Glam Pods: luxury retreats for off-the-grid camping

The U.S. glamping industry is projected to reach a revenue of $1 billion by 2024, and Wimberly Interiors has responded by conceptualizing an experience for guests to explore the joys of nature while fully immersing themselves in the comfort of a luxurious yet sustainable glamping pod.

Envisioned for ultra remote locations, Glam Pods are a solution for overnight guest experiences ranging from a residential property’s backyard guest house to an off-the-grid lifestyle. Inspired by the spiraling coil of a shell, these 40-foot pods offer 300 square feet of total floor area, allowing a living space large enough to accommodate a king-size bed, lounge area and private bathroom.

“We’re seeing a growing trend in travelers favoring remote destinations, with the goal of unplugging, mentally recharging and connecting with nature,” said Hussain Kamal, Creative Director at  Wimberly Interiors Los Angeles. “Glam Pods fuse the outdoor experience with an environment of comfort and style, so travelers no longer need to sacrifice a camping experience over a luxury stay. They can, in fact, have both,” Kamal continued.

“We wanted to create a concept that could feasibly withstand any environment, while maintaining a level of luxury where guests can feel like they have a home away from home,” said Daniel Caven, Intermediate Designer of Architecture at WATG.

The pod’s interior design includes amenities like device charging stations and built-in solar powered lighting with an eco-friendly smart-home feature. An on-site restroom and walk-in closet are discreetly located in the back of each pod. Potential add-ons include wall hooks and a collapsible desk for guests working remotely. 

The construction of Glam Pods is intended to be built through 3D printing to enable mass production and customization, which means full production can take place in one to three days. All pods would be printed off-site and then shipped to their desired location where furniture and utility hook-ups would be required. Rather than traditional construction, 3D printing reduces the amount of human labor and potential damage to the site, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas, allowing Glam Pods to be sustainably installed in far-flung locations. Intended to maintain the structural integrity of a cabin and the nimbleness of a camping tent, Glam Pods safely protect guests against potential storms and other natural weather occurrences.

Glam Pods are envisioned to be used either individually or collectively and when no longer needed, the pod’s spine material can be melted down and reused to potentially print more pods or other  3D printed projects.

This design concept was a team effort and included creative development by Troy Sayakumane and Zaher Arbash, formerly with Wimberly Interiors’  Los Angeles office.