Ecocapsule Box landed on the Danube embankment for one day. (source: Ecocapsule/Tomáš Manina)
Off-grid living is experiencing a global boom, fuelled not only by technological advances but by a change in people’s approach to lifestyle. This trend is findings its way in Slovakia, too. Not just architects are developing such kind of housing, there is also interest on the side of clients.
The Slovak company Ecocapsule has already designed its second model of off-grid mobile housing, Ecocapsule Box. Its first client is a future glamping resort on the foothills of the High Tatras.
“The Ecocapsule Box is our answer to the needs of the market,” said co-creator and architect Soňa Pohlová.
With this model based on the concept of container housing, they want to appeal to a wider share of the market than with their more expensive egg-shaped Ecocapsule micro-house.
“The shape is different for a number of reasons. The box is primarily designed for permanent living, different from the Ecocapsule, which is designed for adventure living, and the overall design plays into that,” said co-creator Tomáš Záček. “And last but not least, the shape defines the price to some extent – the Box is meant to be more affordable for the average person.”
Off-grid houses not only for glamping
The Ecocapsule Box landed in mid December, for one day, on the Petržalka embankment on its way to its final home: Veľká Lomnica, close to Poprad, eastern Slovakia. Along with another two Boxes, it will form the Glamperka resort, combining the advantages of a secluded place, but still providing all the services expected from a well-off touristic resort. Their plan is to have five boxes in total, with the plan to put their resort into operation this spring.
While these first Ecocapsule Boxes will be used for temporary accommodation, its creators see it as a solution for young families and even seniors.
“We have focused on practical use and simpler design to reach a wider range of people,” said Záček, adding that they have resolved creating a product that will be more affordable, compared to the Ecocapsule, yet maintain energy independence.
