Meet the Ecocapsule: the self-sustaining microhome / €99,900+

Who hasn’t dreamed of getting away from it all? Thankfully for many in the sailing community, it’s an ideal within reach. But away from the ocean, true off-grid living has always been a more complicated pursuit. Now that’s all about to change, thanks to the group of architects behind the Ecocapsule: a state-of-the-art microhome engineered to make the most of renewable energy.

The Ecocapsule offers occupants the essential comforts of home wherever they care to stay – from back gardens to the backcountry. Made to accommodate 1-2 people, it harnesses solar energy, wind power and rainwater to offer a fully functional living space. Amenities include a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and living/working space in a pod with a footprint of just 8 square metres.

Insulated fibreglass panels give the steel-framed unit its distinctive shape but its cute, eggshell form factor is less about optics, and more about optimising rainwater collection and heat retention. Energy efficiency is at the Ecocapsule’s heart: each has a roof made of high-efficiency solar cells and an integrated telescopic mast equipped with a 750W low-noise wind turbine. Together they fuel a battery that can store enough energy to last up to four days.

The Ecocapsule has made big ripples since launching, including a premiere in New York’s Times Square. Besides strong interest from private users, its suitability for resorts, events, research and worksites has not gone unnoticed. And while current pricing makes it something of a luxury, savings are on the horizon as its makers gear up to produce around 200 units per year.