Tera
This high-tech eco-home is not only designed for off-grid living but off-planet living, too: Known as Tera, the luxurious cylindrical structure mirrors a Mars dwelling here on earth. The two-level cabin, designed by the AI SpaceFactory, will be fashioned from recyclable, biodegradable materials that could theoretically be found on the Red Planet itself: biopolymer basalt composite, which is stronger than concrete and made from recyclable corn and sugar cane waste. Astonishingly, Tera will be 3D printed on-site, proving the versatile nature of the structure; it can be broken down, recycled and printed elsewhere in the galaxy without leaving a trace. The cabin also features greywater recycling in which bath and shower water is used to irrigate the surrounding land. While there are only renderings available at the moment, it appears that the multi-planetary home will be retrofitted with the important creature comforts, including a patio, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping loft, as well as a telescope for stargazing. The flagship Tera will be launched in the woods of upstate New York and is now accepting pre-bookings for March 2020 on indiegogo if you’re seeking an otherworldy overnight stay.
Koda Homes
These ultra-stylish prefab structures, designed by Estonian architecture firm Kodasema, promise “minimalist luxury in a spaciously sustainable house.” There are four different models available: the Koda Concrete, Koda Light, Koda Light Extended and Koda Light Float which, as its moniker implies, can comfortably dwell on the seven seas. Though they may be small in square footage, the Koda homes are big on design: The cubes are solar-powered, have sleek finishes—concrete or wood paneling depending on the specific type—chic lofted living areas, well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms, comfortable bedrooms and twee terraces that are shaded by a concrete canopy. There’s even an option to create a rooftop garden or second unit atop Koda’s roof. What’s more, the easily transportable structure can be built one day and installed the next—like the IKEA version of a tiny home—all you need is a plot of land (or water) and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, Koda homes are not yet available in North America, but Kodesema is currently looking for distribution partners and say they’ll be Stateside soon.
The No Footprint House
Designed by A-01, an interdisciplinary bureau for urban and rural development, The No Footprint House is a performative structure that responds to the climate, utilizing natural ventilation and solar shading to create a comfortable and sustainable home. Basically, those expressive wooden panels actually have a purpose: they can move according to the amount of sunlight and regulate the temperature within the dynamic abode. But the eco-friendly touches don’t stop there, the floating structure harvests energy from rooftop solar panels to allow for off-grid nomadic living. The home comes in three different sizes—tiny (100 square feet), mid-size (265 square feet) and family (328 square feet)—and can be transported in one single truck. Everything from the wood used on the façade to the finishes on the walls and floors can be customized for each client. The open-air layout features a combined living and dining area, two bathrooms, two bedrooms and a multifunctional terrace, and each space can be divided either by glass sliders or “curtain walls” to create further flow. The first prototype was developed amid the tropical heat of Costa Rica—where climate control is a necessity—and will now move into serial production.
Arkup Floating Home
At first glance, this monolithic structure may look like any other luxurious waterfront condo—but it’s not just by the water’s edge, it’s actually on it: In fact, what you’re looking at is a 75-foot luxury yacht. Designed by Miami-based firm Arkup, in conjunction with the architects at Waterstudio.NL, the first-of-its kind “liveable yacht” is an eco-friendly, hurricane-resistant vessel which features a comfortable 4,350 square-feet of floor space. Boasting 36 kWh solar panels, stabilizing hydraulic stilts—that can withstand 155-mph winds—a 1,000 kWh battery and a water purification system, it’s entirely self-sustaining. The interior, designed by Artefacto, encompasses four bedrooms with ensuites, a luxury kitchen by Häcker complete with Miele appliances, and open-plan living spaces with floor-to-ceiling stackable impact windows. In addition, there are five terraces and balconies, plus a 125 square-foot swim platform. The best part? The pair of 134 hp electric azimuth thrusters allow owners to cruise at a leisurely 7 knots and stay in local marinas, anchorages or even remote backwaters to really escape. The debut model is currently for sale in Miami for $5.5 million and Arkup says it has three more in the works for 2020. Stay tuned.
Tvrtka Arkup bogatim kupcima diljem svijeta nudi luksuzne ploveće kuće, koje su posebno popularne u Nizozemskoj. Njihov novi model nosi naziv Arkup 1, a uz pomoć dva elektromotora snage 100 kW i potisnika plovi brzinom od 7 čvorova. Sigurnosti radi, opremljena je s hidrauličnim stabilizatorima dužine 6 m, što vlasniku omogućava da je izdigne iznad površine mora tijekom velikih valova.
