What Are Capsule Houses Made of?

Capsule houses, an innovative and space-efficient housing solution, have gained popularity in urban areas where space is limited and housing demands are high. This concept, pioneered by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa in the early 1970s, exemplifies a modular approach to living spaces. The construction principle of a capsule house revolves around modularity, prefabrication, efficient use of space, and the use of specific materials.

Modularity

The cornerstone of capsule house construction is modularity. Each capsule is a self-contained unit that can function independently or be combined with others to create a larger living space. This modular approach allows for flexibility in design and usage. Capsules can be stacked or arranged in various configurations to fit different site constraints and personal preferences.

The modular nature of capsule houses also means that individual units can be easily replaced or upgraded without disturbing the entire structure. This feature extends the lifespan of the housing complex and makes maintenance more manageable and cost-effective.

Prefabrication

Capsule houses are predominantly prefabricated, meaning the individual units are manufactured in a factory setting before being transported to the construction site. Prefabrication offers several advantages:

• Quality Control: Building capsules in a controlled environment ensures higher quality and precision compared to on-site construction. • Weather conditions and site variability have minimal impact on the construction process.
• Speed: Since the capsules are constructed off-site, the on-site assembly time is significantly reduced. This rapid construction process is beneficial in urban areas where minimizing disruption and construction time is crucial.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Prefabrication can reduce labor costs and material wastage. Bulk manufacturing of identical units can further drive down costs.

Common Materials Used

The materials used in the construction of capsule houses are chosen for their durability, lightweight properties, and ease of assembly. Some commonly used materials include:

• Steel
Capsule houses, despite their small size, are known for their strong integrity. That is, because they often utilize steel as a primary structural material. Steel is known for its durability, versatility, and strength. Framing made of steel often yields a well-rounded, solid, and strong set of modular components for capsule units. Moreover, steel doesn’t easily wear out, making for great recyclability.

• Aluminum
Often used for the exterior panels, aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to maintain.

• Fiberglass
This material is used for various interior components due to its durability, moldability, and ease of cleaning.

• Composite Panels
These panels, made from a combination of materials like wood, plastic, and resin, offer excellent insulation properties and structural strength.

• Polyurethane Foam
Insulation takes center stage in the planning of a capsule home. Naturally so, it fulfills energy-efficiency and temperature control to a certain degree. To achieve this, designers make use of polyurethane foam as a premium material. Packed with highly-insulating properties, polyurethane foam can be used to layer in a capsule home’s roof and window sections. Since it can both absorb and retract heat, it functions effectively as a thermal retractor. Also, it does not cost the slightest weight.

Sustainability

Capsule houses also align with sustainable building practices. The modular and prefabricated nature of these structures means that they generate less waste during construction. Additionally, the efficient use of materials and space reduces the overall carbon footprint of the building process.

In urban settings, capsule houses can be a solution to the housing crisis by providing affordable and sustainable living spaces. They also offer flexibility in terms of future expansions or relocations, as capsules can be easily dismantled and moved to different sites.

Conclusion

The construction principle of a capsule house is a testament to innovative architectural thinking. By leveraging modularity, prefabrication, efficient space usage, and the use of specific materials, capsule houses provide a practical and sustainable solution to modern housing challenges. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the principles behind capsule house construction will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of urban living.