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The collapsible Caravan Pods fold away to fit
standard car parking spaces and are light enough to be towed by the smallest
of cars but they stretch out to reveal a spacious holiday home.
The interior is split into two pods. The Comfort Pod has seating and
sleeping space for two adults, with a 12 volt power supply and audio system.
The Service Pod offers a water system, power supply and storage space for
personal items.
The Caravan Pod has been designed as a 'cool' alternative to
the traditional caravan.
Large central window contains an electro-chromatic film, which changes from
transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch and also helps keep in the
heat.
The interior is kept simple with glossy surfaces reflecting light to give
the illusion of space and stop it from feeling claustrophobic. And the six
onboard power sockets mean luxuries such as the television, fridge and
kettle do not have to be left at home.
Industrial design graduate David Tonkinson, 23, from Poole, Dorset, hopes
to transform the caravanning holiday market with his design. The Comfort Pod
has seating and sleeping space for two adults while the Service Pod has a
water system, power supply and storage space. He said: 'Caravanning is a
relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to get out of the
city, into the countryside and experience nature.
'But caravans and caravanning are regarded among younger generations as a
dated and old-fashioned pastime. 'I believe caravans are in desperate need of modernisation if they are to
overcome the stigma surrounding them and are to appeal to more than just
retired people'. 'I wanted to create a novel, two person caravan that
appeals to a fashion conscious user. It also had to be small and lightweight
enough to be towed by a small car.' 'My capsule caravan expands and
contracts, allowing it to be compacted for storage and towing'. 'In its
closed position the caravan is small enough to be stored in a standard car
parking space but when it's open it's not claustrophobic.'
The Pods fold away to fit standard car parking spaces and
are light enough to be towed by even the smallest cars He added: 'The
rounded form came from the the idea of splitting a caravan in half to allow
it to expand and compact'. 'Not only is the shape unique but it also has
natural strength and aerodynamic benefits'. 'All the other elements were
designed to echo the form of the body, with the chassis and window wrapping
round it in a very organic way.'
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