If you’ve ever wanted to live in a self-sustaining, solar-powered tiny house that leaves no CO2 footprint, the Ecocapsule could be the perfect option for you.
This off-grid home can be powered by wind or sun and placed on a trailer. It was initially designed by Nice Architects (now Nice & Wise) for an architecture and design competition in 2008.
Although the Ecocapsule didn’t win, its design was selected by inhabitat.com as one of the most interesting in the competition. The Slovakia-based manufacturers received enough positive feedback to inspire them to build the unit.
In 2014, the first Ecocapsule project was officially completed. Initially, it was built to provide long-term off-grid living for people like park rangers or scientists, or as a quick housing solution for emergency and disaster relief operations.
However, soon afterward, wealthy clients in New York City and Silicon Valley showed interest in using the unit as a studio, guest room, or rooftop addition.
To get an Ecocapsule, you’d need to be prepared to spend $139,000. That’s a lot of money, but according to Tomas Zacek, the Innovation Director and Co-founder of Ecocapsule, it’s justified.
« We understand many people find the price of the Ecocapsule exaggerated, but it’s about the latest smart and sustainable technologies. Using the Ecocapsule as intended leaves no CO2 footprint, which is a breakthrough. »
Powered by battery, wind, or solar energy, the Ecocapsule was built to be environmentally friendly. Its egg-shaped form allows for better heat retention and rainwater collection.
The latter is especially important for off-grid customers, as the unit’s water system is equipped with its own filtration system, allowing users to fill it with rainwater or water from streams and lakes.
Its 9.7-kilowatt-hour battery can power the house alone for at least four days, but this can be extended with its 880-watt solar panels and its 13.5-foot wind turbine generating 750 watts.
The manufacturers also built-in connection options for those who won’t be using it for off-grid living.
The Ecocapsule itself is made of foam insulation, steel, and fiberglass. It’s literally a tiny home with only 8.2 square meters of interior space and 6.3 square meters of actual usable floor space.
The unit measures about 4.4 meters in length, 2.3 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height, not including the wind turbine.
Despite its size, the solar-powered Ecocapsule can accommodate up to two people. The house also has two hooks on the roof so it can be lifted by a crane or helicopter.
Upon entering, you’ll find the bathroom and kitchen on the left and the dining table and bedroom on the right.
The kitchen features a sink with drinking water, a stove, and an optional mini-fridge.
The bathroom includes a sink, composting toilet, and shower.
The bed can be unfolded during the day to a sleeping area of 2.0 meters by 1.6 meters, accommodating two people.
You can also store your belongings in the cabinets above the bed.
The electrical unit powers LED light strips inside and two outlets.
As the Ecocapsule is powered by off-grid electricity, appliances like a was…