Tiny Houses

Former Rolls-Royce engineer introduces glampers to pod life

Former Rolls-Royce engineer introduces glampers to pod life
The Conker can run on or off-the-grid with a solar panel array, water tanks, and a composting toilet
The Conker can run on or off-the-grid with a solar panel array, water tanks, and a composting toilet
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Pricing for the Conker starts at £25,200 (US$32,500)
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Pricing for the Conker starts at £25,200 (US$32,500)
The Conker can run on or off-the-grid with a solar panel array, water tanks, and a composting toilet
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The Conker can run on or off-the-grid with a solar panel array, water tanks, and a composting toilet
The Conker is available in two main versions: a semi-sphere, which has a height of 3 m (9.84 ft) and a diameter of 3.85 m (12.6 ft), and a full sphere, which is 3.95 m (12.9 ft)-tall and 3.85 m (12.6 ft) in diameter. Multiple colors are also available
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The Conker is available in two main versions: a semi-sphere, which has a height of 3 m (9.84 ft) and a diameter of 3.85 m (12.6 ft), and a full sphere, which is 3.95 m (12.9 ft)-tall and 3.85 m (12.6 ft) in diameter. Multiple colors are also available
With its novel shape and compact dimensions, the best fit for the Conker seems as an additional bedroom, office, or as a glamping unit, rather than as a full-time home
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With its novel shape and compact dimensions, the best fit for the Conker seems as an additional bedroom, office, or as a glamping unit, rather than as a full-time home
The Conker is raised slightly off-the-ground on four stilts
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The Conker is raised slightly off-the-ground on four stilts
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Micro-houses come in all shapes and sizes. We've seen egg-shaped models, triangular units, and cylindrical ones too, now former Rolls-Royce and Bentley engineer Jag Virdie has created the Conker. The novel dwelling, which looks like a big ball, comes with multiple options, including off-grid functionality.

The Conker is available in two sizes: a semi-sphere, which has a height of 3 m (9.84 ft), and a diameter of 3.85 m (12.6 ft), and a full sphere, which is 3.95 m (12.9 ft)-tall and 3.85 m (12.6 ft) in diameter.

It's primarily constructed from aluminum and recycled plastic, while its floor is decked out in wood. It's also raised slightly off-the-ground on four small stilts and has a few porthole-style windows installed. Access is gained by some steps and a hatch-like door.

With its compact dimensions, the Conker seems best suited to serving as an additional bedroom, office, or as a glamping unit, rather than a full-time home. Indeed, Virdie told us that the first production models are heading to a glamping retreat in Wales. The designer also said that it can optionally be fitted with a wet room and toilet, as well as a sofa bed, kitchenette, and other furniture.

With its novel shape and compact dimensions, the best fit for the Conker seems as an additional bedroom, office, or as a glamping unit, rather than as a full-time home
With its novel shape and compact dimensions, the best fit for the Conker seems as an additional bedroom, office, or as a glamping unit, rather than as a full-time home

The Conker can run on or off-the-grid with a solar panel array, water tanks, and a composting toilet. Warmth comes from an electric heater and, while we've no word on its insulation rating, Virdie says that it will be sufficient to mitigate the heat and cold year-round. Installation on-site takes one day.

The smaller semi-sphere Conker model starts at £25,200 (US$32,500), including tax, while the larger full sphere one will set you back at least £30,000 ($38,000).

Source: Conker

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6 comments
6 comments
Douglas Bennett Rogers
This should overcome the shaking in the wind problem that many of these house have.
paul314
Neither of these units can travel unrestricted along a normal highway once fully assembled. Perhaps the glamping plan includes airdrop delivery.
ryan61
Where did you go to college, McDonald's Hamburger U? You said "We've seen egg-shaped models, triangular units, and cylindrical ones too". Than you called this new hacks version novel because it is shaped like a big ball. I have a more novel version for ya. It's shaped like poo. Like the other versions of this trash it is cramped on the inside and is made of reclaimed food after it has been fed to only the most diseased homeless. This has the added benefit of maintaining your privacy. People will maintain their distance from the thick scent of your smugness trying forceably enter them . Please stop taking these stupid , used up ideas and writing garbage articles about how great and innovative they are. What's the big innovation you will uncover? A cone shaped one?
David F
Inspired, perhaps, by the moonbase in Gerry Anderson's TV show UFO.
JohnAyer
Would those four little legs hold it steady in a high wind?
fb36
IMHO, highly probably, most practical solution for micro-house(s) is making them from shipping containers. Search Wikipedia for "Shipping container architecture"!