World's first eco-restorative futuristic pod homes offer luxury on land and sea
Designers have unveiled a series of futuristic pods for living on land or sea that resemble something out of a science-fiction movie.
Panama-based Ocean Builders' 'SeaPods' are the world's first eco-restorative floating houses. They aim to help city-dwellers live an alternative lifestyle, more in harmony with nature, with a reduced footprint and more luxury amenities, and with unparalleled views.
The aquatic homes bring green living to the deep blue sea as they combine eco-friendly design elements with state-of-the-art marine engineering.
The pods were designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis, who conceived three different versions of the homes: the 'SeaPod', for living out at sea; the 'GreenPod', for living on land; and the 'EcoPod', an environmentally-friendly option.
The 'SeaPod' was designed to solve the problem of an influx of people moving towards oceanfront properties and the lack of real estate along the coastline.
Each pod is built on a singular structure and is elevated almost eight feet above the ocean's surface due to air-filled tubes that create buoyancy for the structure to float. The home offers three stories of living space, which includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. There are also smart pods that allow the owners to control everything via a smart ring, which can turn on lights, lock doors, and even control water pressure in the shower with just a wave of a hand.
Food, necessities, luggage, and furniture will be delivered right to residents' quarters via drones and automated vehicles.
The first of these off-shore living residences will be located in Panama for its first year. After that, Ocean Builders will set sail to other ocean communities.
The starting price is set at US$295,000 and can go up to US$1.5 million depending on the customisation. The first 100 of these pods will be ready by 2023, and production is set to be ramped up to 1,000 by 2024.
