Switchable Takes Flight with SkyPods
Intelligent Glass have recently been a part of an exciting custom project with local business SkyPods, also based in South Yorkshire, UK. SkyPods and their sister company FlyMe offer luxury, upcycled aircraft products as well as a one-of-a-kind virtual airport and flight simulator experience. Whilst sourcing parts to bring FlyMe to life, the idea of giving retired aircrafts a new lease of life was born leading to the creation of SkyPods with the CEO Andy Hyde saying:
“These aircraft have been an exciting part of peoples lives for decades and provided countless joy and memories to millions. To be able to transform them into something amazing and give them a chance to continue to do so is the most rewarding part of the project.”
SkyPods offer a range of self-contained spaces that almost never require planning permission making them ideal for use in your home. Each model has its own quirks, with nearly all using upcycled aircraft fuselage including the original blinds and windows, even coming with a certificate verifying the history, statistics and tail number of the plane.
The base specification of a SkyPod is far from standard with WiFi controlled underfloor heating, integrated Bluetooth speakers and fully dimmable, coloured LED lights/USB sockets. You can choose from a range of sizes with the interior completely customisable to your taste allowing you to create a space that’s truly one of a kind.
In this particular project, SkyPods had a custom request for the use of switchable technology in their glamping range and chose Intelligent Glass for the supply and install of Switchable Film. The products from SkyPods use every inch of space innovatively with the glamping pods fitting a 3-piece bathroom, built in kitchen and sink as well as a separate bedroom area with a double bed. Aiming to keep the space minimal and free of clutter, they opted for our Switchable Film to be applied to the double-glazed windows offering privacy without the shrouding of curtains or blinds. Now guests can make the most of the huge glass windows and double doors, letting the outside in even when the opening is closed for an authentic, luxury glamping experience.
The beauty of Switchable Film is that even when turned off it allows light to pass through, helping to create the illusion of a larger space around the clock. By maintaining the passage of light you’re able to benefit from privacy as well as natural lighting unlike when using alternative solutions like blinds or curtains. This instant privacy solution is perfect for glamping pods where the space needs to be multifunctional and even for home office spaces to create a more solitary environment to concentrate.
Thrilled with the outcome of the install SkyPods will now be offering our switchable technologies as part of a premium upgrade package for all of their products including the SkyPods; used here for glamping, the SkyQuads; a more compact space for garden bars and alfresco dining and SkyCubes; for use in both larger offices and garden spaces coming kitted out with integrated office furniture.
As well as their range of bespoke pod spaces, their sister company FlyMe offer aviation experiences unlike anywhere else in the UK. With a full-size replica Boeing 737 flight simulator you can fly anywhere in the world, covering 23,000 airports with the option to book any length of flight from 60minutes onwards. Their facilities also boast a check in, departure lounge, security, gates and air traffic control environments ideal for inspiring the next generation or aircraft staff as well as helping visitors overcome a fear of flying in an ultra-realistic environment.
Interested?
For more information on SkyPods or how you can use Switchable Glass or Film to transform your environment, get in touch via the form below or call +44(0)1226 361 306.