Podmakers Ltd

The Escape Pod

The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton

THE ESCAPE POD

Podmakers Ltd

ARCHITECTS
Podmakers Ltd

LOCATION
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Mixed Use Architecture, Pavilion, Small Scale

MANUFACTURERS
James Latham, Luctite, Vesta stoves

PHOTOGRAPHS
Tim Brotherton, India Ash

COUNTRY
United Kingdom

AREA
7 m²

YEAR
2017

CITY
Gloucestershire

Text description provided by architect.

The Escape Pod is an elliptical, organic, rotating pod. An engineered, unique outdoor space which can be used as a garden office, studio, snug or retreat.

The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton
The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton

Designed and crafted in the Gloucestershire countryside, the Escape Pod was born out of a desire to create a beautiful, striking outdoor structure. One that nestles into its environment, is made to a high-quality finish and is contemporary in style. A unique space to escape to, the Escape Pod offers a place to work, meditate, socialize or sleep.

To achieve its curved form, the pod’s design exploits innovative CNC milling and making techniques. This enables it to be fabricated with precision in the workshop, entirely from wood.

The Escape Pod
© India Ash
The Escape Pod
© India Ash

Birch plywood, chosen for its strength and aesthetic qualities, forms the structure.

It is exposed internally; from the pod’s framework to the bespoke laminated door hinge.

Externally, the pod is clad with cedar shingles and the stairs and window sills are clad in European Oak, which has natural weather resilient properties.

The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton
The Escape Pod
© India Ash

Over time the Cedar and Oak develop a silver hue, allowing the pod to blend harmoniously into its surroundings.

The organic nature of the Escape Pod’s materials contrasts with the engineering employed in its design.

The Escape Pod
© India Ash
The Escape Pod
© India Ash

The pod sits on a raised platform half a meter from the ground which allows it to be rotated - by lifting the steps, it is spun to face the desired direction.

Each pod can be tailored to suit the clients’ needs, from the window placement and internal finish to the integrated fittings and furnishings.

Heating (wood burner or underfloor), electrics and insulation options can also be incorporated. The price of the Escape Pod starts at £19,800 but will vary slightly, depending on style specifications.

The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton
The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton

Dominic Ash and Jeremy Fitter have collaborated to create the Escape Pod, a union of high-quality furniture design and a desire to engineer small spaces. Amongst its most impressive features is an aircraft-style plug door with a unique wooden hinge mechanism.

Podmakers benefits greatly from working closely with Dominic Ash Ltd and the 30 years of design experience Dominic brings to the team. After a Master's in civil engineering, specializing in treehouse design,

Jeremy's ideas were planted on more solid ground after working for Dominic Ash Ltd. Combining his engineering background with a passion for creating imaginative spaces has propelled Jeremy to create the escape pod.

The Escape Pod
© Tim Brotherton


The Escape Pod
Office
The Escape Pod
Studio
The Escape Pod
Garden Room
The Escape Pod
Snug


The Escape Pod
Section

Podmakers Ltd
T +44 1285 343016
Podmakers Ltd
Unit 1, The Saw Yard, Yanworth GL54 3LJ, United Kingdom