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Ecopods make a quick and easy low-impact retreat, guest cabin or artist’s studio

When I went to the Fall Home Show a few weeks ago, I came across some really interesting exhibits. One of the ones that got my attention was of the old shipping container turned living space. The idea behind Ecopods is to take empty shipping containers that are sitting around taking up space and turning them in to useable, practical shelters. I had the chance to speak with Dwight Doerksen, the owner of Ecopods and he filled me on some of the details.

Construction: The Ecopod’s dimensions are 8′x8′x20′. There are larger ones available, but portability is one of the benefits of this size. The material is Corten steel which contains a natural rust inhibitor so the integrity of the box stays in tact. One of the long sides of the box is cut out and replaced with double-glazed thermal paned glass window and sliding door. The “cut-out” becomes a deck which is reattached to the box with custom hinges to make a deck. As Dwight says:

…you can close the deck by flipping the electrical panel switch to supply the power to the 12 volt winch and the door closes by means of a handheld remote control. It takes about a minute to close and with the back doors locked, the pod is again returned to the form and strength of the original container. There is no conventionally-constructed building on the market that can compare to the strength and durability of the Ecopod.

The Ecopod is insulated using a new soya-based insulation which is impervious to moisture (insulation was provided by Avenue Insulation). The walls are panneled in birch veneer, the floor and deck are covered with a recycled rubber flooring which is also water resistant.

Self-sufficiency: The Ecopod was designed to be a self-contained off-grid unit. One 80 Watt solar panel  and 12 Volt battery are included in the basic model, and can power lighting, a computer and even a small fridge.  There is a satellite radio and speakers hardwired into the unit as well.

Ordering time, delivery and set-up: If ordered now, the Ecopod would be available for delivery by Spring 2009. Cost for the basic model runs at just under $42,000, with delivery being extra. Installation or set up is quick and easy provided the ground is level. The unit sits on four concrete pads.

Dwight told me that the containers are a bit like large Lego blocks and can be stacked or put together side by side or facing each other so that one might be out-fitted as a sitting area and another a bedroom.

Posted by CathyR