off-grid holiday pod fuses eco-conscious features with modern luxury in australia's west bay

pod[e] mulla mulla captures dynamic interplays of light

Mulla Mulla, a futuristic luxury retreat, sits nestled on 300 acres of coastal bushland on the Eyre Peninsula South Australia. Designed by A-HA Design Studio in collaboration with Scott Taylor, co-founder of Pod[e], the off-grid pod is engulfed in a dynamic facade, continually transforming colors in sync with the shifting rhythms of the day. The structure fuses modern comforts with eco-conscious features as it sits powered by solar energy and rainwater, and integrated with natural ventilation and lighting systems.

A-HA Design Studio’s unique approach to the project involved all members of the design team camping on-site to immersive themselves in the environment, to understand its essence, topography, prevailing winds, vistas, and soundscapes, so that they could better respond to the land and its characteristics. ‘The result is a haven — tough enough to withstand wild (South) Australian conditions, with ethically focused and considered sustainable features for passive heating and cooling for a comfortable and luxurious stay,’ notes Jesse Zilm from A-HA Design Studio.

Pod[e]’s Mulla Mulla | all images courtesy of the author

an idyllic retreat in the australian west coast

Pod[e]’s co-founder Scott Taylor stems inspiration from his family’s captivation with the west coast for the conception of Mulla Mulla. The pod is a testament to their desire to create an entirely off-grid experience that allows guests to reconnect with nature without compromising their comfort. The Mount Westall property in particular was chosen for its idyllic sea views, seclusion, and optimal north-south orientation. 

Mulla Mulla paves the way for the future of eco-tourism, showcasing a small ecological footprint and an energy efficiency rating of 7.8 stars where guests can enjoy luxurious, immersive experiences while minimizing their impact on the environment.‘From the orientation of the pod to the footing system and building materials used, everything has been designed with sustainability in mind,’ notes Taylor. A concrete-free footing system was used, while the roof, wall, and flooring products were selected for their high insulating properties. Double glazed windows, ceiling fans, and strategic management of natural airflow ensure that the pod remains comfortable all year round. Further, Mulla Mulla is powered by solar energy, with a worm farm for the waste management, and recycling a top priority.

the pod’s surface captures the transformations of light throughout the day

a fusion of modern comfort and eco-consciousness

Despite its modest dimensions, measuring twelve meters by five meters with an additional 50 square meters of decking, Mulla Mulla presents a bold exterior, with a distinct mirror skirt and champagne and prismatic colored panels which transform colors throughout the day in a captivating and ever-evolving visual experience. ‘The mirror ‘skirt’ down to the ground creates the effect that the pod is hovering off the ground – something reminiscent of a sci-fi movie yet still sympathetic to its surroundings’, continues Scott Taylor.

Stepping inside, Pod[e]’s Mulla Mulla is a blend of minimalism and sophistication, marked with sleek lines and carefully selected materials that offer both comfort and sustainability. The walls are lined with GenEco Birch Plywood while the floors are made of Blackbutt hardwood with subtle pink hues that are woven throughout the grain. The matte white joinery, coupled with large windows and louvers, ensure crossflow ventilation and ample natural natural light, creating an airy and comfortable living space.

The property also focuses on revegetation, supported by Greening Australia to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the 4000 native trees and shrubs that they have planted. With over 100 acres of natural Mallee scrub and another 100 acres converted from once-used farming land to scrub land, Mulla Mulla supports the native bird and kangaroo populations, embracing the rich biodiversity of the area.

a fusion of modernity and sustainability

the retreat sits nestled on coastal bushlands on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

The Mount Westall site was chosen for its idyllic sea views, seclusion, and optimal orientation

sleek lines and carefully selected materials mark the interior

a warm ambiance

project info:

name: Pod[e] Mulla Mulla
architecture: A-HA Design Studio, with Pod[e] co-founder Scott Taylor

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom