A retreat operator needed more beds without the construction headache
Sarah runs a small wellness retreat in the mountains of Zhejiang province. She'd been turning away guests during peak season because her existing cabins were full. Building a traditional extension meant 6 months of construction noise, council permits, and a bill that would hit 280,000 RMB. Instead, she installed two M60 space pods in 3 weeks. Her guests checked in last Saturday.
If you're facing that same problem — not enough usable space, too much hassle — the M60 might be exactly what you've been looking for.
Why the M60 exists
We built the M60 for operators who need more capacity but don't have the time or budget for traditional construction. It sits in that sweet spot between our smaller M30 (which works great for single occupancy) and the larger M70.
This model targets a specific gap in the market: projects that need to scale quickly without the 4-6 month lead time of conventional builds. Think glamping sites adding capacity for high season, small hotels needing to test a new wing, or community spaces expanding their offering. The M60 gives you 35 square metres of usable floor space — enough for a proper double bedroom, a small living area, and a dedicated bathroom with full plumbing.
It's also popular with property developers testing new markets. Some clients buy 3-4 units initially to see how a location performs before committing to permanent structures.
Specs at a glance
| Model | Area | Dimensions | Fits | Installation time | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M60 | 35 sqm | 10m × 3.5m × 3.2m | 2 adults comfortably | 2-4days | Sea freight or flatbed truck |
Use cases where the M60 shines
Glamping site expansion. A coastal resort in Fujian added 8 M60 units to their existing property during the off-season. By the time summer arrived, they had increased bed capacity by 16 guests without disrupting any existing bookings. The pods arrived on flatbed trucks, were set on pre-prepared concrete pads, and connected to utilities through standard couplings.
Backyard granny flat. A family in Chengdu needed accommodation for elderly parents who wanted to live nearby but separately. The M60 fitted perfectly in their backyard courtyard — it didn't require council approval because it sat under the height limit, and the parents moved in within 3 weeks of delivery.
Small boutique hotel test run. An investor in Guilin wanted to see whether a lakeside property could attract tourists before building a full hotel. Three M60 pods now serve as the initial units, each generating 1,800 RMB per night during peak season. The returns validated the full development plan.
How it compares to traditional options
Let's look at the numbers. A traditional 35 sqm guest room construction in a Chinese second-tier city costs roughly 180,000-220,000 RMB all-in (foundation, materials, labour, permits). It takes 4-6 months from breaking ground to first guest.
The M60 lands at a significantly lower price point — we're talking around 40% less than comparable traditional builds. But the real advantage isn't just the upfront cost. The timeline is the game-changer. We manufacture in 45 days, ship in 2-3 weeks, and installation takes 10-14 days. Your total wait from order to occupancy: under 90 days. Compare that to half a year of construction disruption.
Flexibility matters too. If your plans change, these pods can be relocated. Try a location for a year, then move to a different site if needed. That's not an option with permanent construction.
What to know before ordering
Site preparation. You need a flat, level surface — typically a concrete slab or compacted gravel base. The pod needs about 1 metre of clearance around all sides for installation access. We provide detailed site prep guides with your order confirmation.
Permits. Regulations vary by location. In most Chinese provinces, temporary modular structures under a certain size don't require full building permits, but you'll typically need approval for utility connections (water, electricity, sewage). Our team provides documentation package that helps with local approvals.
Climate considerations. The M60 performs in temperatures from -20°C to 45°C. If you're placing it in areas with heavy snowfall, the roof is rated for standard snow loads, but we recommend the reinforced roof package for regions with extreme conditions.
Delivery logistics. The pod ships in one piece on a flatbed truck. Your site must be accessible by vehicle — narrow mountain roads or sites without road access may require alternative arrangements.
Need more room? The M50 pod (30sqm) and M70 (42sqm) are the next steps up if you're considering scaling beyond what the M60 offers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual interior floor space after walls?The usable interior is approximately 33 sqm. The remaining space accounts for wall thickness and structural framing.
How long does manufacturing take?Our standard lead time is 45 days from order confirmation. This includes production, quality inspection, and packaging.
What's included in the base price?The pod arrives complete with interior finishing, built-in electrical wiring, plumbing rough-in for bathroom, windows and doors, and thermal insulation. You need to arrange site prep and utility connections.
Do you offer customisation?We have three finish packages (standard, premium, luxury) that change flooring, wall treatments, and fixtures. Some clients request layout modifications — these add 10-15 days to the lead time depending on complexity.