A Christchurch construction company has launched its own solution to the worker accommodation shortage in the city.
The Pods, designed by Edifice, are 20ft shipping containers converted into compact, stylish, comfortable and affordable worker accommodation.
Edifice managing director Rob Strickland says he decided to establish The Pods after he struggled to find rental accommodation for his own construction workers arriving in Christchurch to help meet rebuild demands.
“The rebuild is starting to move at pace. Thousands of workers are now in need of long- and short-term accommodation. We saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to house workers arriving in Christchurch and, hopefully, relieve some of the pressure off the residential rental market,” Mr Strickland says.
“With motels costing more than $100 a night, and many with no vacancies, workers and their employers are looking for an alternative solution. At approximately $250 per week per unit, we believe The Pods are a quality, practical and affordable answer to the rental crisis.”
Edifice offers two investment opportunities. The first is to custom design and build The Pods for private investors who have suitable unused land available. The investors would then manage and rent The Pods privately.
The second option is to invest in The Pod Accommodation Project — a worker accommodation development owned and operated by Edifice. The Pod Accommodation Project will feature a large communal kitchen and central indoor and outdoor living spaces, and will have on-site management and security.
Each unit will be fully-furnished with a one bedroom ensuite and kitchenette. Each pod will also have all creature comforts, including Wi-Fi, Sky Television, a blu-ray player with movie library, a flat screen LCD TV and a sound system.
Minimum investment in The Pod Accommodation Project is $45,000 for one unit.
The Pods have been architecturally designed by Auckland architecture firm Moai. Each unit will be built in New Zealand although materials, including the shipping container, are made in China.
Edifice is currently in the process of confirming a location for The Pod Accommodation Project. Plans are for the build to be complete by October 2013.
