Question 1

What is The Living Pod?

Accepted Answer

The Living Pod is a premium, architecturally designed modular guest accommodation unit, created specifically for short-stay use such as Airbnb, guest suites, and luxury retreats.

It is transportable, fully consented, and engineered for New Zealand conditions, offering a refined alternative to standard prefab cabins.

Reinventing Compact Living for Luxury Guest Accommodation 
By reimagining the form of a traditional tiny home, quite literally turning it on its side, the Living POD transforms a modest 36m² footprint into a premium, architecturally designed guest accommodation experience.

Its distinctive angled walls and elevated internal height, created by the signature ‘tip’ design, increase volume and spatial flow, resulting in an interior that feels open, calm, and unexpectedly generous. Every element is considered to maximise usable space, natural light, and comfort, making the Living POD ideally suited to short-stay accommodation such as Airbnb stays, guest suites, and luxury retreats where design, feeling, and experience matter.

Question 2

Is The Living Pod a modular or prefab build?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Living Pod is a modular, factory-built structure that is delivered to site largely complete. 
Unlike basic prefab cabins, it is architect-designed, structurally engineered, and finished to a high standard suitable for premium accommodation.

Question 3

Is The Living Pod suitable for Airbnb or short-stay accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Living Pod has been designed specifically with Airbnb and short-stay guests in mind, focusing on:

• A spacious, light-filled interior 
• Strong indoor–outdoor connection 
• Privacy and comfort for guests 
• A distinctive architectural feel that photographs beautifully

This makes it ideal for landowners looking to generate income through guest accommodation.

Question 4

How is The Living Pod different from standard prefab cabins or tiny homes?

Accepted Answer

The Living Pod is not a generic prefab or container-style unit. 
Key differences include:

• Architect-led design rather than off-the-shelf layouts 
• Engineered for high and very-high wind zones
• Premium materials and finishes 
• A layout that feels significantly larger than its footprint 
• Designed as a destination stay, not temporary accommodation

It is built as a long-term asset, not a disposable structure.

Question 5

Is The Living Pod transportable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Living Pod is fully transportable, allowing it to be delivered to site and positioned with minimal disruption.

This also provides flexibility for future relocation if required, subject to site and consent conditions.

Question 6

Does The Living Pod require building consent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Living Pod is a fully consented building, designed to meet New Zealand Building Code requirements.

Consent requirements may vary depending on site, district plan rules, and intended use, and we assist clients through this process.

Question 7

Is The Living Pod engineered for New Zealand wind zones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Living Pod is engineered for New Zealand conditions, including high and very-high wind zones, making it suitable for exposed rural, coastal, and alpine environments.

Question 8

Can The Living Pod be used off-grid?

Accepted Answer

The Living Pod can be designed to support off-grid or semi off-grid solutions, such as: 
• Solar power 
• Water tanks 
• Alternative wastewater systems 
Off-grid suitability depends on site conditions and local council requirements.

Question 9

How long does it take to build a Living Pod?

Accepted Answer

Because The Living Pod is modular and factory-built, build time is significantly shorter than a traditional on-site build.

Timeframes vary depending on specification and consent requirements, but modular construction allows for greater certainty and efficiency.

Question 10

Can The Living Pod be customised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While The Living Pod has a refined base design, finishes, layouts, and specifications can be tailored to suit:

• Site conditions 
• Intended use (Airbnb, guest suite, studio) 
• Personal or brand aesthetic 
This ensures each pod feels considered rather than mass-produced.

Question 11

Where can The Living Pod be placed?

Accepted Answer

The Living Pod is suitable for: 
• Rural land 
• Lifestyle blocks 
• Coastal sites 
• Tourism and accommodation zones

Placement is subject to local council regulations and site access.

Question 12

Who is The Living Pod designed for?

Accepted Answer

The Living Pod is designed for: 
• Landowners wanting premium guest accommodation 
• Airbnb hosts seeking a distinctive, high-return stay 
• Property owners adding value without a full house build 
• Investors looking for modular accommodation with longevity and quality

Question 13

Is The Living Pod a permanent building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Living Pod is a permanent, code-compliant structure, not a temporary or portable cabin.

Question 14

It is designed to perform and age like a quality residential building. How do I start the process?

Accepted Answer

The first step is understanding your:
• Site location 
• Local planning rules 
• Intended use 
From there, we guide you through feasibility, consent considerations, and next steps toward owning your Living Pod.

See The Living POD in Person