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Begin your MetroPod order
MetroPod is the smallest Pod, made for the metro yard. At eighty square feet, it fits a city lot without taking it over. Built to skip permit headaches so you can focus on shipping. Pre-wired and weatherproof, your pod is ready in 48 hours.
A low-slope roof, one full-height glass door, a footprint built to fit a small yard.
Step inside. Pale wood on every surface. The glass door and side windows bring the daylight in, and the 7.25-foot ceiling keeps the room open overhead. It reads bigger than it measures.
Metal frame wrapped in insulation layers. Sound stays out. Temperature stays controlled. Your private focus zone, steps from the house.
Keeps you under permit thresholds across most US cities. No forms to file. No months of waiting. Install happens in days.
Works on any surface. No slab, no excavation. Leveling feet adjust independently for slopes and carry structural load plus additional capacity.
Single power line connects to your main house. All internal wiring runs through the walls. Plug in once, power everything.
From first sketch to final assembly, every WorkPod Core is shaped with care: every joint checked; every panel measured twice.
Fresh from the warehouse. MetroPod is delivered for assembly and installation at your site, creating a clean, finished room ready for you to make your own. Bring in your desk, studio setup, storage, equipment, or whatever the space is meant to become.
Dimensions
Electrical devices
Interior furniture
Warranty
What living with the space actually feels like.
Real customer reflections sourced from Autonomous WorkPod Core reviews.
“It fits just what I need — desk, chair, and some essentials. Not feeling cramped.”
“The insulation keeps it quiet and temperature-controlled, the windows let in great natural light, and it feels like a proper office, not a backyard shed.”
“I built about 80% of it myself by following the directions from the company.”
“I was debating whether to remodel part of my home for an office, but the WorkPod mini ended up being a much better solution.”
“My productivity has literally doubled since getting this.”
“The assembly was incredibly fast, finished in just one day.”
Find a professional builder nearby.
A Backyard Pod should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Explore professionals serving your area and request a complimentary consultation through Between Living to help you understand the path from site preparation to finished space.
Lake Arrowhead, CA
West Hollywood, CA
Fountain Valley, CA
Ontario, CA
Connecticut
Dover, DE
Dover, DE
Orange City, FL
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA
Baton Rouge, LA
Brevard, NC
Sioux Falls, SD
Texas
Austin, TX
Layton, UT
Putney, VT
Bellevue, WA
Gillette, WY
There’s still a way forward.
Tell us where you're planning your MetroPod. Between Living will help explore available installation paths and coordinate with Autonomous where additional support may be needed.
Speak with an Autonomous specialist through Between Living.
Start with your questions, project details, and location. We'll help route your inquiry into the appropriate Autonomous consultation pathway while keeping your request connected to Between Living.
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Questions, answered with clarity.
A focused guide to permits, installation, comfort, setup, power, and what to expect before choosing your MetroPod.
What is a backyard office pod?
A backyard office pod is a separate, self-contained workspace installed in your yard, giving you a quiet, dedicated place to work without adding on to your home.
It is built for full-time use: insulated, powered, and designed for tasks that require focus. For remote workers, it creates a cleaner boundary between work and home life than a spare bedroom or kitchen table typically can.
Why choose a prefab backyard office pod instead of building from scratch?
Building from scratch can mean managing contractors, permits, timelines, and cost overruns, with a custom build potentially taking 6 to 12 months before the space is ready to use.
A prefab pod arrives engineered for the job, installs in days, and reduces much of that complexity. It can also be easier to move or reconfigure later if your needs change.
Do backyard office pods require a permit?
It depends on your local zoning rules. In many U.S. cities, accessory structures under 120 square feet may not require a building permit, but regulations vary significantly by municipality, HOA, and lot size.
Structures with permanent foundations or plumbing are more likely to trigger permit requirements. Always check your local zoning and ADU requirements before purchasing.
How much does a backyard office pod cost?
Current models generally fall in the $18,900 to $30,900 range depending on size and features.
MetroPod is the compact entry-level option, WorkPod sits in the middle as the balanced everyday workspace, and StudioPod is the larger multi-use option.
What's the best way to choose between the three models?
Start with three questions: How much yard space do you have? How will you use the pod day to day? Do you need flexibility beyond a standard work setup?
If yard space is tight and your needs are straightforward, consider MetroPod. If you want a comfortable everyday workspace with room to breathe, WorkPod is the balanced choice. If you want more room and multi-purpose capability, StudioPod offers the greatest flexibility.
Which model is right for a smaller yard?
MetroPod is the best fit for smaller outdoor spaces. It provides a functional, dedicated workspace without taking over the yard and has the most compact footprint in the lineup.
Which model is the best all-around choice?
WorkPod is the most balanced option for many buyers. It provides enough room for a full desk setup, comfortable daily use, and focused work without the additional size and multi-purpose emphasis of StudioPod.
It is particularly well suited to full-time remote workers who want more room than MetroPod.
Which model gives the most flexibility?
StudioPod is the right choice if you want a space that does more than hold a desk. It offers more room to spread out, supports flexible furniture arrangements, and works well for creative projects, client meetings, or other multi-purpose uses.
How long does installation take?
Installation is typically completed within 2 to 7 days after delivery, depending on the model, site conditions, and any ground preparation required.
Your site should be accessible and appropriately prepared for installation.
Can I move the pod if I relocate or reconfigure my yard?
Yes. These structures are modular and do not require a permanent foundation, giving them more flexibility than a traditional room addition or poured-concrete structure.
