Project Overview
The (f)route POD is a bespoke tent, hand-crafted in Melbourne from sustainable materials and techniques.
Australians love camping as a means to connect with nature. (f)route pod is designed for making camping memorable by adding comfort and grace, also termed as glamping. The curved organic shape of the pod is inspired from eucalyptus pods. The pod is a semi-permanent structure, designed for multiple uses - accommodation, glamping, studio space, meditation room, backyard gazebo or wedding pavilion.
The pod design was the winning entry for the ‘Campster Design Competition’ and a prototype was made in Feb 2015.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Project Designers: Munir Vahanvati and Mittul Vahanvati
Lead builder: Giant Grass
Canvas manufacturer: Canvas Barn Marine Trimming
3D Model: Jesse Newstadt
The project was built with the help of around 15 volunteers without whose help this wouldn't have been possible.
Project Brief
The brief for the project brief was to design a bespoke, portable structure(Campster)suitable for overnight accommodation for individuals (travelling in small groups)to be used on (f)route camps in remote locations across East Gippsland. In addition to meeting a range of practical requirement the design was required to have a wow factor.
The idea was to create a design that met the brief not only through the form but also through the selection of materials and construction technique. The resulting outcome is a design that is organic, simple and beautiful.
The construction of the pod was made feasible with the help of 15 volunteers over a span of 4 weeks. The pod looks beautiful during the day but truly comes to life at night with internal lighting. It becomes a beacon of light in the dark night sky and provides a truly surreal experience for the occupants.
Project Innovation/Need
The need for the structure to be dismantled and relocated when not in use informed the decision to use light-weight and sustainable materials like bamboo and canvas. The innovation and originality is expressed in design of the form, usability and the s-shaped bamboo ribs that are heat bent and hand-laminated to form primary structure of pod.
The pod allows its user to experience the natural environment and be one with nature. The broad-based form of the pod anchors firmly onto the earth, while its three open-able flaps fluidly bring the outside inside and the pod’s narrow skylight with transparent fly connects with the sky.
In summer months, the flaps and be opened while leaving the fly-screen closed, allowing the users to experience semi-open sleeping. The interior, which can comfortably accommodate a double bed, is perfect for laying and gazing into the night sky via side windows or the skylight. The raised timber floor and the deck expand the pod’s interior.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge was to create a balance between permanence and portability, while designing for a wow-factor. The pod sits in between a temporary tent and a permanent house. The pod is made of modular components which include 8 bamboo ribs, 14 wooden pallets and canvas making it easy to pack and transport. With assembly time of one hour, it is extremely easy to set-up and dismantle the pod by two people.
In terms of construction the biggest challenge was making the s-shaped bamboo ribs that would hold the shape and achieve the desired outcome. Additionally stitching the canvas for a curved form was also quite challenging.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of the pod's design and is reflected in every element starting from material selection, design and manufacturing.
It is designed with passive design principles in mind, with lift-top skylight to allow hot air to escape while providing protection from rain. Large operable awning flaps and skylight ensures there is enough natural light and ventilation.
Bamboo, which forms pod's primary structural material, is a renewable and low-impact material that was sourced locally form Australia. Recycled pallets are used to form the pod’s raised floor and canvas for protection from the elements. Curved-shaped structural ribs are made from hand-laminated bamboo strips that are heat bent and connected with bolts removing the need for toxic glues.
Pop-Ups, Display, Exhibit & Set Design
This award celebrates innovative and creative design for a temporary building or interior, pop up site, installation, exhibition, fixture or interactive element. Consideration given to materials, finishes, signage and experience.
More Details