Design and development company: Nomadic Resorts, Mauritius

The details: As the hospitality industry ponders a future more inclined toward social distancing and isolation, Seedpod emerges as a novel solution. The aptly named concept draws upon biomimicry to establish low-impact accommodations that immerse visitors in nature. Following years of research, prototypes were first launched last year at the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve in Mauritius. “In these challenging times, we want to create structures that allow people to engage with the natural environment in a new way,” says Seedpod creative director Olav Bruin. “Seeds are, in essence, a symbol of hope and potential. They represent growth and renewal.”

The womb-like cocoon comprises a series of concentric circles that meet in top and bottom brackets in a form reminiscent of a concertina. Suspended from trees or erected upon a tripod with attached external lighting, each camouflaged unit transforms to serve dining and sleeping needs with an elegant, minimalist design. Bamboo-clad interiors and insulated models with exposed cotton and wool may also be on the horizon. “We consider these initial Seedpods as the first born in a family of structures,” says Nomadic Resorts CEO Louis Thompson. “In the future, we can imagine Cocopods, Almondpods, and many other variations depending on local vegetation.”

This article originally appeared in HD’s July 2020 issue.