Capsule House: What Are They and Why People Are Seeking Them Out

Look around your space right now. What if, instead of room after room, there was just one? A box-like living space. Everything you need in one room (or a couple of sheltered areas nearby) may not sound like a cool way to live, but capsule homes are a growing trend.

Small homes continue to be the trend. Whether due to lower costs and minimalistic living, these homes make the most of small spaces. Capsule homes are the perfect example. Available through various manufacturers, the homes offer a small footprint without any reduction in comfort. Quite interesting, they can create a very new way of living.

A Spaceship on Earth? No, Not Really

Plenty of sci-fi movies plant the picture of capsules landing on the moon, and that’s somewhat the trend here. The capsule homes get their vibe from the interior of a spaceship. It's simple, metal-infused, and clean. These houses have an interior and exterior design that looks futuristic. Yet, what they do well is much different. Specifically, they combine aesthetics with technology. This creates a very different type of living space, one that can be super cool.

What Makes for a Capsule House?

Though various versions exist, there are a few defining elements of a capsule house. Most importantly, these are mobile home-like structures. Boxy and simplistic, they do not have a lot of architectural detailing on the exterior. Instead, they have a more manufactured design style.

That's not to say boring, though. Instead, they are innovative (let's make sure we focus on the futuristic feel here and not a one-room schoolhouse-style space).

Capsule homes also provide for a high level of technology. Though some are more limited, others embrace the full use of tech available today. That includes using high-definition projectors. Smart home functionality is also very commonly present. Everything is linked, too. From security to brewing a cup of coffee, it’s all done with the most modern tech. That helps to refine the process.

On the move? So is everyone else.

People like to move from place to place and often. No one wants to live in an RV, though. Capsule homes offer a fun alternative. With capsule homes, it's possible to have this type of flexibility. They are not tied to a foundation. Instead, they can be moved from one location to another. For those who want to be on the move, that's ideal. If you don't like the neighbours, just move.

It also creates an opportunity for flexible housing to be made available when needed. For example, a music festival may employ the use of capsule homes to meet the short-term increased need for more housing in an area. It’s easy enough to set up a dozen or so capsule homes to meet the rush of people for a short period.

While capsule homes are flexible, they are carefully constructed. They feature more customisation for the specific purpose, which makes them desirable to those with very specific needs and goals.

Photo by Lexi Schupbach

Manufactured to Fit Needs

Capsule houses tend to be manufactured housing with added tech. Numerous companies produce them. Most do so with some basic features.

For example, many are built with galvanised steel structures. Others incorporate aluminium designs. Both of these materials are notably strong and competitively priced. Key features of these manufactured homes include the following:

Flexibility to move and design

Capsule homes give you freedom! They are also easy to transport from one area to the next. In fact, they can be stacked on top of each other to move them quickly. They can also be stacked one on the other to make the most out of any foundation space. There is no limit to design or aesthetics. Like a bunch of building blocks, they can create any formation and provide just enough living space for those within (as long as no one is claustrophobic here!)

Improved overall efficiencies

Good for the planet? Yes, they are! Smaller spaces tend to be a very good option for the planet. These homes can be sealed well (that’s good for the budget, too). This allows for numerous benefits, including:

• Better waterproofing designs

• Improved thermal insulation

• Long life – with many lasting far more than 20 years

Lacking a foundation

Another core component of these homes is that they do not require a cement foundation to be poured. While the structure must still be level, it is free of a traditional foundation. This enables not only quick manufacturing but also easy setup. It also enables users to place several of them within a location for a period of time and then move them without a significant footprint.

It’s not just a home either

Also notable when it comes to capsule homes is that they can be used for other functions as well. That includes small shops and offices. They work well as isolation rooms tucked back into a wooded area. They can be used as a dining space.

The simplistic design enables users to create virtually any type of aesthetic they desire. They can be larger in footprint to accommodate other needs as well.

How Are Capsule Homes Built?

Another reason they are inexpensive and yet so cool is because of where they’re built. We’re not trying to drag in construction equipment and truckloads of metal into a wooded lot here. 

Most often, companies manufacture the major components of a capsule home in a manufacturing plant. These are small, prefabricated homes. Factory pre-build is common. It helps to reduce costs and allows for these homes to be built quickly. Once the basic components are ready, they are moved onsite. They are then assembled at the location. Most of the time, manufacturers handle the assembly themselves. The bottom line is that it saves money, trees, and time.

The pre-manufactured sections of the home are delivered to the desired location. Typically, the components include:

• Floors

• Walls to separate the interior

• Insulation

• Lintels

• Cavity closures

These homes are much like self-built properties. Often sold as a kit and built onsite, they still require carefully skilled professionals to build them.

Modular pod homes are similar but a bit less constructed. That is, these homes are manufactured one at a  time, in a single structure. They are made at the manufacturing destination and delivered nearly completed to the construction site.

If your parents grew up in the 1940s in the US or some areas of Europe, you might remember them talking about ordering a home through a catalogue. In the US, Sears sold these kits. They arrived at your soon-to-be doorstep ready to build. The concept is similar here.

Companies That Sell Capsule Homes

Still a rather new concept, there are some companies noted for their focus on creating capsule homes. You will find numerous companies entering the market. Check out a few of the most notable.

