The Design Of Remote Off Grid Island Accommodation

Following the design of remote off grid WanderPods in the Scenic Rim – eco-friendly structures immersed in rural Queensland – a second series of getaway accommodation has been crafted on Kangaroo Island. Designed by Wander architect Michael Sasso, the understated pods encourage visitors to embrace the natural beauty of a special location.

While the original design of remote off grid WanderPods is showcased around Lake Wyaralong, 1.5 hours by car from Brisbane Airport, Wander on Kangaroo Island is perched at the top of a hill on Snelling Beach, far from the local restaurants and cafes. “We're finding that our guests are really loving the difference in experiences they can have between two such vastly different landscapes,” says Cassandra Sasso, founder of Wander. “What makes Wander on Kangaroo Island particularly special is its remoteness; the vastness and the depth of the landscape are quite incredible and unmatched by anywhere else I've been.” Offering a place of sanctuary for wildlife, the area is inhabited by kangaroos and koalas.

In contrast to typical getaway accommodations, the design of remote off grid WanderPods does not provide places to passively admire the landscape but creates starting points from which to explore it. “It's not really about bringing the outside in; it's about you going outside and connecting with the region that you've come for,” says Cassandra. With a modular, minimalist form, the pods entice visitors outdoors by framing views of the striking surrounds. They operate using solar power and harvested rainwater, expressing respect towards the natural environment, and to similar effect, are set on piers. In the event that Wander moves from Kangaroo Island, the land will subsequently be left untouched.

“People visit Wander from all around the world,” says Cassandra. “Generally, the journey will start in Adelaide, and you'll take the Coastal Road all the way down to Cape Jervis, where you'll catch the ferry. From there, you're on the country roads.” The arrival at Snelling Beach follows a scenic drive along the north coast and a path lined with long blonde grass, leading to the top of the hill where the design of remote off grid pods can be seen. Entering a pod through a sliding barn door, visitors are met with an open-plan lounge and dining room, which share a wood-burning fireplace. The adjoining kitchen features a pantry box full of local seasonal produce, while the bedroom contains a king-sized bed made up with soft linen sheets. Connected to the bedroom is a bathroom with a luxurious rain shower. Outside, sun lounges and an outdoor bath allow visitors to dwell in nature, and a deck features a dining table that seats four where visitors can enjoy a 180-degree view of the ocean.

“Luxury, for me, is more about finding what's really rare rather than what money can afford,” says Cassandra. “It’s about time, it's about space, it's about stillness and really connecting back to the land.” The design of remote off grid pods nurtures visitors’ relationships with the natural environment, offering an experience that best serves personal wellbeing.

00:00 - Introduction to the Remote Off Grid Accommodation
01:58 - The Journey to the Island
02:51 - Features of the Pod
04:06 - Minimising Environmental Impact
05:02 - Final Reflections

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Photography by Arlow Studios.
Architecture by Wander.
Filmed and edited by The Local Production.
Production by The Local Production.

Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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