Ecocapsules, designed by Bratislava-based Nice Architects, promise to let anyone live off the grid for up to a year. Each unit is equipped with solar panels, a retractable wind-turbine, and a design that captures rain water. Inside, you'll find a kitchenette with running water, a flushing toilet, and hot shower.
The Ecocapsule “is suitable for a wide range of applications,” write the designers, such as an “independent research station or a tourist lodge to an emergency housing or a humanitarian-action unit.”
Those interested in buying one will be able to pre-order at the end of 2015, with delivery in the first half of 2016. A display unit will be show during the Pioneers festival in Vienna on the 28th-29th of May.
In 2016 you will be able to live off the grid in one of these Ecocapsules
“The biggest challenge was to integrate all the different technologies into the small body of the pod and still have some space left for people,” Nice Architects told Bored Panda
The Ecocapsule relies on wind and solar power, and collects rain water
“We hope to finish a camper version with wheels before the end of 2016”
Its interior can comfortably sleep two, and provide 8 sq meters of living space
These pods could be deployed anywhere in case of emergency
“The water reservoir has overflow valve, so if the tanks are full, they won't accept any more water. But that is a rare case”
Ecocapsules fit in a sea-container or can be towed on a trailer
“With the capsule in tow you can exceed the normal range of an electric car, stay somewhere for the night, and charge 1/4 quarter of the battery. This is enough to reach the nearest supercharger”
A built-in kitchenette with running water, flushing toilet and hot shower are all included
“The first design used multistage water recycling technology. Now we simplified the system and replaced the flushing toilet with composting. We are still searching for an ultimate solution”
The walls are insulated to ensure maximum energy savings and maintain comfort
The units could be used as research stations, emergency housing, or a humanitarian-action unit
But most people might just want to enjoy them
Bored Panda would like to thank Nice Architects for this interview