The pod can be disassembled and relocated if needed.
Can the pods be used year-round?
Yes. The pods are built with insulated wall systems and weather-ready materials designed to help maintain a stable interior across seasons.
Paired with appropriate heating or cooling for your climate, they can be used throughout the year.
Are backyard office pods quiet enough for calls and meetings?
Yes. They are designed to reduce outside noise and create a more private environment than a converted shed or shared home space.
They are not fully soundproof, but background noise from the yard, street, or household is noticeably reduced, making them suitable for daily calls, video meetings, and focused work.
Do the pods come with power?
Yes. They are designed to work with standard U.S. household power so you can run everyday office equipment such as laptops, monitors, lighting, and other daily-use devices.
The power connection runs from your home to the pod.
Can I use heating or air conditioning in a backyard pod?
Yes. The pods are compatible with common heating and cooling solutions, including mini-split systems, portable AC units, and electric heaters.
The appropriate system depends on your climate and how you plan to use the space year-round.
What exactly is the MetroPod? Is it a mini pod or a full ADU?
MetroPod sits in its own category. It is a prefab mini office pod designed specifically for backyard use, smaller than a full ADU but far more functional than a basic shed.
At 80 square feet, it provides a private, insulated, fully wired workspace without the complexity normally associated with larger structures.
How is MetroPod different from a regular garden shed or tiny ADU?
A garden shed is typically built for storage. A full tiny ADU is a permitted dwelling that may include plumbing and substantially greater construction complexity.
MetroPod sits between them, providing insulation, sound reduction, power, and usable ergonomic workspace without functioning as a full dwelling.
What's the difference between MetroPod and WorkPod?
MetroPod is the compact entry model at 80 square feet, best suited to smaller yards and focused solo work.
WorkPod is 102 square feet and provides more interior room for a full office setup, with additional configuration options.
What can I use MetroPod for besides a home office?
MetroPod can be used as a home office, art studio, music room, gaming studio, therapy space, or another private creative space that benefits from being separate from the main house.
Is MetroPod a good option for full-time remote workers?
Yes. MetroPod was designed to provide a dedicated workspace separate from the home, helping reduce household distractions and create a clearer distinction between work and personal time.
Its insulation, sound-reducing construction, and pre-wired power make it suitable for regular daily use.
Do I need a permit to install MetroPod in my backyard?
MetroPod is 80 square feet, which is below the permit threshold in many U.S. jurisdictions.
However, local zoning, HOA, and building requirements vary, so always confirm the rules that apply to your property before installation.
Do you provide building plans for HOA or permit documentation?
Yes. Autonomous can supply building plans for HOA submissions or permit documentation upon request.
How much space do I need in my backyard for MetroPod?
The MetroPod footprint is approximately 9' x 9'. For comfortable access and airflow around the unit, an area of roughly 18' x 18' is recommended.
What surfaces can I install MetroPod on?
The adjustable foundation feet allow installation on grass, gravel, dirt, concrete, brick, or slightly sloped ground without requiring a poured foundation, grading, or excavation in typical installations.
Can I install MetroPod on a slope?
Yes. Its six height-adjustable foundation feet are designed to accommodate uneven or sloped ground.
How hard is MetroPod to assemble? Do I need a contractor?
Assembly can be completed DIY or with a contractor. Autonomous recommends 2 to 3 people for optimal results, with most installations completing in approximately 1 to 2 days.
How long does shipping take, and what does delivery look like?
Shipping timelines vary, so refer to the current product information for the latest estimate.
MetroPod arrives in modular panels and does not require a crane for standard delivery and assembly.
Can I move MetroPod if I relocate?
Yes. MetroPod is not permanently attached to the ground and can be disassembled and relocated if needed.
What makes MetroPod sound-insulating?
The walls use a multi-layer construction including plywood, a steel frame, housewrap, and insulated metal siding.
This construction is designed to reduce external noise and help contain interior sound for calls and focused work.
Can I add heating and air conditioning?
Yes. MetroPod is compatible with portable AC units and mini-split systems, allowing you to choose a solution appropriate for your climate.
Can the walls support shelves and fixtures?
Yes. The walls can accommodate standard fixtures such as shelves and frames.
Because power lines run inside the walls, avoid drilling deeply near electrical runs. Interior technical layouts can be requested from Autonomous when needed for safe mounting locations.
How does the MetroPod power connection work?
A single outdoor-rated cable runs from your home's existing outlet or electrical supply to the pod. Interior wiring is concealed.
Maximum power is 2,750W at 110V/25A.
What's the weight capacity of the MetroPod foundation?
The stated foundation capacity is 2.3 tons including the pod body itself, providing substantial capacity for a normal office configuration.
Does MetroPod come with a warranty?
Yes. MetroPod includes a 1-year warranty. Autonomous can provide full warranty terms and coverage details.
Is there a free trial period?
No standard trial period applies to the pod itself because assembly and setup vary depending on the installation environment.
A 30-day trial may apply to qualifying Autonomous furniture products included in a furnished option.
Want a better sense of MetroPod space?
For iPhone: Scan the QR code to see it in your backyard with AR.
For Android: Download Sketchfab, STL Viewer, or 3D Model Viewer first, then scan.
Check out the other models.
Compare more room for focused daily work or a flexible space designed for work and play.
Certain videos, product imagery, trademarks, and educational materials displayed on this page are official Autonomous assets and remain the intellectual property of their respective owner. They are presented by Between Living, an authorized Autonomous dealer, to support product education and help customers make informed purchasing decisions.