The MPOD – A Modular, Efficient Living Pod

Last month I announced that I would be releasing a new modular design – the MPOD. I was originally hoping to reveal the MPOD at the end of last month but “best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men…” The MPOD is a modular structure meaning its can be combined, separated and replicated. The modular nature of the pod allows people to have more control over the type of home or space they would like to create (demonstrated by the slideshow below).

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The MPOD can be doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. You can add an extension, a second story, change the roof pitch, add a decking area, and more. All variations and “add-on’s” are based around the original MPOD Core. This allows me to introduce new options for less work, as I can refer back to the core module for specific details. The big advantage of this, for you, is reduced cost. The main MPOD Core plans will cost $137 (it’s on sale today for $77) and the add-on’s can be purchased for as little as $13.

CURRENT ADD-ON PLANS

At the moment there are two add-on plans available – the decking plans and the EPOD extension plans. In the future plans for a second story, roof pitch variations, and different foundation types will be available. I’m also considering producing a document which will outline the necessary changes to the original structure to make it function as a passive house (although it’s currently a very efficient design).

MORE DETAILS

I decided to go back to the drawing board with this design. While the current Advanced Framing Techniques for houses are pretty good, there are a number of issues concerning efficiency that can be addressed. For example, the number of cold bridges in a house built with Advanced Framing techniques will (usually) be 8. The framing structure of the MPOD has 3 areas of cold bridging, each of which is mitigated by a specific arrangement of insulation. So, the MPOD’s super efficient and therefore cost effective.

In terms of R-values, the floor is rated to R30, and the walls and roof are R40. The structure is also “sealed” in the same way a passive house is. Its unique insulation details mean you don’t have to cut into the internal membrane for items like sockets, helping it to achieve a very low air permeability.

QUICK SPEC’S

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PLANS

MPOD CORE PLANS

The MPOD Core plans contain details for the construction of the pod, how to combine the units. The plans are currently ON SALE FOR $77. Plans will cost $139 from next month onwards.
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• Residential license
• Details for insulated block foundation
• Annotated exterior elevations
• Construction Framing Plans
• Cross-sections
• Details for Timber Cuts
• Framing Construction Overview
• Details for Doubling MPOD – On Side

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• Details for Doubling MPOD – On End
• Details for Tripling MPOD
• Example Floor Plans
• Nailing schedule
• Timber Cut List & Sheathing List
• Minimum Timber Grades
• Construction notes, hints and tips

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EPOD PLANS

These plans contain the details for a 6 foot extension to the MPOD Core.
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• Details for insulated block foundation
• Annotated exterior elevations
• Construction framing plans
• Framing construction overview
• Example floor plans
• Timber cut list & sheathing list

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MPOD DECKING PLANS

These plans contain details of different decking layouts suitable for the MPOD and its various arrangements.
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• Details for porch foundation
• Construction plans for 5 porch layouts
• Cross section details
• Examples of porch arrangements
• Details for fastening porch to MPOD

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PURCHASE PLANS

If you’d like to purchase a set of plans, you can do so using the buttons below. Plans will be downloaded to you computer and are in PDF format. Please read our Terms & Conditions before purchase.
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MPOD CORE PLANS

Add to Cart $139

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EPOD PLANS

Add to Cart $17

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MPOD DECKING PLANS

Add to Cart $13

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YOUR INPUT

That about wraps up the MPOD. If you have any questions concerning the plans or the pod in general, feel free to leave a comment below, or you can contact us directly. Also, if you have an add-on in mind that you would like to see developed, let us know and if it’s feasible, we’ll create it.