rotating 360 degrees, unio design studio’s luxury pod immerses you in the finnish landscape

The Living O’Pod by unio design studio 

Immersed in the forestscape of Repovesi in Finland, The Living O’Pod by Unio Design Studio takes glamping to new heights. The spherical glass volume is supported by a steel frame and houses a fully functional living space spread over two floors. More importantly, the structure boasts a 360-degree rotation feature, letting its owners fully absorb the natural vistas on every corner. ‘Minimal, decentralized but connected, smart, and functional spaces need to be considered instead of the conventional urban fabric. The Living O’Pod is a space where you can communicate with mountains, trees, the sky, and streams […] The exterior reflects the surroundings and the sky, creating a camouflaged refuge,’ writes the studio.

an immersive glamping experience on forested grounds

Designed for two people, the pod hosts a master bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, and terrace. Both levels are clad in plywood flooring and joined by a sculptural, black staircase that echoes the steel framework. Complementing these features are timeless lighting and furniture décor spread throughout, with pops of color emerging from statement pieces like the emerald green upholstery in the living room and gold-tinted ceiling lights in the bar area.

Together, these luxury-finished details are elevated by the 360-degree spherical glass that brings in ample sunlight and moving shadows. ‘You can enjoy the shadow of trees and leaves with the rotation feature of the house to get the most out of natural light and the sun’s energy,‘ notes the design team. ‘The full-size glass to the floor brings the view of trees and cliffs into the room, where you can read, rest, and drink. Lying on the bed is all you need to enjoy the night under the starry night sky.’

The Living O’Pod by Unio Design Studio is also equipped with a thermal insulating layer and heating system to live through the winter season and comfortably enjoy Finland’s frosty woodland and mountain views. Finally, all structures were prefabricated in a factory before being transported and assembled on-site to get the exact spherical shape. 

project info:

name: The Living O’Pod

year: 2021 

location: Repovesi, Finland 

architecture: Unio Design Studio | @uniodesignstudio

creative direction: Oğuz Emre Bal, Eti Kastoryano

visualization: Oğuz Emre Bal