An innovative design by Wellington’s First Light Studio has emerged as the winner of the PrefabNZ UniPod design competition. The UniPod is an open-source universally accessible bathroom pod that is designed specifically for multi-unit residential applications, think social housing, retirement villages, and apartment buildings.

The UniPod provides a glimpse into the future of medium-density housing – online instructions for assembling by manufacturers anywhere in New Zealand. This is similar to how pre-nailed wall frames and roof trusses started, with these systems now standard building components for almost all new-build housing.

The UniPod design had to conform to Lifemark universal design guidelines, regulatory bathroom standards for accessibility, incorporate services for an adjoining kitchenette, be cost-effective, be dressed up or down for a range of housing situations from social housing to retirement and luxury apartments, as well as being structurally sound and ultimately buildable.

First Light is the award-winning team that originated from Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture to become the first southern hemisphere entrant in the United States Solar Decathlon competition in 2013. They sent their Meridian First Light House to the United States to place third overall, and also took out podium spots for five of the ten competition areas – architecture, engineering, market appeal, hot water and energy balance.

First Light Studio’s UniPod design “is innovative and intensive – cleverly combining all of the necessary functional requirements in a smart wall services core that is highly space efficient. Its small space means a high degree of usability for different building types and assists with installation logistics, manoeuvrability and cranage,” according to PrefabNZ board chair and judge Daiman Otto. 

Additionally, the judges chose to award the entry from Christchurch’s Welhaus with Highly Commended and two free tickets to the PrefabNZ CoLab. Otto commented that their design solution “provides a well resolved and thought-out space that allows for a number of different configurations, markets and aesthetic treatments.” 

The remaining two finalists each receive a free ticket to the CoLab. The entries were of a very high standard and submitted by Neil Cudby of Tauranga’s Cudby Homes and Ron Seeto of MCP Auckland Architects.

See First Light Studio’s winning UniPod design here and Welhaus’ highly commended entry here.