Architecture

Tiny retreat greets the morning with a big view

Tiny retreat greets the morning with a big view
The LumiPod's generous glazing can be opened up to the outside
The LumiPod's generous glazing can be opened up to the outside 
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The LumiPod measures just 5.45 m (17 ft) in diameter
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The LumiPod measures just 5.45 m (17 ft) in diameter
The LumiPod's generous glazing can be opened up to the outside
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The LumiPod's generous glazing can be opened up to the outside 
The LumiPod features a steel structure and wood exterior
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The LumiPod features a steel structure and wood exterior 
The LumiPod gets power from a standard hookup
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The LumiPod gets power from a standard hookup 
The LumiPod has a floorspace of around 17 sq m (182 sq ft)
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The LumiPod has a floorspace of around 17 sq m (182 sq ft)
The LumiPod is installed on four stilts that screw into the ground
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The LumiPod is installed on four stilts that screw into the ground
The LumiPod's shower room and toilet
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The LumiPod's shower room and toilet
Architectural drawing of the LumiPod
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Architectural drawing of the LumiPod
Architectural drawing of the LumiPod
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Architectural drawing of the LumiPod
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With its circular shape and compact footprint of just 5.45 m (17 ft) in diameter, the LumiPod, by French firm Lumicene, is best suited as a weekend retreat or glamping unit, rather than full-time home. The novel dwelling is fronted by generous glazing that can be slid open when the weather suits.

The LumiPod comprises a steel structure and a wood exterior burnt using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique of charring wood to preserve it. It's installed on four stilts that screw into the ground and assembly takes two days.

The interior has a floorspace of around 17 sq m (182 sq ft). Most of this is taken up by a bedroom area at the front, which contains a double bed facing the glazing (a patented design by Lumicene that slides open on rails), plus some wardrobe space. Blinds are installed for privacy.

At the rear is a small technical room for housing the wiring, an electric water heater and the like, while nearby lies a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet – and that's it, there's no cooking facilities or living room in this model. It's decked out in a wooden floor, walls and ceiling as standard, though as usual with prefab homes there are multiple options available.

The LumiPod has a floorspace of around 17 sq m (182 sq ft)
The LumiPod has a floorspace of around 17 sq m (182 sq ft)

The LumiPod is kept a comfortable temperature with a small Mitsubishi air-conditioning unit and must currently be connected to mains hookups. However, Lumicene is currently working on a fully off-grid version that the firm hopes to have ready for order in 2020.

For now though, the standard LumiPod is available to order from France, with worldwide shipping available. Delivery time is expected within six months, but we've no word on the price.

Source: Lumicene

View gallery - 9 images
2 comments
2 comments
guzmanchinky
I mean, these tiny homes always look amazing in the photos in the middle of the forest or on a mountainside! But how does this work in reality? Where do you park these things? They're not allowed in RV parks unless the conform to certain standards, in which case you might as well get an RV, or am I missing something? Are there places deep in the forests where the government just allows you to place these and live?
Nik
It would probably suit someone who was a goldfish in a previous life!