Okopod's Dual Pitch Pod – A Modern Studio ADU
Okopod completed this backyard studio ADU project in 2024, delivering a compact and well-considered structure of approximately 215 square feet. The build showcases several of the design and material choices that define Okopod's approach to accessory dwelling unit construction.
The pod features a dual pitch roof with a standing seam finish. This roof design serves a practical purpose — it maximizes interior ceiling height while ensuring effective water drainage. The result is an interior that feels open and well-lit, suitable for use as a home office, relaxation space, or an entertaining area. As a detached ADU, it offers a self-contained environment separate from the main dwelling.
Materials and Construction Details
The exterior cladding used on this pod is Natural Thermowood, sourced from Scandinavian Redwood. The wood undergoes a heat and pressure treatment process that enhances its resistance to moisture and decay, while giving it a distinctive medium brown tone. This makes it a practical choice for outdoor structures that need to withstand varying weather conditions over time. It is also considered a more sustainable cladding option.
The doors and windows are constructed from aluminum, a material chosen for its strength, low maintenance requirements, and recyclability. Low-carbon aluminum production methods help reduce the overall environmental footprint of the build. Unlike timber frames, aluminum does not require regular treatments or repainting.
This particular pod also includes a full bathroom installation, carried out by Okopod's plumbing and groundworks team. This makes the structure functional as a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage — not just a simple garden room or office pod.
Outdoor Space and Landscaping
Alongside the pod itself, the project includes an anthracite grey pergola that ties in visually with the aluminum doors and windows. The pergola features adjustable louvres operated by a manual crank, allowing occupants to control the level of shade throughout the day. It can also support climbing plants, adding a natural element to the outdoor area over time.
The ground beneath the pergola is finished with durable slab flooring, creating a defined outdoor social space that connects the pod to the wider garden. This landscaping element extends the usable area of the build beyond the pod's interior square footage.
For those considering a similar project, Okopod works through the full design and build process for studio ADUs and backyard pods. Their team handles the structural, plumbing, and finishing elements as part of an integrated service. Project costs for builds of this type are available on inquiry.
- Approximate size: 215 ft²
- Cladding: Natural Thermowood (Scandinavian Redwood)
- Roof: Dual pitch with standing seam finish
- Doors and windows: Aluminum
- Bathroom: Fully installed
- Pergola: Anthracite grey with adjustable louvres
- Landscaping: Slab flooring beneath pergola
