Ecocapsule promises independent off

Bratislava's Nice Architects has revealed some renders and preliminary details concerning its Ecocapsule: a micro-shelter that operates off-grid and promises impressive sustainable technology including solar power, rainwater collection and filtration, and wind power. The firm will unveil a prototype later this month and plans to make it available for sale later this year.

Resembling the similarly-shaped Exbury Egg, Ecocapsule measures 446.8 x 240.7 x 248.7 cm (175.9 x 94.7 x 97.9 in), and comprises a total usable floorspace of 8 sq m (86 sq ft). The micro-home can be easily transported by trailer and the firm says it can serve as a tiny house, additional bedroom, office, or even as a charging point for an electric vehicle.

The snug interior includes a toilet and shower, kitchenette, work and dining area, folding bed, and both internal and externally-accessed storage. Access to the home is gained via one sole door and it sports two operable windows.

The big draw with this micro-home is the impressive sustainable technology that it promises. Packing a 2.6 sq m (28 sq ft) solar array on the roof, and an integrated battery system, Ecocapsule also sports a silent 750 W wind turbine that's set on a retractable pole. The bathroom includes a composting toilet and a shower, and a rainwater collection and filtration system offers clean drinking water.

However, when pressed on how this would work, the firm preferred to remain tight-lipped – indeed, at present, the Ecocapsule is big on promise, but the finer details are yet to be revealed.

That said, a company rep told us that a prototype will be unveiled at the Pioneers festival in Vienna on May 28 and we can expect more details to emerge then. Availability is slated for later this year and while price hasn't been revealed yet either, the firm says it will be competitive

Source: Ecocapsule