In March 2017, Luke Robertson and his father set out on a new project that would tap into the emerging glamping market. The idea was to manufacturer a bespoke floating pod, that would offer a unique boutique hotel experience and provide guests with everything they required in a small space, including double bed, kitchen area, wet room, outside seating, speaker system and even Wi-Fi.
In April 2018, the concept became a reality with the floating pod – dubbed the ‘Flotel Room’ – opening its doors for bookings in Hartlepool Marina.
Providing a suitable kitchen area was a key factor in making the 4 x 6 metre space practical, so Luke turned to experts in small kitchen ideas, Elfin Kitchens. Luke opted for a 1000mm Premium model (M-100-Ms-RK) which is supplied with an integrated fridge freezer, 20 litre combination microwave oven and grill, hotplates, sink and tap, plus two handy soft close storage drawers.
Explaining his decision to specify Elfin Kitchens, Luke said: “We started off looking at adapting regular kitchen carcasses, but they simply didn’t look right in the space and we weren’t convinced they would be durable enough. So, rather than trying to adapt products to fit our needs, we set out to find a kitchenette that was specifically designed for small spaces.
“After a quick online search, we came across Elfin Kitchens, who appeared to offer the perfect solution. We arranged to meet up with them at the Glamping Show to see the products first hand. We were particularly impressed with the build quality, which was a key consideration for the pod design, as we needed to ensure the kitchen could withstand constant use.
“After talking through the requirements with the Elfin team, we opted for the 1000mm Premium model, which fitted the space perfectly. We didn’t have to make any alterations to the compact kitchen; we simply plugged and plumbed it in, and it was ready to go.
“Overall, we’re really impressed with the Elfin Kitchen; it’s the perfect product for small areas. The next pod we have in mind to make will have a double bed and the capacity to fit five people in – so we’re sure to use Elfin Kitchens again.”
The Premium range of kitchens incorporates high-quality appliances, including a refrigerator, sink and tap, plus a choice of solo or combination microwave, oven and grill. In addition, Premium models are supplied with optional soft close drawers and/or ceramic hotplate.
The ‘Flotel Room’ is designed for two people and has been constructed with a base of 10mm thick plastic injected with polystyrene to make it float.
To add a splash of colour to a kitchen, Elfin’s premium models are also available in a range of colours, from gloss powder-coated White and Claret, to matt powder-coated Sand and Bronze.
Elfin’s compact kitchens save space and offer great flexibility, with right or left-hand versions available. In addition, the kitchens can be quickly installed on site, arriving in a single pallet which offers a ‘plug and play’ solution.
