LumiPod by Lumicene
Discover the LumiPod, a marvel of luxury prefabricated housing nestled in the breathtaking French Alps, designed by Lumicene. Offering an intimate connection with nature without compromising on comfort, these compact, minimalist retreats, with sizes ranging from 18 square meters (193 square feet) to 36 square meters (388 square feet), serve as cozy cocoons in the heart of alpine wilderness.
Curved glass windows seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, providing panoramic mountain vistas and a unique living experience. Prefabricated and assembled on site within two days, LumiPod merges high-end design, sustainability, and the serenity of nature, establishing a new standard in luxury retreats.
About LumiPod
The LUMIPOD Experience: Luxury in the Heart of Nature
A year after tantalizing the public with glimpses of their concept, LUMICENE today showcases one of the very first LUMIPODs, nestling in the breathtaking surroundings of the French Alps for a private client.
Posing the question, “Could experience be the new luxury?” LUMICENE proposes a fresh take on opulence. Imagine spending a night enveloped by nature, the only sound being the hush of absolute silence. This is the gift of LUMIPOD, a gentle nudge to reconnect with Nature, from which we often find ourselves distanced.
Compact Elegance: The LUMIPOD Design
LUMIPOD embodies minimalist elegance, akin to the pristine simplicity of a cell. It provides a cozy bedroom, a shower area, a toilet, and a wardrobe within a space of just 18 square meters (approx. 194 square feet). LUMIPOD’s minimalist layout doesn’t skimp on comfort, promoting a unique opportunity to reconnect with Nature in style.
At the heart of LUMIPOD’s design is a LUMICENE® window. This innovative concept features curved glass within aluminium frames, sliding between two rails to seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Immersive Luxury: Merging Interior and Exterior
As a closed entity, LUMIPOD forms a comforting cocoon, inviting full immersion in Nature’s bounty. With a simple gesture, it erases the boundary between interior and exterior, paving the way for an unforgettable experience.
The fantasy of a luxury hotel room set amidst natural beauty is now a reality. Perched 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level and ensconced within a lush pine and oak forest, LUMIPOD provides a panoramic view of the mountains while harmoniously blending into the landscape. It is as if it’s an intrinsic part of the natural scenery.
Sustainability and Luxury: The LUMIPOD Construction
LUMIPOD encapsulates the Japanese Shou-sugi-ban tradition with a black douglas exterior cladding. The cabin’s interior, akin to high-end hotel rooms, features wall cabinetry and flooring made of natural oak. A merino wool felt fabric swathes the ceiling, while curtains extend across the entire glass surface for light control. The fully-tiled bathroom is equipped with a toilet, a shower, and a sink.
Minimal Impact: Manufacturing and Installation of LUMIPOD
Conceived and manufactured in Lyon, France, LUMIPOD comes in three sizes: 5, 6, and 7 meters in diameter (approximately 16, 20, and 23 feet), ranging from the 18m² (194 sq ft) minimalist bedroom to the 36m² (387 sq ft) family cocoon. The cabin is composed of two half-modules, prefabricated in the workshop, suitable for road and maritime transport, and assembled on site within two days.
LUMIPOD uses screw piles for placement to reduce environmental impact, creating a temporary haven that could one day disappear without a trace. Now available in Europe, LUMIPOD will soon extend its reach to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with several projects in the pipeline.
The Future of LUMIPOD: Global Availability and Upcoming Projects
Lead times for LUMIPOD manufacturing currently span 3 to 4 months, depending on size and customization options. Several projects are currently under development, aimed at bringing the immersive luxury of LUMIPOD to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As the concept of luxury evolves towards experiential richness, LUMIPOD stands ready to pioneer this transition in architectural design.
Today, the beauty of the French Alps plays host to the inaugural LUMIPOD. Tomorrow, the brand envisions dotting the landscapes of continents across the globe with its elegant, minimalist cabins. With a dedication to preserving nature and enhancing the human connection to it, LUMIPOD heralds a new era in luxury living, one where we’re not just observers, but part of the natural world around us.
Photography by Kevin Dolmaire
- by Matt Watts
