Pencil sketch of Snap Pod builder celebrating inside the first 2.6m circular plywood frame of our hobbit-style glamping pod prototype in the UK workshop

First Curved Beam Sorted: Our Hobbit-Style Pod Prototype Is Starting to Feel Real!

Hello everyone,

Big milestone in the Snap Pod workshop this week—we’ve built the very first curved beam section for the prototype! If you’ve been keeping up with the journal, you’ll know we’re after that classic hobbit-hole charm: a nice circular cross-section, about 2.6 metres across, with those lovely curved ribs running the full length. Well, the first ring is up and standing proud, and it looks a damn sight better in the flesh than it ever did on our scribbled sketches.

We used plywood for the curves—glued, screwed, and shaped into smooth arcs, then joined into a full circle. Cutting and fitting the pieces by hand took bloody ages (endless measuring, clamping, and the odd quiet word with the jigsaw), but the second we stood it upright? It’s solid, round, and looking through it already feels like peeking into someone’s future cosy getaway.

Here’s a quick look at how it’s coming along:

Snap Pod hobbit-style glamping pod prototype – first circular plywood ring frame in UK workshop, 2.6m diameter curved beam section complete

Full circular hoop in the workshop, this is the first section to be built

The space inside is currently organised pandemonium—toolboxes, clamps, offcuts, and that green drum that’s somehow become a permanent resident—but stand back and you can start picturing it finished: round door, porthole windows, grassy roof, fairy lights, and a kettle on the go.

Builder inside Snap Pod prototype – first 2.6m circular wooden frame of hobbit-inspired glamping pod, showing scale and sturdy plywood build

 Each section is split into three parts, for easy assembly on site

Close-up of curved plywood beam on Snap Pod glamping pod prototype – scarf joint and craftsmanship on 2.6m diameter hobbit-style circular frame

We use scarf joints to secure each section together, with bolts for extra rigidity

We’re chuffed to bits with how sturdy it feels and how true the circle turned out. Next job is building the rear section—adding a curved rear wall to close off the back and fitting a window there for some lovely natural light and views from the far end. It’ll give the pod that proper enclosed, burrow-like feel while still letting in fresh air and a glimpse of the outside world when you’re tucked up inside.

Still loads to do, but every step makes it more real. We’re loving how the circular theme is coming together—feels authentic without being over-the-top.

Stick with us—we’ll keep posting as we add the door, windows, and eventually that iconic grassy roof. Early days, but things are moving.

If you’re as keen as we are (or you’ve got a quiet bit of land and fancy being one of the first to host a Snap Pod), pop your email in below for updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and when we’re ready—first dibs.

Thanks for following along. Round one: done and dusted. On we go!

Cheers, The Snap Pod Team

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