Nap Pod

Designed for travelers, students, and professionals in busy spaces - airports, offices, and libraries - the Nap Pod delivers a soundproof, climate-controlled sanctuary for uninterrupted rest.

1. Whisper-Quiet, Soundproof Design
2. High-density polyester walls block noise distractions (a leading cause of sleep deprivation), creating a serene, cocoon-like space.
3. Smart Recessed Lighting
4. AI-controlled ambient lighting adjusts seamlessly - sunset, sunrise, or starlit modes - to enhance relaxation and wakefulness naturally.
5. Self-Regulating Climate System
6. Curved airflow design + silent HVAC ensures optimal temperature & air quality (8 ACH) with real-time AI sensors for perfect conditions.
7. Touchless Privacy Door
8. AI-powered electric door opens automatically upon approach. After entry, it closes and the glass frosts instantly, shielding light and ensuring complete privacy.

The tools I used in this design projects were SOLIDWORKS, 3DMax, Revit, AutoCAD, Miro.

Leveraging SOLIDWORKS, I designed and optimized the pod’s architecture and interior components - from airflow vents to ergonomic surfaces - ensuring every detail enhances the user’s sleep experience. Shown below is the various views drawings for the architecture, and dimensioning of key composing parts.

The 2D draft presents the detailed interior dimensions and layout of the Nap Pod, featuring essential components including bedding, a nightstand, cordless charging station, LED light belt, and strategically placed power outlets. The integrated smart home system incorporates AI sensors (motion, temperature/humidity, and particulate matter detection) along with a ceiling-mounted speaker system, creating a seamless technological ecosystem within the compact space.

I taught myself Revit's HVAC tools to design an optimized two-pod shared system, strategically balancing maintenance needs (fewer components than a four-pod system) and energy efficiency (superior to individual pod systems). For the compact 2m³ environment, I addressed key challenges: preventing short-circuiting through cross-flow ventilation and Coandă-effect curved surfaces; minimizing noise via oversized vents and reduced airflow velocity; and solving uneven air distribution with dampers in the ductwork that automatically adjust when only one pod is occupied.

Below is a summary of the calculations I performed regarding this HVAC system and why these metrics matter:

The ACH (Air Changes per Hour) calculation (8 ACH = 16 m³/h airflow / 2m³ volume) ensures optimal ventilation by completely refreshing the pod's air every 7.5 minutes. Throw distance is engineered to 0.5m through vent sizing (10cm nozzle × 5) and controlled velocity (0.44 m/s = 16 m³/h ÷ 0.01m² vent area), preventing drafts while maintaining effective air mixing. The system's low velocity (<0.5 m/s) is achieved through oversized vents (15×15cm) and reduced fan speeds, cutting noise by 12dB compared to conventional designs. Pressure drop is minimized to <25 Pa through short (0.5m), wide (10cm diameter) ducts with a calculated loss of just 0.011 Pa/m, allowing use of energy-efficient 50 Pa axial fans. These precisely calibrated metrics - 8 ACH for freshness, 0.5m/s for quiet comfort, and <25 Pa for efficiency - create a balanced microclimate where standard HVAC approaches would fail in the compact 2m³ volume.

I optimized the user experience through intelligent mode transitions, documented in the accompanying flowchart. Upon entry, AI sensors trigger Sunset Mode—activating warm lighting and guiding users to customize temperature, alarms, and audio via the control panel. If skipped, the pod defaults to Starlit Mode (dimmed lights, muted speakers, motion sensors off). The sleep cycle concludes with a graduated wake-up protocol: gentle alarms escalate to vibrant Sunrise Mode (light + music), followed by health alerts if unresponsive. Post-use, Welcome Mode resets the pod with full ventilation and sanitization. This flow balances user control with automated safeguards, ensuring comfort and safety.