A recent study published by Climate Central —a peer-reviewed scientific research organization—shows that the seas are currently rising at the fastest rate in the last 28 centuries, which has led some companies to further innovate their approach on sustainable living. For Jet Capsule, an Italian engineering and design firm, that means creating a yacht that doubles as a small residence and is energy-independent.
Dubbed the UFO, for its resemblance to what we think of as an extraterrestrial spacecraft, the recently unveiled concept consists of a 40-foot, saucer-shaped platform, with a spherical cabin at its center. The outer terrace can be used for a variety of activities, ranging from walking to riding a bicycle around the floating structure. The upper half of the central cabin, which is 7.2 feet in height (so NBA players might need to find a different mode of living on the water), serves as the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Stairs lead to the lower half of the dwelling (also 7.2 feet deep), which contains a bedroom and bathroom, with the addition of a wraparound window offering views of the underwater scenery.
A rendering shows the structure’s above-water interior.
To power the “UFO,” generators attached to the bottom of the structure harness the energy of moving water currents, while wind turbines and solar panels situated above the water collect energy from the wind and sun. This power is transferred to a central battery that is housed below the cabin. When residents in the floating home decide to stay in one spot, an electric anchor can be deployed to stabilize the structure. And when those onboard want to move location, an electrically charged hydrojet engine could take them to their next destination.
A child plays in the lower half of the cabin.
To date, Jet Capsule has not announced a time frame as to when the structures could be built, or the price.
