BuildUp Open Pods & Pavilions

Design by Kauppi & Kauppi for Glimakra of Sweden 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Open airy acoustic spaces somewhere between architecture and furniture

The BuildUp Pods & Pavilions is a collection of acoustic work spaces and meeting rooms, characterized by openness, accessibility and functionality. A concept that positions itself somewhere between architecture and furniture. A design where spatial experience has been valued as highly as acoustic qualities. Open, airy spaces where inclusiveness is key, following a Scandinavian design tradition.

“Imagine a forest glade, a calm space embraced by trees where you are happy to stay a while. A muted restful place which is never completely quiet. Our ambition was to design a spatial experience to long for. The pods are friendly and cozy characters, also functioning as architectural furniture. At the same time, several technical solutions and features have been integrated into the design, to make the rooms functional and creative." – Kauppi & Kauppi

The BuildUp Pods & Pavilions collection offers pods in different sizes, from large meeting rooms with sofas, to touch-base pods, solo working spaces and open pavilions. The overall concept has a modest and minimalist expression, making the pods well suited as natural space dividers in large interior landscapes. The wall elements have equally good sound absorption on both insides and outsides. Which means that the muted meeting rooms also serve as an effective acoustic solution for the greater interiors surrounding the pods. The walls’ acoustic task is to reduce reverberation time - rather than to achieve a silent setting. The atmosphere inside the pods is restful and muted, while comfortable sound levels from the surroundings outside are maintained.

The pods have generously wide entrances without thresholds – accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, entrances that closes by curtains. Daylight, or lighting from the larger interior, is filtered into the pods through the wooden roof rafters and preserves a connection with the surroundings. If the building has a sprinkler system, it will function over the pods and pavilions, since the pod roofs are all open beams. All BuildUp units have self-supporting construction, which means that no floor, wall or ceiling attachments are necessary. The pods and pavilions are easy to build, install and to move if a new location is desired.