Inhabitat

Rolling Stone Eco-Capsule Home

Earlier this year the residency program at the Andes Sprouts Society issued a call for housing units for that fit the theme “Small is Beautiful.” Among a slew of excellent entries, our favorite was this Rolling Stones traveling capsule by Slovakia-based Nice Architects. Part gypsy wagon, part RV trailer, and all aerodynamic eco-capsule, this mobile modern living structure is compact, built from environmentally friendly materials, and self-sufficient in terms of energy, water and waste.

rolling stones dwelling, andes sprouts society, small is beautiful, nice architects sustainable design, green building, sustainable architecture, self-sufficient architecture, rv trailer, recycled materials

Nice Architects‘ Rolling Stones capsules are inspired by gypsy wagons, which served as both living quarters and backdrops for gypsies work as entertainers. The unit is completely mobile when towed behind a vehicle, and when stationary it can be expanded to form an open air studio space or even a mobile stage. Its round shape is meant to resemble a rock in a meadow, and the project blends into its natural surroundings through the use of a reflective surface made from recycled aluminum can tiles. The rest of the structure is constructed from locally sourced wood and OSB panels.

Each unit runs 270 sq feet and is designed to accommodate 2 people comfortably, although 6 people could stay in it if necessary. There is a bedroom with a double bed and closet, a bathroom with a toilet, shower and sink, and as a living room with a kitchenette. A reservoir on top of the capsule is used to collect rainwater and can serve as an emergency sleeping space.

The units are designed to survive independent of outside amenities, and each one comes equipped with either a solar system or wind turbine mounted on top. Below the floor of the unit are two reservoirs for clean water and grey water, which can be used for toilet flushing. A composting toilet takes care of solid waste, and an electric heater provides both heat for the unit and hot water. All in all, it’s a pretty cute and compact little unit – almost like an Airstream that has been hacked and rebuilt by gypsy rock and roll musicians.

+ Nice Architects

Via Bustler

7 Responses to “Rolling Stone Eco-Capsule Home”

sprintermatt Says:

April 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am

18 feet wide? This is serious? who the heck is going to want to tow something that big??? For example… a standard Shipping container is 8 feet wide. So this is roughly the size of TWO tractor trailers, parked next to each other, 2 feet apart.

That\’s just dumb. FAIL.

But it\’s pretty, if that\’s what they were going for. But in general, a most ludicrous footprint if it\’s actually supposed to be towed behind a vehicle. What\’s going to happen when you get off the 6 lane highway?

Seriously. Use your brain, not just your mouse.

angie717 Says:

April 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Wow. Nothing says gypsy/rock and roll like a fat, silver jelly-bean on wheels! I think there are more space-efficient shapes out there than this , and I’d hate to think that one day I may be competing with this ridiculous thing on the highway. My road rage is bad enough already. The part that made me laugh the most was rainwater reservoir/ emergency space. I think the diagram with the body that seems to be floating says it all; friends don’t let friends sleep in stagnant acid rain/ mosquito water. How about just an Airstream with all the earth-friendly accessories?

Nozomi Says:

April 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Like the idea, but can you imagine following it on the highway? Not only would you be unable to pass, you’d be blinded by the giant disco ball. There’s a reason why Airstreams don’t have a mirror shine, and they can be bad enough in super-sunny areas.