Low-Cost Concrete Pipe Homes May Be the Next Big Trend in Micro-Living

Tiny homes on wheels and shipping container abodes are nothing new, but concrete pipe homes certainly are. Such is the latest trend in Hong Kong, Japan, where residents are trading expensive housing for low-cost OPods.

The OPod Tube Housing was designed by architect James Law. As Apartment Therapy reports, the tiny home resembles a cylindrical version of Tokyo’s capsule sleep pod yet remains entirely unique. Each repurposed concrete water pipe measures just over eight feet in diameter and can accommodate up to two people. Standard amenities, such as a bench that converts into a bed, a mini-fridge, a bathroom, a shower, and even shelving, have been built into the unit.

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Law was inspired to repurpose the concrete pipes to help remedy Hong Kong’s affordable housing issue. The fact that the Pod can be positioned in alleyways, if necessary, stocked on top of other structures, was an added bonus.

The architect told Curbed:

”Sometimes there’s some land left over between buildings which are rather narrow so it’s not easy to build a new building. We could put some OPods in there and utilize that land.”

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

“Bulky” is an excellent word to describe the OPod. Each concrete capsule weighs an astonishing 22 tons a piece. At least you do not have to worry about your tiny home being stolen! Because the OPods do not require bolts or brackets, they can be easily secured to one another.

One visualization shows a set of stacked Pods securely wedged between two buildings. Though details are lacking (such as how tenants will reach their unit), the depiction shows how living spaces might transform urban spaces — if permitted.

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Clearly, living in an old water pipe is not everyone’s idea of a “dream home.” But for tenants who are struggling to find an affordable place to live, Opod Tube Housing may just be the perfect solution.

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

Credit: James Law Cybertecture

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h/t Curbed, Apartment Therapy