The worlds of business and leisure are changing at an exponential rate, and keeping up with the times means making space for slowing down. London-based design studio Duffy London understands the need for comfortable and functional gathering spots with off-grid functionality as an alternative to the local coffee shop or boardroom for small get-togethers.
Building on the prior success of its indoor Japanese-inspired Minka Pods and Retro Pods, the company has released the outdoor-only Minka Solar Pods, which are designed to break up open spaces with cozy seating for up to four people.
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The finished look is modern and sleek, and it can function as a work hub, complete with four USB ports and acoustic panels that stifle distracting noises nearby. Minka Solar is 100% powered by the premium photovoltaic panels and lithium-ion battery integrated into the design, so it can be placed anywhere from the center of a city boardwalk to an off-the-beaten-path location.
The main construction material is high-grade walnut and oak wood veneers derived from sustainably sourced forests under the supervision of the Forest Stewardship Council. The stations also include powder-coated mild steel for a durable finish. Even though they are open on the sides to allow for free-flowing air and to maintain a connection with the surrounding environment, Minka Solar Pods are weather-resistant to offer protection on rainy days.
“We wanted to design a piece of communal furniture that can meet the needs of the modern working and municipal environment,” explained Chris Duffy, founder and director of Duffy London. “Indoor or outdoor, our Minka PODs serve as highly adaptable, non-defined spaces, that act like mini-hives for human interactions.”
The standard Minka Solar Pod comes in several different color and finish options, each changing the final look with a range from neutral grays to striking black and gold. Each pod is custom-made when ordered, and every component is handmade by local artisans and in-house craftspeople. Duffy London asks customers to allow 12 weeks for delivery.
Images via Duffy London
