French company Exod have unveiled the Air Station Pod-01, an inflatable tent designed for various weather conditions.
From Superinnovators 15/07/24
Looking more like something the army would deploy, the Air Station aims to revolutionise camping, offering an innovative solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
Weighing a mere 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs), the lightweight inflatable cuboidal tent can be set up and packed within five minutes, providing convenience and efficiency for users.
It utilises an inflatable skeleton made from materials used in kite-surf wings, known for their durability and robustness in extreme conditions.
This choice of materials ensures that the Air Station can withstand violent wind storms, intense impacts, and abrasive environments, according to the company.
Additionally, the structure boasts a floor area of 4.2 square metres, accommodating one to four people comfortably, depending on your comfort threshold of course.
To enhance the organisation of the living space, the design includes numerous hanging and storage solutions.
Notably, the walls of the Air Station can be lifted to provide a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing users to connect with their surroundings.
Key features also include a seam-taped, waterproof structure, double screen doors, single-point inflation, and a self-standing design, all contributing to its functionality.
The air frame is constructed from High Tenacity (HT) Dacron and 80 micron Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), while the wall sheets are made from 70 Denier (70D) polyester ripstop with a Polyurethane (PU) membrane of 1200 mm.
In addition, the floor sheet comprises 420 D nylon with a Polyurethane (PU) membrane of 3000 mm, and the screen is made from 100% polyester mesh.
Together, these materials contribute to the overall durability and weather resistance of the structure.
Surprisingly, the Pod-01 can be set up at a pressure of just 0.5 bar (7 PSI), which makes the structure hard and rigid.
This inflatable design allows the Air Station to be flexible, lightweight, and easy to fold once deflated.
It also features two tunnel doors for efficient cooling and a reinforced roof for additional stability.
The package includes a hand pump, guy lines, pegs, a carry bag, and a repair kit.
The carry bag dimensions are 25 x 35 x 64 cm, making it compact and easy to transport.
With an inside height of 1.53 m and an inside area of 2.30 x 1.83 m, the Air Station provides ample space for its occupants.
For those interested in aesthetics, the Air Station is available in two colours: Black-Obscur and White-Snow.
Retailing at €2,499 (approx. $2,800), the Air Station is currently available in limited quantities for a pre-order offer of €1,899 (approx. $2,040) until 15 August 2024.
The company say the Air Station Pod-01 offers a unique blend of architectural principles and outdoor technology, providing a new way to experience outdoor living.
It follows the launch of Exod’s Monolith capsule, an elevated inflatable tent released in 2022 after a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2021.
More info
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1047877880/ark-next-level-shelter
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