GET AWAY: MUJI Launch New Travel Pod Concept

Space can be hard to come by. And it's surprising how we can live in not much space at all. MUJI, a Japanese brand that produces quality, simple household goods, has taken the concept of small space and created the MUJI Hut Concept - a tiny structure that can be placed where you want to actually be. According to MUJI we all dream of living somewhere other than our usual surroundings, "The tools to make that dream a reality are now available. It’s not as dramatic as owning a vacation home, but it’s not as basic as going on a trip. Put it in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a garden, and it immediately blends in with the surroundings, inviting you to a whole new life."

The interior is a compact little 9m2, but when you add in the porch and roof overhang, it's enough for three to four people to spend time in comfortably. The large sliding door allows for maximum space to be utilised, with no door swing needed, with light and breeze coming in from another smaller window. 

The timber is sourced from Japan, with the external walls being burnt hardwood cladding, which creates naturally antiseptic qualities and extra durability. Traditional Japanese shipbuilders use this technique - builders burn cedar wood to increase its strength and add an oil stain finish. The inner wall surfaces are untreated and become a blank canvas to play with. The foundations are raft style, like a normal home, but keeps the hut away from moisture. 

The MUJI Hut is yet to be released, you'll have to wait until next year for that, and it's only available in Japan initially at ¥ 3,000,000 (incl. consumption tax), including the cost of materials needed for construction, and operating costs of the construction contractor. There's also additional legal expenses for the application for construction approval, etc.

For more information, check out www.muji.com.