear. We might give a house to a small vineyard, a beautiful lakeside location, or a family-run eco farm – all you have to do is find a nice plot and reach out.

ÖÖD Houses have some fantastic details, walk us through the highlights.
In terms of the overall design, the mirrored aesthetic stands out. We are the ones who created this sort of house for the nature hospitality market. It’s a clean, seamless look that blends in. What we are trying to achieve is a piece of architecture where you can experience nature, not for the structure to try and compete with its surroundings. Nobody can see you either when you’re inside. You’re gently immersed in nature, which is a lovely feeling.

The exterior, combined with the interior experience, is what makes us unique. We’ve worked on quality and durability to create a home that can be placed anywhere and withstand all elements. As a result, our houses age very slowly. We’ve seen examples of 5-year-old houses that look the same as when they were first installed. Most projects are commercially operated, so they need to withstand heavy use. It’s a double-edged sword because when you experience our homes, you want to touch them and feel the details.

If you’re keen on your own Golden House, contact ÖÖD to get your name on its growing list. Alternatively, hit the B+P store and build your own Golden House look with our brass finish.  

Project / ÖÖD
Photography / Jaan Parmask / Arbo Rae