In the stunning landscapes of Tasmania, nestled in Lewisham, lies a tiny cabin known as “The Pod”—a masterpiece of design and simplicity. Inspired by Scandinavian design and the beauty of the Tasmanian landscape, this 40sqm/430sqft cabin is the brainchild of Alice, a passionate travel writer. The cabin, built with a timber frame and wrapped in Tasmanian oak, exudes a sense of lightness and serenity, as if it’s floating within the surrounding scenery. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a cozy fireplace, and a comfortable couch designed by a local artisan, every element of this tiny haven invites you to unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tasmania. With a separate kitchen, sleeping area, and even an outdoor bath, The Pod showcases the incredible creativity and functionality of small space design. Whether you’re indulging in the breathtaking views, exploring the east coast beaches, or connecting with the local community, hosting travelers on Airbnb allows Alice to share her love for Tasmania while having the freedom to continue her travel writing adventures.
Never Too Small – A Tiny Cabin Designed for Travel Writers in Tasmania
Inspiration for the Pod Design
The design of the pod was inspired by a combination of the owner’s Danish heritage and the stunning landscape of Tasmania. The goal was to create a simple and minimalist design that allows Tasmania to shine. The pod is a reflection of everything the owner loves about the island.
Location and Purpose of the Tailored Pod
The tailored pod is located in Lewisham, a small town about 40 minutes drive from Hobart. It serves as a gateway to the east coast beaches, sand dunes, and pine trees, providing guests with a unique and signature view that is almost exclusive to Tasmania. Additionally, the location allows guests to experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a local community.
Benefits of Hosting on Airbnb
As a travel writer who spends a significant amount of time away from home, the owner found that her house was often empty. Hosting on Airbnb provides a perfect solution, allowing her to share and celebrate Tasmania with guests while having the freedom to travel and explore. It creates a beautiful blend of sharing her home and accommodating her travel lifestyle.
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Simple and Transportable Build
The design and construction of the pod were centered around simplicity and transportability. The pod was delivered in two separate structures and joined together on-site. This not only made transportation easier but also added a unique feature – skylights between the two pod sections, allowing natural light to filter through.
Light and Floating Feel of the Pod
One of the primary objectives of the design was to create a light and floating feel, as if the pod was effortlessly integrated into the landscape. This was achieved through the use of a timber frame and bracing, inspired by aircraft design. The exterior of the pod is wrapped in Tasmanian oak, while the front features floor-to-ceiling glass, providing guests with a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings.
Intimate and Cozy Living Room
To create a cozy and intimate living room space, the focal point is a beautifully designed fireplace. Crafted by a local blacksmith, the fireplace captures the essence of flame and movement. The furniture, including the couch built by a local furniture maker, adds to the floating feel of the pod while offering incredible comfort.
Special Features of the Living Space
To maximize functionality, a small storage space with a reading nook was created to the left of the pod. From there, guests can enjoy a view of Mount Wellington. Additionally, there is a special honesty cupboard filled with locally made items that guests can take home with them if they fall in love with something during their stay.
Sleeping Space and Electronic Skylight
The sleeping space in the pod is designed to be cozy and inviting. Elevated with a lovely black timber frame, it features two small windows that bring the view inside. An electronic skylight allows guests to enjoy the cool night air or stargaze with just the touch of a button. Underneath the bed, there is ample storage space to keep belongings neatly stored away.
Great Storage Space
Apart from the storage space underneath the bed, the pod offers additional storage throughout. This ensures that guests have plenty of room to keep their belongings organized and out of the way.
Distinct Living and Dining Spaces
The front and back pods of the cabin are divided by skylights, creating a distinct but natural division between the living space and the dining area at the back. This layout allows guests to enjoy separate areas for relaxation and dining, maximizing the functionality of the cabin.
Compact Kitchen with Essential Appliances
Although the kitchen is small, it is equipped with all the essential appliances guests may need during their stay. This includes induction cooktops, a full-size oven, and a fridge. Above and below the kitchen area, there is plenty of storage space, and the layout provides enough bench space to comfortably prepare meals.
Beautifully Crafted Kitchen Table
The kitchen table is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. Built by a local furniture maker who also serves as a police officer, the table is made from beautiful Tasmanian oak. In addition to functioning as a dining table, it can also be used as extra bench space for the kitchen.
Separate Bathroom with Glass Sliding Door
The bathroom is separated from the rest of the pod by a glass sliding door, adding to the overall open and airy feel of the space. Inside, guests will find a ceramic basin handmade under the foothills of Mount Wellington, a forest-style shower, and a simple laundry facility.
Features of the Bathroom
The bathroom features a unique ceramic basin that sits on top of a beautifully aged benchtop. A small window offers views of the dunes and the ocean beyond. The design allows guests to connect with nature while enjoying their time in the bathroom.
Outdoor Bath as the Highlight
One of the highlights of the pod is the outdoor bath. Crafted using hundreds of tiny pieces that were hand-glued, the bath creates a stunning visual effect. Guests can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience while surrounded by privacy screens on the outdoor deck.
Privacy and Serenity on the Outdoor Deck
The outdoor deck provides the perfect space for guests to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Privacy screens ensure that guests can fully relax while taking a bath or simply enjoying the outdoor environment.
Welcoming Guests with Tasmanian Goodies
To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, guests are greeted with tasmanian bath salts and bubbles upon their arrival. Additionally, a Tasmanian book is provided to extend their exploration of the area, adding layers of complementary experiences to their stay.
How Hosting on Airbnb Influenced Design
Hosting on Airbnb has influenced the design of the pod in several ways. Simplicity has become a key aspect of the design, and feedback from guests has highlighted the fireplace and outdoor bath as the most engaging elements. This focus on simplicity and creating memorable experiences has shaped the overall design and atmosphere of the pod.
Engaging with the Tasmanian Landscape and Community
The design of the pod aims to engage guests with the natural beauty of the Tasmanian landscape and the local community. By incorporating locally made items, supporting local furniture makers, and highlighting the unique features of the surroundings, guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the Tasmanian experience.
Conclusion
The tailored pod in Lewisham, Tasmania, offers a unique and immersive experience for travel writers and guests alike. Inspired by simplicity and the stunning surroundings, the pod provides a cozy and welcoming space where guests can relax and appreciate the beauty of Tasmania. Hosting on Airbnb allows the owner to share this special piece of Tasmania with visitors from around the world, creating lasting memories and connections to the landscape, community, and local makers.
If you are a travel writer in Tasmania, you will be inspired by the amazing landscape and the Danish heritage of host Alice Hansen. She has designed a simple yet elegant tiny home that showcases the local materials and products. If you also have a tiny home to share, you can head to http://airbnb.vaz6fn.net/NEVERTOOSMALL. As an Airbnb partner, I earn a small fee when people I refer start hosting on Airbnb. You can even book to stay at the incredible Pod by visiting this link: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/47181200.
This episode of “Never Too Small” is produced by Newmac, with Colin Chee as the creator and Lindsay Barnard as the producer. Colin Chee is responsible for the camera work and editing.