Humans’ stress response reduces just moments after entering a green space, and the term ‘biophilia’ is
defined as the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature. Glass eco-cabins PurePods are the
essence of biophilic design, incorporating natural materials, natural light, vegetation, nature and views
and other experiences of the natural world into a minimalist luxury cabin.
A sojourn in a PurePod is a unique, lifestyle experience. Stephanie Hassall, CEO of PurePods says the
twin goals of the company are to have the smallest ecological footprint possible, while providing luxury
and 360-degree views.
Privacy is key: each PurePod is located on private land, with fabulous views well away from all human
activities. The experience starts as soon as you pull off the main road and leave the world behind. From
your carpark, it is a 10 to 30-minute walk (depending on which PurePod you have chosen) with your
overnight bag, through an indigenous nature trail. Once there, native planting is visible under you, the sky
above you and the views through three walls.
There are five individual PurePods located in secluded and beautiful parts of Canterbury, and they are
looking for new locations. Stephanie says the first PurePod was built on site with most materials carried
in on foot. Over the last 18 months, they have developed a more prefabricated system. “It’s like a giant
Meccano set, with as small an environmental footprint as possible.”
The buildings are PurePods’ trademarked and patented design, including the in-floor heating system set
into the all-glass floor. Of course, PurePods use the expertise of local craftsmen, and from the beginning
Coombes Sheet Metal and Fabrication has supported Purepods’ innovative designs by constructing
components for the water and heating systems, and weather-proofing panelling, enabling it to perform in
an exposed and remote natural environment.
The newest PurePod is at Pōhue, located high above Port Levy, where the view is rolling tussocks, down
to the bay and out to the Pacific Ocean. Rock Formations (named by the original WWII Veteran owner’s
Greek bride), known to climbers as The Acropolis and The Monument, are in front of and behind you.
Choosing which PurePod to book online is the most taxing part of the experience. The PurePods are
identical, but each setting is unique: mountain, sea, bush, winery, and the seasons bring further variation:
snow views, or golden grasses? You can book the next available PurePod, or a specific one, or why not
PurePod-hop and try them all!
