SPECIFICATIONS
Net internal area including deck?
20.52 square meters / 221 square feet
What is a total area including the mezzanine?
17.28 square meters + deck 9 square meters / 186 square feet + deck 96 square feet
Are there different size options?
Each POD is a standard size with modular increments possible. They can be coupled together in different configurations to create larger spaces. Modules can be added to adapt to family unit options as these change… the modules can be added horizontally or vertically.
Does it require assembly?
Yes. In order to save on transport costs the prefabricated components are assembled on site by an approved installer.
Where are the units manufactured?
Johannesburg, South Africa
Is there one POD shape with different internal configurations?
Yes, the options are many. See some of them here, or contact us with your specific need. We can email you some other variations done for specific projects.
What materials are used for construction?
Standard drywall construction materials: steel, aluminium, wood.
INSTALLATION
Where can I put a POD?
The POD is designed as a lightweight structure for placing anywhere where there is 24 square meters of open land. It can be installed as an on-grid POD; connected to existing services or alternatively as a stand-alone off-grid POD in more remote areas.
Does the POD need foundations?
The POD requires small footings to help distribute it's load on the specific soil type. Depending on the location it might also require earth-anchors..
Do I need approval from Council before installing a POD on my property?
Yes, in South Africa any habitable structure it requires approval.
Can the POD be shipped to locations outside of South Africa?
The POD is not available outside of South Africa. If you want to “buy a plan” we can discuss it.
Can I tow my POD behind my car like a motor home?
No, a POD is designed to be transported by a professional installation team, and installed on site. It is a home, not a caravan.
Other FAQs
what is the POD / POD-iDLADLA?
The POD is a lifestyle option, based on one’s minimal space need but with best quality manufacture for thermal comfort.
do you have pre-designed PODs?
Yes, refer to the plans page. There are a few more variations that can be shown to you upon your more detailed request. If we know what you need… we will send you the options that have relevance to your needs. Do fill out a “IwantONE” form.
Bespoke design
Specialisation costs money … of course we do specialised PODs, for a fee. Ask us.
the LAND… with or without?
The POD can be installed in leased land or your own land. The most common system on Earth for of property rights is actually the leased system. In enclosed estates it implies a long process of application through your Body Corporate, modification of Participation Quotas and registration of same in the Title Deeds so… not for the faint-hearted.
Financing…a ‘bond’ or ‘mortgage’
If leasing land the lease-term needs to be a few years more than the bond-term. Together with a local authority approval it suffices for a bond application.
Sustainability
It starts with… using what is available locally. We prefer to promote the one almost entirely out of wood, using structured timber; but following on the key sustainable principle of using the most available material in a certain locality, we have also a variation using a light-steel structure system. In South Africa’s coastal areas, wood is preferred; the light-steel is completely galvanised and not directly exposed to the weather, so it can also be used in coastal conditions.
Durability
Our construction system (dry-construction with a ventilated facade) could last you over 300 years. The correct installation and maintenance is clarified in a manual when you purchase one.
Fire
This depends on what material finishes you order; we have some recommendations and highlight the fire durability of each. Every POD is constructed to follow the local by-laws. A little-known fact is that wood performs better than steel under fire…
Licensing
It is good to license… why would you invest all that money then NOT be able to insure it because there is no license? Any habitable structure requires an approval from the local authority, except on farm land. We don’t do the licensing but we recommend someone to do it as it is best to use a local person.
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What is included in the price?
The basic POD is a 17 m2 internal floor area (footprint of 11 m2 plus a mezzanine of 6 m2). The core price of ZAR360,0000 includes:
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• The full weatherproof envelope, in dry-construction, using insulation in its core to the thermal comfort standards specified by the local by-laws
• The spatial design relies on a passive ventilation system avoiding any need for powered heating or cooling, together with a certain
• Electrical conduits ready for in-grid plugging on a serviced area
• Sanitation fixtures _ toilet with concealed cistern, washbasin, shower set-up with it’s duckboard on the passage floor; and the shower curtains with tie-backs
• All water taps, hot and cold-water reticulation
• Sink connection points and sink (sink counter is additional)
• Hot water provision is by a gas boiler but other provisions can be considered
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Not included
Are the following items
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• Utilities hub - a little separate unit for housing all the controls for hot water and solar energy production
• Hot water provision is recommended by a gas boiler
• Electrical energy is recommended by PV panels
• Sewerage disposal (septic tank, or other)
• All services connections are advised during the Discovery & Options Review
• Sink counter and cupboards below
• All other wall storage systems including the integrated dining table
•The benches, chairs or foldable couch we did for the prototype
• Site-bound specialised foundations, as it depends on each site; this is specified when you do a Discovery & Options Review
• Transportation to site
• Installation on site if different from the assumed; prices are off-factory.
Options
Refer to the plans online or define your needs to us and we can send you a specific sketch to show you how it might look when we respond to your particular needs. Fill in the form “IwantONE”. If we proceed to the next step we will send a “Discovery & Options Review”.
I want ONE…
Refer first to our “IwantONE” form available on the website; email it to us. We will recommend your options or the next step _ which may even be “we are not the right choice for you”.
VISIT / BUY
Where can I see a POD?
The POD is open for stays at Rosemary Hill Farm about 20 minutes East of Pretoria. Book via farmstays@rosemaryhill.co.za or by phone on +27(12)8020052. Look at photos on social media and ask us if there is anything that you need to particularly clarify by booking a free online appointment.
What does it cost?
Because there are so many variables that affect the cost we will only provide a quote upon you filling a “Options & Discovery Review” form, which costs a little money because it takes time. Check with us how much is the cost of our analysis at the time you are ready to proceed. We can advise that the cost varies between ZAR 8500~11000/m2dependent on finishes and add-ons. Each POD type is referred to by its internal square metre area, so a POD 34 is 34m2. Pick up the calculator and take control of your budgeting. It takes a few hours to set up the mechanised machines to ‘cut’ a POD’s structure, so the more you buy the cheaper they are!
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image / brett rubin