Volferda

Volferda has become the industry leader in capsule homes. These are high-tech, smart homes. Though most are box-like in shape, others are quite different. Some feature a doomed sky. Others feature a bit more of a cabin feel. They incorporate more of the modern features that people need and want. That includes floor-to-ceiling windows in a portion of the property. These homes may incorporate small technology to enhance energy efficiency. Some are also designed to link to each other. That allows for a community-like space with a shared centre patio area (covered or not).

Volferda is noted for its complete process. This includes designing with the customer, production and manufacturing, and sales. They then construct and install these homes. There's no limit to style or décor features here.

360FSHome

Another company making waves is 360FSHome. These capsule homes are prefabricated structures. They are built at manufacturing facilities where conditions are streamlined. New systems incorporate more energy efficiency than ever. Also notable, this company manufacturers more than just capsule homes. They do offices and, interestingly enough, floating capsule homes as well.

The properties are tailor-designed to fit the consumer's needs. They deliver on the promise of high-quality housing. At the same time, they also offer outstanding customisation options. Flexible designs with limited footprints are very common here.

ECOCAPSULE

A next-gen option is ECOCAPSULE. This particular type of capsule home enables on-the-go living at its best. These are built to be fully off-grid properties. They are sustainably designed and smart. Most tap into solar and wind energy for complete power. They are often located in more remote areas. Examples could include beaches or desert areas.

There are other options and flexible design features as well. They can be utilised for office space that is on the go. Many use them as a pop-up like accommodation for a few people when needed. Many operate as a cottage like home.

Aviola

Another company offering some of the most streamlined options is Aviola. They are noted for their futuristic and beautifully designed homes, which are very much fully manufactured in a factory. Fully customisable from basic kits, these properties are fascinating in their overall design. Most are made of a shell of galvanised steel with fluorocarbon paint. Full technology integrates with these homes. These properties come in various sizes and styles to fit any need. Both wet and dry versions exist. Very simplistic and streamlined, these capsule homes make for the perfect experience on the road.

Photo by Mark Chaves

How to Decorate and Build Capsule Homes

Capsule homes offer some exceptional features in a tiny footprint. While these are not architecturally flawless properties, they tend to have a few similar traits. That includes how they are built as well as how they are decorated. Consider some of the core features found in these homes (and no, they don’t have to look like a spaceship in any way!)

Smaller size

The smaller footprint of these homes makes it critical to carefully choose every detail and decor item. Some are just a few hundred square feet. Maximising the interior space requires carefully selected furniture and items that have dual functions.

Innovative

Capsule homes give off a space feel to them. They maintain their innovative and futuristic design elements. The innovative design features have key goals:

• Make the most use of the space

• Keep things simple and clean

• Utilise space-efficient designs

Options like hidden storage and fold-down beds and seating help to maximise the use of these spaces. They tend to also feature lofted spaces. 

Minimalistic aesthetics

Also notable are the clean lines of these spaces. They are uncluttered. They do not have a lot of colour, art, or details. Simple furnishings are common. This lack of "extra" in the interior design helps to make the space feel more open. It certainly is not an open space, but it does not feel as cramped as many would expect.

By contrast, these homes are very much like traditional mobile homes. They do not add in a lot of decorative elements. Instead, every component is meant to be there because it is necessary.

Sustainability

One of the core attractions of capsule homes is their reduced carbon footprint. Yet, they also incorporate other features to make them eco-friendly. This includes energy-efficient appliances. Many can function fully on solar or wind power. Materials used to decorate the interior should be as carbon-neutral as possible.

Examples of Capsule Homes

Though there are few examples of famous capsule homes, there are some properties that dominate when considering the style that is so prominent.

One example of how this may work is the Pacific Bin, a home located in the Cascade Mountains. Not a true prefabricated home, it is designed with five shipping containers. The property is only a matter of an hour from Seattle, Washington, but it seems farther.

Måns Tham Container Home — Måns Tham Arkitektkontor is another example. Also notably made of shipping containers, this is an industrial chic property sitting alongside a lake in Stockholm, Sweden. 

Photo by Yohan Marion

Should You Invest in a Capsule Home?

Capsule homes have a lot of benefits to offer (just imagine jet-setting away from those pesky neighbours or winter's cold weather when you just need a break. You don't need to choose between the home and décor you love any longer). The investment in a capsule home can be an exceptional choice. There are some outstanding reasons to consider a capsule home. Consumers are looking for a way to create a property that fits their needs at a lower price point. These homes do not compromise on safety, efficiency, or technology.

Some of the key reasons people are drawn to them include:

• Quick build: Since most are built fully or partially in a factory, they can be set up on property quickly. Pods or capsule homes are highly flexible in getting them up and in place.

• Contemporary designs: Most offer quite modern designs. They are made of quality material (when selected well). Most importantly, they appeal to those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

• No waste in production: Quite unlike the traditional building process, these homes do not create significant waste. They also do not damage the area's natural ecosystem since they do not need construction equipment.

• Customisation: Also notable is that capsule homes are easily customised. Everything from fixtures to appliances can be custom-designed and built to fit the aesthetics of the user.

• Budget-focused: The actual cost of a capsule home could be significant. This is dependent on the structure selected. Yet, one notable fact is that they are less likely to have cost overruns.

Notably, there are some limitations to capsule homes. First and foremost, there are limitations on the design. Professional installation, often from the company that makes them tends to be necessary to minimise risk to the property's construction. More so, they can be mass produced. That makes them more of a standard and less of a custom solution.

Capsule homes? They could be right for those who want a tiny home with more flexibility and perhaps more room. On the other hand, your king-size bed isn't going to fit here…but that may be a good thing!