Ecocapsule exterior and interior (Photo : Nice Architects)
If you've got the urge to pull the plug on society and live wherever you want in an egg-shaped home, then the "Ecocapsule" is that escape pod you've been waiting for.
Built by a firm called Nice Architects based in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Ecocapsule is a portable house its inventors claim offers "an unmatched dwelling experience".
The company said Ecocapsule's immense off-grid life span; worldwide portability and flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. The home can also be used as an independent research station; as emergency housing or a humanitarian-action unit.
The Ecocapsule measures 4.5 meters long by 2.4 meters wide by 2.5 meters tall. Despite this small size, an Ecocapsule comfortably houses two adults.
Its efficient spatial layout allows its occupants to enjoy convenience of household facilities in off-grid conditions. The built-in kitchenette has running water, a flush toilet and a hot shower.
Its compact size means this egg-shaped abode fits into a standard 40-foot shipping container and can be shipped, airlifted, towed or pulled by a pack animal. No special preparations and precautions are necessary to transport Ecocapsule worldwide.
The designers have managed to pack a folding bed; a table; two chairs; a small kitchen; a toilet and shower in the interior of this small space. There are storage spaces on the exterior. The home has two windows.
Each Ecocapsule is fitted with all essentials necessary for a comfortable prolonged stay without a need to recharge or re-supply.
Ecocapsule is powered by a built-in wind turbine backed-up by a solar cell array. The hull of an Ecocapsule is covered by 2.6 square meters of high-efficiency solar cells. A retractable pole can support a 750 Watt wind turbine and is attached to the body.
This dual power system and a high-capacity battery ensures that occupants will have enough power during periods of reduced solar or wind activity for almost an entire year in many off-grid locations.
The spherical shape is optimized for the collection of rainwater and dew and the built-in water filters allow the owners to utilize any water source.
Nice Architects plans to reveal its first Ecocapsule at the Pioneers Festival in Vienna later this May. It plans to start taking orders at the end of the year for delivery in early 2016.
No word yet on how much each Ecocapsule will cost.
CNET, however, reported that shipping an Ecocapsule to New York will cost about $2,426 while delivery to Melbourne, Australia, will cost 1,500 Euros.
The Ecocapsule slogan is "Dwelling with the Spirit of Freedom".
