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(CNN) — Floating homes, luxury living and smart home technology are not necessarily things that go hand in hand.
But Ocean Builders, a Panama-based company specializing in innovative marine technology, has just unveiled a fleet of “revolutionary living pods” that manage to bring all three together.
Described as “the world’s first eco-recovery homes,” the pods, which range from about $295,000 to $1.5 million in price, are currently under construction at the Linton Bay Marina on Panama’s north coast.
Designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis and his team at Waterstudio, the three models available include the flagship model the SeaPod, built for life in the water, the GreenPod, designed for land use, and the EcoPod, an environmentally and economically friendly option.
Elevated Structure
A view of the Seapod, one of three upcoming pod models from Panama-based company Ocean Builders.
ocean builders
The Seapod was designed by Rüdiger Koch, head of engineering at Ocean Builders, along with Chief Executive Officer Grant Romundt, as a solution to the lack of space in popular beach destinations.
The elevated structure offers 833 square feet (73 square meters) of living space, including a master bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, spread over three and a half levels.
With room for two, the unit uses more than 1,688 cubic feet of air-filled steel tubing to soar 7.5 feet (2.2 meters) over the waves, and features 575 square feet of panoramic windows and 360-degree views of the ocean. the ocean.
Romundt hopes the design will challenge the perception of homes and travel and allow residents to live on the water without having to make sacrifices when it comes to the ‘luxuries of modern living’.
“Normally, if you live on the water, it’s on a boat, which has a living situation that is unacceptable to most people,” Romundt tells CNN Travel.
“So we designed a house that floats on the water and gives you an experience of living on land, but even more.”
The pods should be equipped with state-of-the-art technology along with customizable applications that adapt the design and functionality on the inside.
Futuristic Houses
The elevated structure was designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis and the Waterstudio team.
ocean builders
Meanwhile, special “smart rings” worn by residents will allow them to unlock doors and turn on their music with a wave of the hand.
“If [technology company] Apple had built a house, I think you’d end up with the SeaPod, or the GreenPod, or the EcoPod,” says Romundt. “There’s a lot of technology built into the houses.
“I like to see that instead of having a phone as a digital assistant, your home actually becomes your assistant and you can use it to optimize your life.”
The pods will initially be located in an area close to the Linton Bay Marina. However, the Ocean Builders team hopes to be able to distribute them internationally once they are sure the technology can be supported elsewhere.
A longtime advocate for ocean life, Romundt previously lived in a Toronto floating home, saying it’s a lifestyle that’s hard to match.
“There’s just something magical about getting up in the morning, walking down, jumping on a paddle board and going for a paddle,” he explains.
delivery drones
The units are currently under construction in Panama, and sales will be launched online later this year.
ocean builders
“It’s very peaceful and beautiful. Most people dream all year round about their two week vacation where they go to a tropical island, hang out, relax, regenerate and recover.
“So why not just live like this all year round? It’s so easy to be able to work remotely now.”
While those who choose to live in one of these specific units will likely need to have a sense of adventure and a taste for water, Romundt says the team doesn’t necessarily have a specific type of customer in mind.
In fact, he is convinced that the majority of those who only get to experience the Seapod for a few minutes will seize the opportunity to own one.
“When I lived in my floating house in Toronto, everyone who came to visit fell in love with the place,” he says.
“So all I have to do is get people on board a Seapod for five minutes. The experience will blow your mind. It’s really incredible.”
But what about practicalities like grocery shopping and getting back and forth from the pod to the mainland?
According to Romundt, custom aerial delivery drones will be used to deliver items such as food and medicine, as well as “everyday smaller items.”
For larger deliveries, there is a separate autonomous vessel, which will also act as an ocean recycling vessel, collecting waste and debris to keep the environment clean.
‘Eco-restoration homes’
The pods must be “built and managed in harmony with the environment”.
ocean builders
Residents and visitors can be transported to and from the SeaPod via dinghies, jet skis, local water taxis and/or their own boats or vessels.
And while they certainly seem to be aimed at those with a more minimalist approach, there’s 1,250 square feet of storage space inside.
With a focus on sustainability, the pods are designed “to benefit the environment” and “provide a natural habitat for ocean life to occupy and thrive”.
“We try to build and design a house that is good for the environment and does not harm the environment,” explains Romundt.
“And we’re always trying to innovate and find ways to do that in an even better way. We’re not perfect now, but we’re trying to get better and better.”
The first completed pods will be revealed online at the end of September, and potential buyers will be able to see them for themselves shortly after.
“People have been trying to buy them for years,” says Romundt, explaining that the Ocean Builders team decided not to make deposits until buyers could see the pods in person.
‘Massive enterprise’
The SeaPod offers 833 square feet (73 square meters) spread over three and a half levels.
ocean builders
“This is something new. And there are so many real estate businesses that people put money into, which really never happens.
“We didn’t want to make any deposits until people could actually come down and set foot on a pod. So I’m excited that we’re finally at that point.”
“This is a huge undertaking. I wish I had done it two years ago. But to do it in just three and a half years is quite amazing.”
Production of another 1,000 pods is to begin by 2024.
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