Portable structures have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and flexibility. They can serve as offices, homes, emergency shelters, or even recreational spaces, providing a quick and affordable solution for a variety of needs. One such innovative portable structure is the POD, developed by the New Zealand-based company Dreadnort Boats.
Originally designed as a tsunami shelter that could also be used as a boat or camping trailer, the Point Of Difference or POD has evolved into a multi-use structure that can be customized to fit a wide range of applications.
The concept of POD was developed by a collaboration between two other firms, Transformarine Naval Architects and Altech Marine. It dates back to a 2011 case study where the designers were asked to develop a tsunami shelter that could double as a boat or trailer. The idea was to have a shelter that is not just a stationary structure but could also be utilized for other purposes between emergencies. However, the POD is not intended to be a tsunami-proof structure.
The current prototype of POD is made of 5-mm marine-grade aluminum plating and 6-mm toughened safety glass windows. It measures 5.1 x 2.5 x 2.5 m, has a plan-view area of 9.4 sq m, a maximum interior headroom of 201.5 cm, and weighs a bit over 1 ton.
According to Dreadnort, the prototype’s V-shaped seating areas can accommodate up to 12 adults, with under-seat storage areas and two drop-down tables that can be fitted with cushions to double as beds. The whole structure can be moved from place to place on a boat trailer, and lifting lugs on the roof allow it to be hoisted by a crane or helicopter.
Once in place, the POD’s main body sits up to 10 cm above the ground on four adjustable-height jacks. It features a two-piece gull-wing door for entry and exit, which has a set of fold-down steps. The POD can be plugged into the local electrical grid or equipped with two 150-watt solar panels that charge a 200-Ah deep cycle battery. It has a 350-watt inverter that can be used to power a laptop or TV, two 12-volt DC sockets for appliances, and two USB outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has three light circuits for interior lighting, mood lighting, and exterior lighting over the entrance. Additionally, it has a Fusion Panel-Stereo.
Dreadnort is working on several other layouts in which the POD could be utilized for various purposes. The company is also receptive to custom-designing PODs for whatever purpose the client wishes. The pricing for fully finished units starts at NZ$98,000.
Source: Dreadnort Boats
