Q: How well is it insulated?
A: The walls use a double design of insulation, starting with a high performance foil insulation and vapor barrier, and an additional 3 to 4 inches of mineral-fiber within the curved panel construction and the floor.
All construction joints are sealed to minimise air leakage.
The roof dome is double skinned polycarbonate, and the porthole windows are double glazed.
For extreme environments, there is an option to increase the insulation in the walls, and the glazing can be triple glazed.
The floor is constructed from SIPS panels with 3" closed cell foam insulation.
The thermal insulation also contributes greatly to the acoustic insulation, and you will find that the Pod is a very quiet space to work in.
Q: I live in a hot climate, so how do I keep the pod cool in the summer?
A: All US Pods are fitted with air-conditioning units as standard. The shingles on the outside are fitted in a way that shades the one below, minimizing heat gain through the walls.
Roof domes are available with 'Cool and Clear' finish minimising heat solar gain, although if the building does not have any natural shade, we recommend the use of a smaller roof dome.
Q: How do you get the Pod to my garden?
A: The Pod can be fully assembled in our workshop and delivered to site by crane. Alternatively if delivery by crane is not feasible, the pods can be built on site from the main components, all of which are sized to be carried through a house.
Q: Will I need Building Permit for this building when it's in my garden?
A: In the vast majority of cases a Building Permit will not be required, although we recommend that you obtain confirmation of this from your State or Local Government Representative.
Q: Do I need to provide foundations?
A: No. The foundations blocks are included in the price of the pod. However, you will need to prepare the ground below the pod, and details of what is required for this are available on request.
Do the electrics fitted in the pod comply with State regulations?
A: Yes - Each pod is fitted out to comply with the electricity regulations relevant to the State into which it is being supplied.
Q: What connections are required?
A: The 'Pod' arrives on site with all heating, lighting and power pre-installed. You will need to arrange for power supply, usually a steel wire armored electric cable, to be wired into the Archipod electrical distribution board, and this can be done through pre-drilled apertures in the structure. Details on a typical supply requirement are available on request. Depending on usage it may also require a water supply and a telephone line.
Q: I'm not sure what it will look like in my garden?
A: If you would like to know what the 'Pod' may look like in your garden, we can produce a photomontage for you. Simply email us a photograph of the proposed location, and we can superimpose an image of the 'Pod' and email the picture back to you. (Please send photo's in Jpeg or pdf format.)
Q: Why should I buy from Archipod when there are less expensive garden buildings available?
A: Our 'Pod' has been specifically designed to meet a high standard rather than a low budget. This includes it's unusual and contemporary look, its ergonomic interior placing the user at the centre of the curved desk, and the quality of the fixtures and fittings. There are cheaper garden offices on the market, but our intention is to provide a more interesting and better quality alternative.
Q: I could build an extension on my house to use as an office, which would permanent and add value, so why would this not be a better investment than a Pod?
A: Building an extension to your house comes with all the problems of gaining Planning and Building Permits, obtaining quotes from builders, and the disruption of having the work done whilst you live in the house. Some of the cost could be claimed against business expenses. Buying from Archipod is a lot more straightforward – You are unlikely to need Planning or Building Permits, and having a separate office rather than an extension means that you can separate work and home life, and there are fewer distractions from being in the house. It is more straightforward in dealing with tax and business expense.
Finally, an extension will take much longer, but it probably won't be spherical and have a gull wing door!
Q: If the walls are curved, I won't be able to fit furniture into it?
A: Archipod, in association with award winning furniture manufacturer ABF (USA) Ltd can offer a full bespoke interior fit out service. This includes desks, shelves, chairs, floor finishes.
Q: What size will my Pod
A: For detailed information on internal and external sizes can be found on the specification pages for Archipod.
Q: How long will it take to get one?
A: Pods are made to order, and delivery is generally eight to ten weeks from order. Prefabricated pods are ready to be used within hours of delivery. Pods that are built on site require a minimum of two visits, with about 2 weeks between visits to allow the plaster to thoroughly dry.
Q: Can I order one as a kit for self assembly?
A: The construction of a 'Pod' is not straightforward enough yet for self assembly – However, if there is sufficient interest in this option, we shall look at the possibility of supplying the parts only with a set of assembly instructions.
Q: Is the pod available in other external finishes?
A: Pods are currently only available in Western Red Cedar Cladding. However, we are investigating the use of copper, stainless steel and rendered finishes as alternatives. If you have a particular requirement for one of these finishes, please contact us.
Q: How secure is the pod?
A: Pods are fitted with a 5 lever deadlock on one side of the gull wing door as standard – For additional security, we can provide an additional lock (one to each side of the door)
Q: I may need a pod that's bigger than 4m diameter – are bigger sizes available?
A: We are currently developing a system to link multiple pods together, of both sizes, in an unlimited series of combinations. If you are interested in linking multiple pods, we would be happy to discuss your requirements with you.
Does the Archipod come with a Warranty?
A: Yes – the Archipod comes with a 12 month fully inclusive warranty, and a 3 year warranty against structural defects and leakage. If you require extended warranties or maintenance agreements, these are available at additional cost.
Please enquire for details.
ABF tables fitted in the pods is guaranteed for 10 years under normal wear and tear conditions, ABF seating is guaranteed for 5 years under normal wear and tear conditions
