Are Luxury Outdoor Pods the Best Way to Work From Home?

The Tired of all the distractions while working at home? With no immediate change in sight, lots of people who are working from home are resorting to creative measures to improve their productivity for the long haul. One of the best ideas we’ve heard so far is building or buying a luxury outdoor office pod – a backyard oasis of peace and quiet for work. Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of the best luxury outdoor work pods out there right now.

Are Luxury Outdoor Pods the Best Way to Work From Home?

From constant interruptions by the kids or even spouses, to camping out at the dining table or taking calls in the bathroom (can’t beat the acoustics), for most of us, working from home through covid-19 has been anything but ideal. 

And even if you find yourself lucky enough to have an office within your home, it doesn’t replace the much needed distance from your other living areas to completely eliminate all distractions – such as the unexplainable lure of looking in your fridge every 30 minutes.

Fortunately design studios and building companies have heard our cries for help.  Many have begun creating tiny yet stylish work pods and sheds. They are perfectly suited for backyards, gardens and even driveways that are sure to make working from home more workable.

These small, architecturally-minded and prefabricated home office sheds have been designed to fulfill everyone’s desire for a secluded, private workspace without the need for a drastic home expansion.  Most are around 100 square feet in size, making them large enough for a desk and some seating and small enough so that they don’t take over your entire outdoors.

In most cases, they arrive with pre-wired power so you can get right to work.  On top of that, they have features like sound proofing, floor to ceiling windows and in many cases have built in heating or air conditioning so they can be used year round – not to mention long after the pandemic has passed.  Plus in most cases, they are small enough not to require a permit to build (be sure to check your area’s regulations to be certain).  All that plus no more hiding in the closet for Zooms?  Sounds almost too good to be true, if you ask us.

So where do you find one of these pop-up offices to help solve your WFH woes?  We found 10 studios and companies creating new out-of-the-box (or rather, in) home offices that will get you out of your house while still working from home. Scroll down for the scoop.

what are the best luxury outdoor work pods right now?

1. hello wood workstation cabin

The Workstation Cabin from Budapest based Hello Wood Studio is a striking, timber-clad pod that can serve as a workspace, guest bedroom or even a cozy lounge. 

The 91 square foot sculptural space was designed to connect with nature, both in the exterior and interior while also enabling a productive work environment. Each turnkey ready cabin comes fully equipped with power, air conditioning, heating and internet connection.  Price and shipping info upon request.

2. kithaus

California based kitHAUS designs and delivers modernist prefab modules to transform an open space into an anything-you-want hub.  The brand offers a wide range of modules for both home office and recreational needs including its “starter model” the K3 series. 

Available in 11 different configurations, you can opt for a basic model starting at $27,000, one with a full bath ($55,000) or even a space complete with a loft ($66,000).  Delivery charges based on location.

3. plús hús

Plús Hús, Icelandic for ‘Plus House’ and pronounced like “couscous,” was formed by two Icelandic natives in California to address Los Angeles’s housing crisis, as well as the enormous waste associated with traditional construction.  The company has developed three sustainable  and customizable Hús models. 

The Open model boasts 320 square feet of space. It is enclosed by a glass sliding door and three walls with pricing starting at $47,000. The Open+ includes a built-in bathroom for $52,000 and the full-sized model features a bathroom and a kitchen for $59,000.  Each comes flat packed and is assembled by the Plús Hús team within California. 

4. yardpod

Serving the greater San Francisco Bay area, YardPods has something for everyone, whether you’re an avid DIYer or you prefer a turnkey unit.

Their spaces – most that are 120 square feet or less – can be assembled by their team or by you, based on their construction drawings.  Pricing starts at $28,000.

5. boano prišmontas

London studio Boano Prišmontas has created a prefabricated timber home office that can be built within a day.  Named “My Room in the Garden,” the modular pod can be set up in any outdoor space, including your driveway, backyard or garden.  The exterior is made from weatherproof aluminum, while the interior is made from birch.  The space is built using a modular system of prefabricated units. This means you can arrange the pieces to best take advantage of your space.

The smallest unit is around 6 feet by 8 feet, and costs $6,400; the largest starts at $13,600 and lets you add on as many modules as you want. Before ordering, you must talk with a consultant to help you figure out the specific configuration you need as well as delivery.

6. dwellito

The Backyard Offices from Dwellito features models as little as 64 square feet ($33,926) as well as sizes as large as 146 square feet ($22,127).  Each of the five models are designed with a creative workspace in mind. The larger structures can accommodate up to two desks. You pick the finishes and extras, which include an air conditioning unit and a sheer window curtain. 

And of course, if you don’t find something you like, the Canadian company will custom build almost anything.  Ships to Canada, US and even Europe depending on the style.

7. autonomous 

Autonomous is known for its office furniture, but recently the California company ventured into the world of prefabricated sheds with the creation of its Zen Work Pod ($14,900, including shipping and assembly).  Minimalist in its design, the workspace is meant to promote a productive work lifestyle. 

It has no unnecessary design details and cultivates an open feel with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Unlike some of the other models, this space lacks air conditioning and heat. It is insulated and prewired in the event you would like to add it.  Pods take about 2 months from order to delivery and can be shipped throughout the US.

8. kanga room systems

Much of our list has been focused on more modern styles, but Texas based Kanga Room ShedsSystems offers a more traditional cottage style option for those wanting something a little more classic (though they do offer modern styles too). 

The Cottage Kwik Room is 120 square feet and can be delivered three ways: as a shell kit for you to install yourself ($9,500), an installed shell ($14,400) or turnkey installed ($26,000).  Shell kits are available for shipping, while installed shells and turkey options are only available within Texas.

9. studio shed

Studio Shed makes office spaces in a variety of sizes and finishes that can be customized in their 3D Configurator. This allows you to design a place that will take your environment into consideration as well as your budget (basic models start around $13,000). There are hundreds of window and door orientations possible ensuring you get all the natural light you would ever want inside your new home office. 

Each Studio Shed is made in Colorado and shipped throughout the US and select locations in Canada.  Shipping costs are calculated during the design process based on your exact location.

10. summerwood

Summerwood has a variety of outdoor structures, ranging from gazebos to kid’s playhouses to offices for adults.  When it comes to workspaces, they offer 13 different options ranging from tea house inspired huts to rustic cabins or elegant miniature mansions like the Windsor (starting at $14,000).  Complete with double french doors, columns, arch windows and storm shutters, it can be built as small as 96 square feet or as large as 468 depending on your needs. 

All models are delivered with your choice of either pre-cut and unassembled, or fully assembled. You can ship them anywhere throughout the world; shipping prices will vary based on location. 

Are Luxury Outdoor Pods the Best Way to Work From Home?

So, what do you think?  Are you ready for an outdoor work pod in your backyard?  Whether you go for it or not, one thing is for certain, you can’t beat the commute.

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This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. Dandelion Chandelier may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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