Michael Weekes, an inventor, engineer and author, recently designed and built a unique tiny home. The Life Pod, as he is calling it, can function completely off-the-grid, and is no larger than a trailer used to transport jet-skis. Apart from using it as a getaway cabin, tent alternative, or guesthouse, Weekes also thinks it would make a great homeless shelter or disaster relief housing. It can also easily be towed on the back of a car, and has a very aerodynamic shape.
The Life Pod is made up of two geodesic domes that are basically turned on their side and held together by a 10-sided cylinder. The home features a frame made out of wood, which is covered with TPO foam and Luan skin. The home has two porthole-like windows and a door, and weighs only 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
The home is 13.25 ft long by 8.25 ft wide (4 x 2.5 m), which is tiny but not overwhelmingly so. However, what truly sets this home apart from the competition is the range of comforts and features it offers. It has a well-sized shower, a sink, and a composting toilet, as well as a hot water tank. There is also a microwave oven in the food preparation area. The home also features two 300 W solar panels and a battery. This set up takes care of most of the electricity needs, though there is also an electrical hookup, which can be used when needed. The main living area features a double mattress.
After building the Life Pod prototype, Weekes took it on the road for four months to truly test it out. He towed it across 800 miles (1,287 km) then incorporated all he learned into the final design. The Life Pod is now for sale and the basic version costs $19,900. The solar-power add-on costs a further $2,900. All the Life Pods are custom built so the wait time for one is around 12 weeks. Weekes will also start soon selling a build-it-yourself kit with plans and a list of materials for $399.
[source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/jetson_green/~3/ng-wtrqdN6A/life-pod-a-mobile-tiny-home.html]
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