7. Ecocapsule, an off-grid sustainable unit

Introduction

I came across the Ecocapsule on Facebook and would like to share my design critique on it. The Ecocapsule is fully sustainable small housing unit that the inventors claim that it will bring freedom to the owner. Here is my opinions on it:

Pros

1. Renewable energy

The Ecocapsule is entirely self-sustainable with solar cells and a wind turbine. This means that the user would not have to pay for energy bills and also clean energy is produced and used. 

2. Portability

The user would be able to decide where to live and when to move. While it is not shown in the video, I believe the Ecocapsule moves much like a trailer house, where it can be attached to a vehicle and transported with ease.

Cons

1. Not enough energy

I highly doubt the small wind turbine and solar cells will be sufficient for the user to live comfortably. There would only be select regions that the Ecocapsule would be viable in such as locations with low variability in climates.

Locations with extreme weather conditions such as snow, ice, and little sunlight hours would not be ideal for the Ecocapsule because energy production will be staggered.

2. Location

One would not be able to "place" their Ecocapsule anywhere they want. Unless the user owns the land, there will be problems that arise revolving around the location of the Ecocapsule. Especially around high-density areas as mentioned in the video, fees such as property tax will have to be paid.

3. Design

I believe the design is aesthetically pleasing, but when trying to optimize space and efficiency, I do not believe this design is ideal.

For one, it looks too much like our idea of what an alien capsule would look like. A more modern design to blend in with surrounding homes is more ideal than this one.

Also, the round exterior is not ideal for solar panels because curved flexible panels are more expensive and less efficient. The round exterior also limits the space within the Ecocapsule. It looks very cramped and the space does not appear adequate for comfortable habitation.

Final Thoughts and Verdict

I believe the idea of homeowners being self sustainable will eventually be the way of the future. There are homes out there that already sell energy back into the grid and do not pay their own bills. The Ecocapsule captures that idea in the essence but needs to be redesigned to provide adequate needs for the user to be comfortable.

Verdict: Fail