Pods & Pricing

Ten models. Every size of ambition.

Financing available on all models. Custom design and sizes available on every pod. Tap any pod for full specification, including floor plans.

All prices subject to standard terms and conditions. Financing available on all models.

Interior Options

Nothing generic. Everything intentional.

Kitchenette

All units include a prep bowl & 2-burner gas stove (bottle not included). Custom-designed cabinetry to your requirement. Additional island available as an optional extra.

Bathrooms

Top-flush toilet, floating vanity with top-mount basin, corner shower unit and PVC wall tiling. Custom bathroom designs available as an optional extra.

Wall & Ceiling Cladding

CCA-treated pine tongue & groove · Drywall · Ply board · Insulated cement panels.

Interior Design

Optional extra — fully furnished · wallpaper and slat panelling.

Optional Add-Ons

Fit your pod to the site it lives on.

Decking

R700/m²

Pergola

R900/m²

5kW Complete Solar System (incl. installation)

R63,300

Combustion Fireplace (incl. installation)

R19,200

Septic Tank

R29,000

9,000 BTU Aircon (incl. installation)

R13,000

Back-Up 2,500L Water System (incl. pump)

R28,500

Hot Tub

R35,000

Steel vs. Shipping Container

Why a purpose-built pod wins.

A pod is designed as living space from the first sketch — not adapted from a box built for freight.

Factor	Shipping Container Conversion	Bidwell Steel-Framed Pod
Insulation	Thin corrugated steel built to move cargo, not regulate temperature — runs hot in summer, cold on Highveld winter mornings without expensive retrofitting.	Insulated from the start, for South African conditions year-round.
Layout Freedom	Dimensions fixed by international shipping standards.	Designed around how the space will actually be used — window placement, ceiling height and room flow included.
Appearance	Still reads as a converted container.	Timber finishes and a proper roofline add to a property's value and kerb appeal.
Structural Integrity	Cutting window and door openings weakens the steel, often requiring reinforcement that erodes the cost advantage.	Engineered as an open, livable structure from the outset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What clients ask before they build.

How much does a pod cost in South Africa?+

Bidwell pods start from R45,000 for a small backyard office or guard house, with self-contained living pods from R215,000 and our largest 3 Bedroom model from R1,095,000. Every pod is custom designed and sized to your site, and financing is available.

Do I need planning permission for a pod?+

It depends on your municipality, the pod's size, and whether it's a permanent or removable structure. Many secondary dwellings under a certain footprint qualify for simplified approval, but rules vary by council — we can guide you through what's typically required in your area before you build.

Are pods better than shipping container conversions?+

For most residential and hospitality uses, yes. Purpose-built steel-framed pods are designed around insulation, natural light and layout from the start, whereas container conversions have to work around a shipping container's original shape and thin steel walls.

Can a pod generate rental income?+

Yes. A self-contained backyard pod with its own entrance, bathroom and kitchenette can be let out long-term to a tenant or listed short-term on platforms like Airbnb, giving homeowners an additional income stream without the cost and disruption of a full home extension.