30 Sep 2019
Solar-powered pod houses floating hotel room
BY Stu Robarts
Naval architect Jean-Michel Ducancelle has designed a solar-powered floating hotel suite aimed at offering an eco-friendly and nomadic place for travellers to stay.
The Anthénea pod was conceived as a luxury suite for hoteliers to offer their guests, but can be adapted for use as a spa, bar or restaurant – or anything else. The 50sq m (540sq ft) pod has three spaces: a day space, a night space and a relaxation area.
The day space in the pod has a sofa, a minibar, curved furniture and a 3m (10ft) underwater window allowing guests to watch the sea-life outside. This central well also acts as a natural air conditioning system. In the night space, there’s a circular bed and a bathtub.
At the top of the pod, the roof of the relaxation area can be opened to reveal a solarium for up to 12 people. All interior features are said to be made entirely from sustainable materials. Optional features include a desalination system and a wood-burning stove.
The Anthénea is equipped with electric motors and its solar panels mean that, in principle, it can remain at sea indefinitely. It is said to be easily piloted, to boast stabilising ballasting that helps to minimise the potential for seasickness and to be operable in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +40°C.
Speaking about the pod's eco credentials, Ducancelle said: "I am passionate about the idea that tomorrow's habitat will absolutely have to be eco-friendly and be put at the heart of our natural environment, immersion with the marine and sub-marine world."
A pre-commercial version of the Anthénea was launched in Brittany, France, this summer and it is priced from $535,000 (€490,000, £434,000).
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