Houses on wheels: a concept for nature lovers. Interview with Ionel Grătianu, founder of caseperoti.com

The other day I visited the Bucharest International Boat Show to present Janos Kelemen with the rendee offered by Fane Pănăzan as a prize in the The Wood Hub 1TP5 editionTheTottofHomeTaTa 2025. Among the exhibitors I met Ionel Grătianu, the founder of caseperoti.com, whom I have known since childhood. After exchanging a few memories from our school years, we took the opportunity to learn more about the innovative concept of the houses on wheels that he develops.

D.R.: Ionel, tell us more about the concept of the house on wheels you have developed. What makes this solution so special?

I.G.: It's a wooden construction like a normal house, but small, put on wheels so it can be moved. In addition to the house, we have also developed a terrace on wheels so that users can enjoy the sun and fresh air. Basically, we are the only ones to offer a complete solution - both house and mobile terrace.

What does it look like inside and what facilities does it offer?

We have an entrance hallway with space for fridge and washing machine, a living room with sofa bed, kitchen with extendable dining table, space for TV and air conditioning. The house includes a master bedroom, furniture for storage, fully equipped kitchen with stove, sink and hood. The bathroom is quite spacious, with hot water boiler and hydromassage shower. All in a small, eco-friendly house on wheels.

Tell me more about the terrace, which sounds like a very interesting element of the concept.

The terrace is 24 m², with enough space for deckchairs, a table for board games, umbrellas and an outdoor kitchen for outdoor cooking lovers. I think the terrace is even more interesting than the house because nature lovers spend half of their time outside. We have been doing the terraces for about a year, but they have already become very popular.

Which models of houses do you offer and how do they differ?

We have four main models with prices between €15,800 and €19,950. "BlueSky Winter" is a house that can be lived in permanently even in winter, with an entrance hall and double insulation in the walls. "Blue Sky Family" is designed for families with two to four children and can accommodate up to six people. The "Deluxe" is for couples with no children or one child, with a larger master bedroom. And there's the 'Glamping' model, specifically designed for camping-type businesses, with a patio included on the same chassis.

How are these houses technically insulated?

All the models have 10 cm of basaltic wool in the floor, 15 cm of basaltic wool in the ceiling and attic. In the walls, standard we have 5 centimeters of 100 density polystyrene, and in the Winter model we use 10 centimeters. Being a wooden house, without iron, concrete or brick elements, the insulation is continuous, without breaks in continuity. The spaces are relatively small - about 24 m² and 50 m³ - which means they heat up quickly and have low energy consumption.

What inspired you to create these green homes and what is the philosophy behind them?

For me, being green means, first and foremost, consuming few resources. You consume few resources when you have small spaces, because you need few building materials and little energy for heating or cooling. Going green essentially means consuming little of everything, including living space. I find it hard to believe that a 1000 square meter house can be truly green, even if it is super-insulated.

Who are these mobile homes for?

They appeal especially to nature lovers - those who want a vacation home in nature, want to garden, or want to live permanently after retirement. They're also great for developing campgrounds, whole areas with these types of homes for relaxation. In the summer, people can work remotely for 2-3 days, and in the evenings they can enjoy the terrace and greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

How does the selling process work for someone interested in a house on wheels?

The process is relatively simple. The customer chooses one of 4 models according to their needs. We work out a few details and we can make small changes - add a window, move a wall. A down payment of 40% is given, the contract is made, and when the house is ready at our factory, the client comes, checks it, the minutes are made, the difference is paid and then we work with a transportation company for delivery.

How is transportation handled, given that they are quite large constructions?

The houses are agabaritic, three meters wide, which means that the haulier has to obtain a special authorization from CNADR, which indicates the route, to bypass certain bridges. Transportation costs about €2.5 per kilometer. The house is unloaded with a winch in the front yard or courtyard, and then maneuvered into the desired position with a hook-lift or tractor. It has jacks on each corner, the house is leveled and then connected to the utilities: electricity, water and sewage or septic tank.

What land preparation is needed for a house on wheels?

Our houses are put directly on the ground without any special preparations. All we care about is that the ground surface is straight and hard - if they can park a car on that piece of land, they can put this house on it. We have 8 support points: 4 jacks and 4 additional supports. On each jack, we put a concrete slab so it doesn't sink into the ground. Even if it sinks in, it's not a problem - with a wrench, which we provide, you can adjust the jack.

One interesting aspect is the mobility of these houses. How do they work in practice?

Yes, we make houses that, as we jokingly say, "you can move after the sun". And while it sounds poetic, there is a kernel of truth. In the fall, winter and spring, you want to face the sun to take advantage of the greenhouse effect through the windows. In the summer, you don't want the windows in the sun and prefer to have your back to the sun. You can actually rotate the house - you jack up the jacks, it stays on its wheels, you rotate it 90 degrees and so the sun is no longer beating directly into the windows, but from the side or from behind. It's an efficient way to save energy.

What are the prices for terraces on wheels?

We have two options: chassis with all wooden decking at €7,500, which includes the entire wooden structure - deck, handrail, flower planters, table, bench and sun lounger (without cushions and umbrellas). For DIY enthusiasts, we offer just the disassembled chassis for €4,500, with assembly drawing. The customer can then build his own deck with his own wood, according to his own design.

Could you share an idea of how these houses can be combined?

Many customers ask if we can make bigger houses. Our concept doesn't allow for that, but I suggest they take two houses and make a terrace between them. So when guests or family come to visit, they can stay in the second house. You can even put three houses connected by terraces, creating a complex living and relaxation space, but keeping the advantages of mobility and energy efficiency.

As a final message, what would you like us to pass on to the readers of Wood Magazine?

I would like to emphasize that ecology also means minimalism. You don't have to be opulent to enjoy nature - on the contrary. Our houses offer all the comfort you need in a well-designed, energy-efficient and mobile space. They are a solution for those who want to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort, but also for those who want to develop sustainable tourism businesses.