giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping 
all images courtesy of giant grass

 

 

 

nature has, and always will be, the greatest model for design. motivation can be found in the feather of a bird, a thriving underwater reef community, or in the structure of a eucalyptus seed. the ‘froute pod’ by giant grass, is a semi-permanent form used for accommodation, studio space, meditation room, backyard gazebo or, for what the designers call, ‘glamping’–glamorous camping. 

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
view with open awnings 

 

 

 

the pod has an octagonal plan with an inner diameter of 3m and maximum internal height of 2.4m, providing ample space and head clearance. two further extend the interior capacity, two side flaps open upwards to form awnings. the optional free-flowing transition connects the interior to nature or whatever setting the structure happens to be placed. a raised timber deck–made with recycled pallets–provides a solid floor for seating and sleeping; however it might be a bit burdensome to transport, even for the most extravagant ‘glampers’. 

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
looking out 

 

 

 

the interior can comfortably accommodate a double bed, perfect for laying and gazing into the night sky via side windows or skylight. in summer months, the two flaps can be opened without removing the fly-screen–much like a tent–enabling users to experience semi-open sleeping. structural elements are made of bamboo, and the cover is strong, water proof canvas. from flat pack to fully built, it will take two people roughly 45 minutes to set up. currently the ‘froute pod’ is still in prototyping stages, but giant grass expects production to begin within the next several months. 

froutepoddesignboom01
silhouettes reflected on the canvas

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
light and shade on the timber floor

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
‘froute pod’

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
glowing like a lantern

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
detail of decking and internal structure

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
central light made of randomly woven bamboo strips 

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
light and shade created by light ball

giant grass creates froute pod for glamorous camping
original design drawings

 

 

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.