Egg-shaped tiny house hits prototype stage

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.

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