Ecocapsule on the Ve vatě podcast: Tiny Homes are gaining Popularity across our region

Less space, lower costs and greater flexibility. Tiny houses and mobile homes are no longer just a weekend getaway. They are increasingly becoming a viable alternative for people looking for a more affordable and flexible way to live. The smallest models are now available from around €30,000.

In a recent episode of Ve vatě, a podcast by Seznam Zprávy, Ecocapsule co-founder Tomáš Žáček discussed how the tiny home trend has evolved, the economics behind micro-living and what lies ahead for Ecocapsule.

Just a few years ago, Slovakia’s Ecocapsule looked more like a prop from a science-fiction film. The oval-shaped pod, equipped with its own solar power system, wind turbine and rainwater collection system, seemed like a bold technological experiment.

Today, the picture is very different. Compact mobile homes are increasingly appealing to people who do not want to tie their lives to a large property and a long-term mortgage. Instead, they are looking for less space, lower costs and greater flexibility.

Ecocapsule as a self-sufficient home

Designed by Slovak architect Tomáš Žáček and his team, Ecocapsule offers living spaces ranging from 13 to 37 m². Despite its compact footprint, it comes fully equipped with a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, storage space and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. Large windows and a carefully considered layout make the interior feel considerably more spacious than its dimensions might suggest.

Micro-living, however, is not simply a romantic vision of a minimalist lifestyle. Less space also means owning fewer possessions and making efficient use of every centimetre. It therefore requires a different approach not only to housing, but also to consumption.

The original Ecocapsule was designed as an energy self-sufficient tiny home. Electricity is generated through a combination of solar panels and a small wind turbine, while rainwater is collected and filtered for further use. This allows the capsule to operate without relying on a conventional electricity grid connection.

While the original egg-shaped design was priced at around €100,000, the company has managed to significantly reduce costs with its new modular models. Depending on their size and specifications, the new units are now priced at approximately €30,000 to €78,000.