Tiny Houses

Egg-shaped tiny house hits prototype stage

Egg-shaped tiny house hits prototype stage
Nice Architects hasn't yet revealed pricing for the production version
Nice Architects hasn't yet revealed pricing for the production version
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Bratislava, Solvakia-based Nice Architects has successfully turned pixels into prototype product and aims to start shipping the novel egg-shaped tiny home in early 2016
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Bratislava, Solvakia-based Nice Architects has successfully turned pixels into prototype product and aims to start shipping the novel egg-shaped tiny home in early 2016
The firm aims to start shipping the egg-shaped tiny home in early 2016
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The firm aims to start shipping the egg-shaped tiny home in early 2016
The current prototype Ecocapsule measures 2.55 x 4.45 x 2.25 m (8.36 x 14.5 x 7.31 ft) and comprises a total floorspace of roughly 10 sq m (107 sq ft)
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The current prototype Ecocapsule measures 2.55 x 4.45 x 2.25 m (8.36 x 14.5 x 7.31 ft) and comprises a total floorspace of roughly 10 sq m (107 sq ft)
Usable floorspace will be significantly less thanks to the furniture
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Usable floorspace will be significantly less thanks to the furniture
The interior comprises a small seating area and workspace, a bed, toilet and shower area, and a kitchenette
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The interior comprises a small seating area and workspace, a bed, toilet and shower area, and a kitchenette
Nice Architects hasn't yet revealed pricing for the production version
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Nice Architects hasn't yet revealed pricing for the production version
The home weighs in at 1,500 kg (3,306 lb)
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The home weighs in at 1,500 kg (3,306 lb)
Sustainable technology slated for the Ecocapsule includes a 9,744Wh battery array, which would be powered by a roof-based 600 W solar array
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Sustainable technology slated for the Ecocapsule includes a 9,744Wh battery array, which would be powered by a roof-based 600 W solar array
Power needs will be partly met by a pole-based silent 750 W wind turbine
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Power needs will be partly met by a pole-based silent 750 W wind turbine
The toilet is composting, and a rainwater collection and filtration system is also slated for the egg-shaped home
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The toilet is composting, and a rainwater collection and filtration system is also slated for the egg-shaped home
Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
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Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
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Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
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Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
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Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
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Architectural render of the Ecocapsule
Interior plan of the Ecocapsule
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Interior plan of the Ecocapsule
View gallery - 16 images

Bratislava, Slovakia-based Nice Architects made quite a splash when it unveiled its Ecocapsule micro-shelter back in May, even though all we had to go on at the time were some interesting renders. In the months since, the firm has turned pixels into prototype product, and hopes to start shipping its novel egg-shaped tiny home in early 2016.

The current prototype Ecocapsule measures 2.55 x 4.45 x 2.25 m (8.36 x 14.5 x 7.31 ft), and comprises a total floorspace of roughly 10 sq m (107 sq ft), though usable floorspace will be significantly less than this thanks to the furniture installed. It weighs in at 1,500 kg (3,306 lb).

As we previously reported, the interior comprises a small seating area and workspace, a bed, toilet and shower area, and a kitchenette. A storage area is accessed from the outside, and a couple of opening windows provide natural light. Access to the tiny dwelling is gained by a single lifting door.

The interior comprises a small seating area and workspace, a bed, toilet and shower area, and a kitchenette
The interior comprises a small seating area and workspace, a bed, toilet and shower area, and a kitchenette

Sustainable technology earmarked for the final product includes a 9,744 Wh battery array, a roof-based 600 W solar array, and a 750 W wind turbine that's affixed to a retractable pole.

A composting toilet and a rainwater collection and filtration system are also slated for the egg-shaped home. Unfortunately, we're no closer to discovering exactly how the latter system would actually work. The photos of the new prototype offer no obvious clues and there's little to no information in the description. We've reached out to the architects and will update this post when we know more.

Though Ecocapsule is initially going to be offered in the model shown above only, Nice Architects hopes to produce a few different types, including a trailer-based "Camper" unit for easy transport.

Unfortunately, Nice Architects will not be ready to commit to a price until later this year, though we do know that shipping to New York, Johannesburg, and Melbourne are expected to cost €2,200 (US$2,500), €2,700 ($3,000), and €1,500 ($1,700), respectively.

Update August 18, 2015: In addition to advising that the shipping costs quoted above may be subject to change, Nice Architects has also supplied us with a little more information on the Ecocapsule.

"It is made from a poly-carbonate shell with recycled aluminum frame. Insulation is made from several layers of aerogel and PU. Rainwater is collected on the collection edge near the bottom of the device. then it goes through a series of filters to the tank where it is further treated."

Source: Ecocapsule

View gallery - 16 images
9 comments
9 comments
JohnDavidHanna
I know how they can deliver worldwide for much much less and if they are that innovative maybe they can do the delivery too only I would like to be included
Island Architect
While this appears to have many virtues look at that damned fan!
What is it 2% efficient? Bill Allison hit 59% efficiency.
bill
Dax Wagner
No details = bad news. Shipping early 2016? Yeah right! I'll eat my hat if they are shipping by 2017!
Don Duncan
Compost toilet & rain water collection are great ideas.
What is the R-value of the insulation? Composition of walls?
Wolf0579
Looks like a luxury prison cell.
Misti Pickles
Rainwater collection?!?!?!? Short of parking it in a rain forest, just how much water as s the hat going to Collect? And I have a 40 year old fiberglass Scamp trailer that already looks better than this and is portable. This will probably cost 40 grand. Sheesh! I love tiny houses and the concept, but firmly believe anyone on a budget would be far better off buying an existing RV for a fraction of the cost of materials. I lived in one for two years with my wife and two sons. Not a problem. And one of those sons is living in one we bought for $1500 and spent $200 replacing a floor and bath fixture that leaked. He will live in it with his wife and son til they are finished with college. I'm sick of people re-inventing the wheel and trying to con people that their new crap and the environmental damage resulting from their new crap is better than re-pur posing something that exists and can be up-cycled!
S Michael
Who is going to buy this????
Peter Phoomahal Jr
They might want to reconsider the door. As "innovative" as it may seem, it will quickly render any attempt at temperature control completely useless. I can imagine it takes alot longer and alot more effort to open and close compared to a conventional swing open or sliding door.
Calson
With all these small houses we need to start a eugenics program to start producing little people who can fit into them. People in most countries are getting larger (fatter) and taller and this goes against the grain for little houses such as the one in the article.