A New Discovery: The WorkPod Mini

This is one of the most ingenius micro sheds I've seen yet

I know a little bit about backyard sheds. That’s why when I came across the WorkPod Mini recently, my heart went all aflutter.

This WorkPod mini is in a small backyard in Venice, CA. At 9’ x 9’ it fits nearly anywhere as an attractive and private home office. (Photo: Autonomous Inc.)

The WorkPod Mini is Autonomous’ recent addition to its line, as well as its smallest and least expensive. With a dainty 9 x 9’ footprint and flexible foundation options, the WorkPod Mini makes having a room of your own that much more attainable.

According to Autonomous, the base price is $21,400. This comes to around $264 per square foot, which seems high. If you compare it to something like a TuffShed or a kit shed from Costco, it’s about 2 or 3 times the cost. However, there are some distinct benefits that make the investment pretty compelling.

The Things I Love

I am not an affiliate or an ambassador or in any way connected with the company. I am simply an admirer and I know how hard it is to justify putting a habitable structure up in your (tiny) backyard. It’s a commitment, really. You’re using up space, you’re spending a considerable amount of money and maybe other members of your family are skeptical. The WorkPod mini does counter some of that hesitation. Here’s how:

1. For the money, you get a nice comprehensive package. The materials are ultra modern and include metal roofing, insulating skin layers, streamlined electrical connectivity and tempered glass. It takes out the guesswork, and much of the trial and error, of good shed design.

2. It’s delivered quickly (sometimes within a week or so) and everything is included.

3. Optional accessories include a portable air conditioner and ergonomic workstation furnishings—a “SmartDesk” that shifts from sitting to standing. These are made to fit well into a tiny space.

4. Simplified electrical (this is a big one). If you want something to use as a home office, you need enough power for the basics: laptop, lighting, A/C and coffeemaker. The WorkPod mini provides up to 2750W, and the wiring is already installed in the walls. A single exterior port allows you to connect the shed to your home’s power.

5. In California, you can use the company’s network of contractors to install it.

6. Choose between a concrete slab foundation, or simply position the shed on level gravel, brick or grass. The shed includes a small front deck with a stepdown.

Inside the WorkPod mini: just enough space for a backless couch, desk and chair. (Photo: Autonomous Inc.)

Why Should You Care?

I’ll answer that question with a question: Have you ever been inside a she shed or a potting shed? It’s a pretty cool place to be yourself, by yourself. We Americans tend to like things big, but big can feel alienating. Sometimes it’s better to have a small space that’s entirely yours, a place where everything has a purpose and importance.

So many of my potential clients backed out of getting a small shed like this because they wanted more space or they didn’t like the price tag. They liked the idea but not the realities. That’s part of the reason I started this Substack—so that subscribers could discover alternatives within the walls of their home.

Therefore, it’s not a matter of whether everyone should have a WorkPod mini, or even whether they should have a backyard shed at all. It’s that everyone should consider it. And once considered, knowing that they have many attractive ways to go.

(Photo: Autonomous Inc.)