Set to launch virtual sales this month, Ocean Builders a new leading ocean innovation technology company based in Panama, is revealing their fleet of revolutionary living pods that will change the way humankind thinks about home, travel, and how to live in a future-focused world. And they have their sites set on South Florida next.
Co-Founder & CEO, Grant Romundt
Conceptualized by Ocean Builders President and Head of Engineering Rüdiger Koch and Chief Executive Officer Grant Romundt, the SeaPod was created as an answer to an inevitable problem. A lack of space in desirable destinations. “Everyday thousands of people all over the world move closer to the top 15 major metropolitan cities which are within 80km of a coastline – a trend that will continue to grow,” said CEO Grant Romundt.
“With our experience in ocean technology innovation, we knew we could offer a path forward for offshore infrastructure that is both restorative and sustainable. We’ve been motivated by the opportunity to change and challenge the traditional real estate and tourism models and create first-in-class living experiences that can give back to our ocean environment.”
Ocean Builder’s mission is to develop revolutionary blue technology that makes the 72% water-covered world into an eco-sustainable paradise. The company’s innovative and proprietary technology will allow civilization to move onto the sea and it will unlock the ocean as a new frontier with a quality of life that is unbeatable anywhere else. By learning to live on the water, they believe it will open a new wave of eco-sustainable innovation that will lead to living more sustainably on land.
Ocean Builders’ range of premium price-accessible Pods includes the original SeaPod built for aquatic living, the GreenPod for land use, and the EcoPod providing an ecologically and economically friendly option – all created to optimize high-quality living experiences driven by cutting edge technology and eco-restorative sustainability.
Designed by Dutch architect, Koen Olthius, who specializes in developing solutions to problems posed by urbanization and climate change, the SeaPods were created to accommodate the needs of climate conscious residents and travelers looking to live among the waves without sacrificing the luxuries of modern living. With over 575 square-feet of panoramic windows and 360-degree unobstructed ocean views, the SeaPods offer over 830 square-feet of living space generously proportioned over three half-floors and include a master bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and patio all situated 7.5 feet above the waves. The Seapods also offer 1,250 cubic-feet of storage space.
An exclusive destination within itself, the Pods elevate luxury living with state-of-the-art technology, top-tier amenities and customizable applications that will tailor both the design and functionality of each Pod to accommodate each resident and guest. Native Pod software allows for ease of home management from lighting, and temperature control to more advanced luxuries such as setting shower temperature and water pressure. The software will continue to update as services and automations are added allowing each Pod to evolve with the latest capabilities that are constantly being developed. A wearable smart ring will offer residents another means for conveniently controlling various touchpoints and applications throughout the Pods – with a simple wave of the hand, the rings can unlock doors, turn on music, and more.
Aerial Delivery Drones, customized and perfected to withstand high winds and other overwater conditions will be used to deliver food, medicine, and everyday smaller items while the ASTRO (Autonomous Surface Transport & Recycling Operations) ASV (Autonomous Surface Vessel) will be able to safely transport up 440 pounds for larger deliveries including luggage, furniture, and for resident transport to and from the SeaPods. The ASTRO ASV will also act as an ocean recycling vessel to help collect trash and debris to clean up the area surrounding the Pods.
The launch of the SeaPods also marks the introduction of the eco-restorative home. With the driving focus on sustainability, every aspect of the Pods from design to application and operations has been created to benefit the surrounding environment. Through the eco restorative home Ocean Builders has developed the ability to create a natural habitat for ocean life to occupy and thrive based on the design and engineering of each Pod – ultimately attracting sea life that generates flourishing underwater ecosystems.
Speaking directly to the new, first-of-its-kind offering: “We no longer live in a world of impossibilities, Romundt continued. “We are sending people to space and childlike dreams are quickly becoming a reality. We are creating a new real estate asset class and luxury lifestyle that will redefine how and where we live while optimizing the health, safety, and sustainability of the environments that house the Pods and the residents and guests that will ultimately occupy them.”
Connor Firmender
Connor Firmender, a South Floridian and Ocean Builder’s Director of Business Development, says that “We have already begun pushing business and revenue into Florida through partnerships such as testing subsea drones with Florida International University’s marine science and robotics team, an underwater mapping drone being built by Tampa Deep Sea Xplorers, shipments through Miami’s SFS Cargo Express and AeraCarga, helping build a coral garden off the coast of Naples with Florida Gulf Coast University, and purchasing electric UTVs from a company in Cape Coral.”
Connor plans to move back from Panama to South Florida in Q1 of 2023 to open Ocean Builder’s first international office. The company plans to continue hiring engineers, scientists, and architects from the region. A huge portion of our global demand in the United States is in Florida and Ocean Builders has their eye set on launching their first U.S. pod in Miami. Additionally, Ocean Builders anticipates restoring Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys coral reefs in 2023 through a partnership with Florida International University.
By the end of 2023, Ocean Builders plans to have the first 100 fully owned custom Pods in production. A second deployment of over 1,000 fully owned Pods will begin in 2024. Ocean Builders is exclusively managing sales and offers private virtual showings by appointment. To schedule, please contact (702) 325-8092 or email info@oceanbuilders.com.